For a progress report on the implementation of the recommendations made in the Review of Historic Scotland published in February 2004.

Significant progress has been made in implementing the recommendations both of the quinquennial Review of Historic Scotland and the Performance and Management Review carried out by Audit Scotland. The following tables provide information on how Historic Scotland has responded to each recommendation.
Historic Scotland Performance Management Review
1. The Audit Scotland Performance Management Review of Historic Scotland was published on 12 February 2004. Historic Scotland established a change management group which considered and is implementing the recommendations made. This paper reports on progress.
Audit Scotland Recommendation
| Historic Scotland Response and Actions Taken

Recommendation 1
|

Review how HS’s responsibilities and the accountability for them are communicated to stakeholders.
| Historic Scotland's Framework Document sets out the relationships and accountability for the Agency's work. We have restructured and expanded our Communications Team, including providing additional support for the revamped HS website (launched on 16 June 2004). A Communication Strategy has been approved by the Historic Scotland Board.

Recommendation 2
|

Consider reintroducing a performance target for absolute visitor numbers.
| Historic Scotland's Corporate Plan now includes a target for earned income. Beneath this top-line target, we have a range of indicators which includes visitor numbers and spend per head on admissions and retail.

Recommendation 3
|

In consultation with stakeholders, clarify the activities the agency should undertake to contribute to the SE’s social, economic and environmental policies, and define performance information in relation to this.


| One of Historic Scotland’s five aims as set out in the new Framework Document is to contribute to the other policies of the Scottish Executive. This is being further developed through the corporate planning process, which now incorporates consultation with key stakeholders such as HEACS, BEFS, local authorities and local enterprise companies as well as wider consultation through the website. The Corporate Plan sets out the steps the agency is taking to meet wider SE objectives and progress against the plan will be regularly monitored by senior management.

Recommendation 4
|

Consider further how HS objectives can be linked to wider policy objectives expressed in such statements as A Smart Successful Scotland, A Partnership for a Better Scotland and the Executive’s Social Justice Milestones.
| Historic Scotland has addressed this issue in the corporate planning process.

Recommendation 5
|

Make explicit in its objectives and activities the role of HS on advice and support to Ministers, and provide information about performance of this function in the Annual Report.

| Historic Scotland has addressed this issue in the corporate planning process and will report on this in Annual Reports.

Recommendation 6
|

Review whether further performance measures could be introduced relating to the costs and quality of protection and conservation services.
| Historic Scotland has addressed this issue in the corporate planning process. A Condition Su