Evaluation of CNSC's Manager's Forum

Introduction

The Audit and Ethics Group [AEG] of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission [CNSC] completed an evaluation of CNSC's Managers’ Forum in response to a request from the Chair of this monthly management informational meeting.  The chair wished to address issues such as declining attendance and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the program.

Background

Managers’ Forum was established in July 1999 as a venue for the informal discussion of items of common interest to its members.  There are no formal records kept (such as minutes), and no formal decisions are taken.

The Forum meets on a monthly basis.  Agendas are developed based upon standing agenda items and specific members’ wishes.  Occasionally, in the absence of a full agenda, the meeting is cancelled.

The Chair of the Forum is rotated on a 2 year basis between representatives from Corporate Services Branch and Operations Branch.

Evaluation Scope, Issues and Methodology

This evaluation covers the Managers’ Forum program as a whole, including its purpose, goals and implementation.  The evaluation began in November 2005 and concluded in March 2006.The evaluation addressed the following issues: 

• Does the program continue to be consistent with CNSC and government-wide priorities; does it realistically address an actual need? [Relevance];
• Is the program effective in meeting its objectives, within budget and without unwanted outcomes? [Success]; and
• Are the most appropriate and efficient means being used to achieve objectives, relative to alternative design and delivery approaches? [Cost-effectiveness].

Recommendations

Based on the evaluation, the following recommendations were presented to the Chair of the CNSC’s Managers’ Forum.

• Redefine the purpose of Managers’ Forum.  This can include, but is not limited to:

• stating the goals of the program
• revisiting the terms of reference and/or charter
• determining the eligible participants
• stating the intended purposes of presented information (i.e., informal information sharing or part of a formal decision-making process)
• setting guidelines for attendance

• Design a forward strategic agenda for the year, to be released for comment as early as possible.  Time should be allocated for additional topical presentations to be added as necessary.   Agendas should factor in time needed for discussion so that meetings stay within the intended time limits.
   
• Take steps to ensure that information presented is relevant and useful for all managers.  This can include, but is not limited to, increasing the amount of Operations Branch information, providing information and resources relating to management itself, and inviting CNSC’s Executive Committee members to attend specific presentations or to participate in question and answer sessions.

The evaluation report was approved by the CNSC’s Audit and Evaluation Committee on March 14, 2006.  In response to the report, the Chair of Managers’ Forum plans to act on all the recommendations of the report.

General Disclaimer

Please note that information that would normally be withheld under the Access to Information Act or the Privacy Act does not appear in this report.