1. Introduction

Pursuant to Decision No. 323 dated 15 May 2016 (the "CM Decision"), the Saudi Arabian Council of Ministers approved the creation of the 'National Center for the Measurement of the Performance of Public Agencies' (the "Center").

The Center will report directly to the Chair of the Council of Ministers.

2. Duties of the Center

As its name says, the Center will be responsible for the evaluation of the performance of public agencies, through the application of uniform and effective methodologies and tools. More specifically, the Center shall:

  1. create indices to assess the levels of quality of, and public satisfaction with, the services offered by public agencies;
  2. support efforts for the improvement of the performance of public agencies;
  3. identify impediments to optimal performance and suggest appropriate solutions; and
  4. spread the culture of measuring and improving performance.

To achieve its duties, the Center will have the right to:

  1. conduct site visits and audits;
  2. organize workshops;
  3. appoint consultants and experts;
  4. enter into associations and partnerships (including with universities, research centers, and specialized institutions) for the exchange of experience and know-how;
  5. provide administrative advice to public agencies; and
  6. prepare and publish studies and reports;

3. Management of the Center

The Center will be managed by a committee composed of five members (the "Committee"). The Committee will be headed by the President of the Council of Economic Affairs and Development. The Minister of Economy and Planning will act as a member and secretary of the Committee. Other members will include the Minister of Civil Service and two other ministers appointed by the Council of Ministers.

The Committee must:

  1. put in place the policies and strategies necessary to achieve the mandate of the Center;
  2. determine the methodologies, systems and tools to be utilized in the measurement of performance;
  3. determine the internal organizational structure of the Center; and
  4. appoint an executive director for the Center (the "Executive Director").

The Executive Director, in turn, will formulate proposals to the Committee and implement any directives established by it.

4. Findings of the Center

With the approval of the Committee, the Center may publish data and findings in order to support administrative development, improve public services and foster transparency.

5. Conclusion

The creation of the Center should contribute in improving government services, in identifying inefficiencies, and in making sounder budget allocations. The Center should also help in building greater accountability and public trust.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.