Secretary of State's Zoo Inspectors' Performance: research findings
Executive summary
1. This project has been carried out for the Global Wildlife Division of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). The stated objective of the project was "to furnish the Department with the information required to make a decision on whether an appraisal system is required to analyse the performance of Zoo Inspectors and, if so, what form it should take".
2. A number of evaluation research methods were chosen, including a contextual review, a wide consultation exercise, examination of other inspection regimes, observation of a zoo inspection, and a review of inspection reports from defined collections.
3. The results from each research method were tabulated to provide data on how appraisal could improve the zoo licensing and inspection process.
4. The consultation exercise revealed that, although all responding groups felt that Secretary of State's Zoo Inspectors were knowledgeable, professional and competent, 73% of responding local authorities and 69% of responding zoos felt that there is a real need to instigate some form of performance evaluation for zoo inspectors. Thirty-one per cent of zoo inspectors agreed with this view.
5. Seventy-six per cent of local authorities, 64% of zoos and 50% of zoo inspectors felt that the major benefit of any appraisal scheme would be improved consistency of inspections. Other perceived benefits included improved credibility and transparency; maintenance of an up-to-date understanding of the role and legislation from inspectors; raised standards in zoos; and the identification and removal of substandard inspectors.
6. Drawbacks of appraisal were suggested to be additional cost, time and bureaucracy; difficulties in selecting impartial assessors; and concerns that an appraisal scheme might restrict the number of inspectors willing to take on the role.
7. The results of our combined research clearly indicate a greater need, and support for, training for Secretary of State's Zoo Inspectors, rather than for appraisal per se, in order to achieve the benefits perceived to be important.
8. In light of our research findings and the outcome required by the stakeholders, and taking into account the drawbacks and risks identified, we have developed an Integrated Performance Management System. The system is based on a 5-yearly re-appointment cycle for zoo inspectors, to include Criteria for Inclusion, initial and regular compulsory training (to consist of 2 compulsory annual training days per 5 year period), appraisal at inspection, and a monitoring system with centralised record-keeping by Defra.
9. It is recommended that the Department implement our proposed Integrated Performance Management System, to begin one year from the acceptance of this proposal.
10. In order for the Department to successfully implement the system, a number of factors must first be in place. The Department should:
§ Develop a mission statement for the Secretary of State's Zoo Inspectors.
§ Provide training and guidance to zoo inspectors on the historical
perspective and aim of the inspection process.
§ Develop a series of Core Competences required of zoo inspectors.
§ Clarify the Secretary of State's Standards of Modern Zoo Practice,
particularly with regard to the Conservation, Education and Research requirements
of the Zoo Licensing Act (England and Wales) Amendment Regulations 2002.
§ Require returns of inspection documents from local authorities,
and adopt a centralised record keeping and monitoring system for this
information.
11. It is recommended that the Scottish Executive and the National Assembly for Wales combine resources with the Department, and implement the Integrated Performance Management System for zoo inspectors as a joint initiative.
August 2003
Page published: 2 September 2003