The flag was awarded as part of the TSP's Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA) also known as ‘oneplace’. The CAA was carried out by the Audit Commission (Local Government’s watchdog) with the result announced in December. Tameside did fantastically well to score one green flag and no red flags. 73 green flags were awarded across the country, however only ten of those were awarded in the North West.
James Foster and Andrew Wells from the Audit Commission visited the TSP Board meeting in December to deliver the findings of Tameside’s CAA, they congratulated the Partnership on its success and challenged the TSP to continue improving across all the partnership aims. The Audit Commission were particularly interested to see the CAA promote self challenge and awareness.
Tameside’s green flag is excellent recognition for the TSP's commitment to listening to and engaging with local communities. This is best demonstrated by the Really Important Questions (RIQ) network which has been running since 2000 and brings together older people to listen to their views about living in Tameside and having a constructive discussion on how the TSP can solve any issues. The RIQ has inspired successful projects like Opening Doors for Older People (POPPS) which has helped older people to remain independent through accessing services. 93 year old Thora Beddard who chaired the last RIQ conference (which boasted more then 100 older people in attendance) said ‘The Council and the TSP are certainly delivering what we want and listening to us. They take note of the issues that crop up at forums throughout the year and respond to them’.
Cllr Roy Oldham Chair of the TSP commented on the achievement by focusing on partnership working: ‘All the Partners are to be congratulated, we (TSP) get nowhere without our family’.
Individual organisations are also scored as part of the CAA. Tameside Council achieved its best ever result by ranking equal first in the country with Camden Council by scoring ‘4s’ in all the major elements of the organisational assessment.
What is Comprehensive Area Assessment?
CAA is an assessment of how well local services are being provided and how the big issues for the area are being handled.
What is a green flag?
Green flags are awarded where the Audit Commission believes innovative work is taking place or where excellent results have been achieved. Red flags are awarded where performance is poor.
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