Who should do a core service review,, city staff or independent third party?

Who Should Lead a Core Service Review—And Who Shouldn't

A Core Service Review is only as good as the people conducting it. So who should be in charge? City staff with deep knowledge—or outside experts with fresh eyes?

The Two Common Options

1. City Staff-Led Reviews

While staff understand internal operations, they also have an incentive to protect their turf. That can lead to bias, watered-down findings, and minimal disruption to the status quo.

2. Independent Third-Party Reviews

Third parties bring objectivity and professional process mapping skills. They're often used in private sector audits and can benchmark performance against other cities. But they can be expensive and may not fully understand local needs unless properly briefed.

Best of Both Worlds: A Hybrid Model

The most effective approach combines both perspectives:

- Staff provide data and operational context

- A third-party firm leads the review and reports directly to council and the public

This model ensures transparency, credibility, and practical recommendations—while avoiding internal conflicts of interest.

Why This Matters for Nanaimo

If the goal is to improve services and spending outcomes, we need a process the public can trust. That means someone other than city hall staff should take the lead.

👉 Ask your councillor: Will you support an independent, citizen-informed Core Service Review?

VOICE of NANAIMO