The General Register Office (GRO) review has acknowledged the service's overall effectiveness, describing it as a “highly effective and well managed service, delivering excellent performance across all statutory registration functions.” Oldham achieved the highest available rating of Satisfactory in two of the three assessed areas: service delivery performance and Public Protection and Counter Fraud (PPCF). The certificate stock and security area was rated Moderate.
Throughout the 2025/26 period, Oldham maintained 100 per cent appointment availability, ensuring residents could access services when needed. The service achieved a 99 per cent birth registration performance rate, surpassing the national target of 98 per cent, and a 96 per cent death registration performance rate, exceeding the national target of 95 per cent. It also met or surpassed almost all of the GRO’s Key Performance Targets.
Oldham was among the first local authorities to undergo the GRO’s revised assurance process and the first in the North West to participate. The review noted that Oldham regularly exceeds GRO performance targets and performs above local, regional, and national averages.
The review also recognised the strength of the team, highlighting a resilient, multi-skilled workforce supported by training and development. Strong safeguarding arrangements, including established links with Adult and Children’s Safeguarding Services, and robust business continuity planning were also noted as key strengths.
Fran Lautman, Assistant Director of Customer Experience, expressed pride in the outcome, stating, “We are incredibly proud of the outcome of this review, which recognises the strength of our Registration Service and how well it performs for residents. Achieving the highest rating in two of the three areas, while consistently exceeding national targets, is a testament to the hard work our registrars put in every day and their unwavering focus on residents.”
Lautman added, “Resident focus is at the heart of everything we do. Our team supports residents through some of the most important and emotional moments in their lives... We welcome the opportunity to have our service independently assessed and to build on what is working well. We have already acted on the recommendations, and we will continue to work with the GRO to maintain our strong performance, uphold our statutory responsibilities and make sure that residents maintain at the centre of the service we provide.” An action plan has been agreed with the GRO and will be monitored throughout 2026/27.
