The Government Agency for Financial Management (SSØ) today awarded Oslo Prison the prize for best organizational initiative in 2007. The initiative adopted is Balanced Scorecards. Using this management steering system the prison has improved the efficiency of ongoing operations, improved the internal environment and reduced costs.

Direktør Are Høidal was visibly proud  as he today received the prestigious Norwegian SSØ Prize on behalf of Oslo Prison. In his thank-you speech he emphasised that the prize was for the whole prison: "It is decisively important that there are enthusiastic and competent managers on all levels when one is faced with the task of implementing such a management steering system.  This prize will contribute to improving the level of professional pride among the entire management team at Oslo Prison".

The Jury's decision
The comment written on the slip of paper outlining the jury's decision was:

SSØ PRIZE 2007
The Government Agency for Financial Management awards the SSØ Prize for best organizational initiative in 2007 to Oslo Prison.

From previously being described as "the Norwegian Correctional Service's problem child", on the basis of ineffective goal achievements and significant overuse of resources in 2001, Oslo Prison, with the implementation of a new management steering system, has turned this description completely on its head! Through clearly defined goals, priorities, solid adoption, specific actions and ongoing monitoring, Oslo Prison has shown that it is possible for it to create good results.

The Jury is of the opinion that the work that has been done in connection with management steering at Oslo Prison has been of an original nature and provided significant value to the organization. In addition, the initiative has had significant transferral value by contributing to inspire other organizations, both nationally and internationally.

Director Marianne Andreassen
Chairman of the Jury.