General Introduction
CAF – Common Assessment Framework
 | The European model for improving public organisations through self-assessment |
High-quality public administration and its services are evaluated primarily by their impact on people’s quality of life. The purpose of the CAF model is therefore to guide public sector organizations toward achieving the best possible results.
The Common Assessment Framework (CAF) is a comprehensive quality management tool developed by public sector representatives for public administration. CAF is a free tool designed specifically for the public sector to help organizations improve their performance. It can be applied across all areas of public administration and at national, regional, and local levels. Although the CAF model was developed in a European context, it can be used by any public sector organization worldwide.
CAF belongs to the group of Total Quality Management (TQM) models and was originally inspired by the EFQM® Excellence Model of the European Foundation for Quality Management. It is a performance management model that functions as a “compass”, helping managers navigate their path to excellence. Through its structured set of criteria, it illustrates and explains the causal relationship between organizational factors and performance results.
The CAF model is based on the assumption that excellent organizational performance results—as well as outcomes for citizens/customers, employees, and society—are achieved through leadership, strategy, and planning, which are reflected in the management of people, partnerships, resources, and processes. The model views the organization from multiple perspectives simultaneously, representing a truly holistic approach to performance analysis.
The CAF 2020 model is the fifth revised version of the framework. Its core builds upon the proven CAF model first introduced in 2000. The most recent revision has refined and updated the model to better reflect developments and emerging trends in public administration and society. The latest version, CAF 2020, particularly addresses the themes of digitalization, agility, sustainability, and diversity.
Structure of CAF
What is the Common Assessment Framework (CAF)
History of CAF
CAF brochures:
CAF brochure 2013 (PDF, 0,2 MB)
CAF brochure 2006 (PDF, 0,05 MB)
CAF brochure 2002