Audit committees and scrutiny committees: working together

Posted on 01/07/2021 by Ed Hammond.

Effective, member-level oversight of financial matters is a cornerstone of good governance.

This is a guide for councillors on audit committees and scrutiny committees on how member-level activity on audit, and councils’ scrutiny functions, can work more closely. The guide suggests practical ways for these councillors, and the officers supporting those roles, to share information and work together better to ensure robust financial oversight.

This guide complements previous material produced by CfGS, particularly “The financial scrutiny practice guide” and “The governance risk and resilience framework”.

Our thanks to colleagues at CIPFA, the NAO and the local councils and councillors who assisted us in the preparation of this document.

About the Author: Ed Hammond

Ed leads CfGS's work on devolution, transformation and on support to councils and other public bodies on governance and accountability.