Author: Centre for Governance and Scrutiny
Statutorily the same? By Camilla de Bernhardt Lane
1It feels like a different world in which the Department formally known as MHCLG published the statutory guidance for councils and combined authorities on the 7th May 2019. For those of us who have inhabited the Scrutiny Sphere for some time there were few surprises. However, the realistic approach with a smattering of helpful suggestions […]
2Into the horizon: Horizon scanning is often said to be a key part of the contribution that Scrutiny can make. But how far into the future is far enough?
1Scrutiny has come a long way since its inception in 2000 where a key feature was safeguarding through transparency. The need for transparency has not diminished, but the focus has changed from the immediate aftermath of a decision. Scrutiny has risen to the challenge of supporting governance in commissioning councils, where contracts can be let […]
2Jacqui McKinlay is to step down as Chief Executive of CfGS
1Jacqui McKinlay is set to step down as Chief Executive of the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny after six years leading the organisation. She is taking up a new role as Chief Operating Officer with Liverpool City Council starting in January 2022. In announcing the move, Lord Kerslake Chair of CfGS said: “Jacqui has […]
2Governance and accountability: ICSs and LGR
1In this guest blog, Mark Sandford, a senior research analyst at the House of Commons Library, delves into the implications for local accountability through reorganisation and the Health and Care Bill. When institutional reforms take effect in the UK, governance, accountability and scrutiny are accustomed to being the afterthought. Often, accountability is thought of in […]
2Constructive scrutiny: What does it look like in practice?
1In this guest blog, Dr Dave McKenna, a CfGS associate and local government practitioner, draws together his insights on how to get the balance right in providing effective challenge. I’ve observed a few scrutiny committees in my time, for fun, obviously, but also for the occasional governance review. For these formal observations I’m looking for […]
2Performative aspects of scrutiny
1In this guest blog Cllr Bryony Rudkin, deputy leader at Ipswich Borough Council, reflects on the importance of behaviours in how local councillors enact democracy and scrutiny. “Read the standing orders, read them and understand them!” At bit like the moon landings, Berlin Wall or England beating Colombia in that penalty shoot out, take your […]
2Local and national scrutiny: challenges in common
1In this guest blog Mark Sandford, senior research analyst at the House of Commons Library, takes a comparative look at scrutiny on a national and local level. The Municipal Journal published an article on 1 July 2021, from a former head of communications of the London Assembly, calling for its abolition. This was advocated on […]
2Independent Scrutiny Board reports back on Mears Performance
1An independently chaired panel of customer representatives has published its first annual report on the performance of housing provider Mears – you can read the report here. The Scrutiny Board was set up in 2020 to work alongside the Mears PLC Board to provide oversight, challenge and support to improve Mears services. Chaired by Terrie […]
2ENGIE’s Scrutiny Board reports on progress
1An update on our work with ENGIE. ENGIE launched their Responsible Business Charter in 2018 which included commitments in the four areas of: fair business growth, transparency and accountability, being a fair employer, and supporting communities and the environment. These commitments are owned and governed at Group CEO and UK CEO level and aligned to […]
2Feature Your Successful Scrutiny in our Scrutiny Frontiers 2020-2021 Publication
1We are looking for councils to feature in our forthcoming Scrutiny Frontiers 2020-21 publication, highlighting how you have overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic in local government over the past year, and showcasing your scrutiny successes! To contribute to this publication, or if you have any questions contact Charlotte Crowley – charlotte.crowley@cfgs.org.uk If you […]
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