Author: Ed Hammond

What the committee system’s end means for councils facing transition

As the government announces an end to the committee system for local government, we examine its wider consequences for councils


There are different ways to do mayoral scrutiny – why our thinking on LPACs is changing

Since 2014 we have been developing and refining the idea of “local Public Accounts Committees” (LPACs) – new bodies, well-placed to review and oversee the value for money of public services across a “place”, following the public pound rather than being focused on the accountability arrangements of individual institutions. Since then, the idea has been […]


Civility, equality, tolerance and the management of council meetings

A dive into relationships, behaviours and conduct management, involving members, officers, and the public.


Engaging with the outcome of peer review to inform improvement

Information about external review and peer-led assurance techniques, associated with the “Corporate Peer Challenge.”


Using insights from the Ombudsman to inform scrutiny

An outline of how complaints can improve the corporate governance process, with focus on Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.


The “Scrutiny Protocol” – new arrangements for scrutiny in combined authorities

Government guidance for combined authorities on overview and scrutiny arrangements, alongside a CfGS perspective and guide.


Fitting scrutiny into the local assurance framework

Exploration of how scrutiny is used effectively in quality assurance and who is responsible for this.


Councillors’ use of information

CfGS explainer on our guidance for councillors on their rights to access information.


Governance implications of Government intervention in local councils

Notes from our roundtable event on the governance implications of Government intervention in local councils.


Scrutiny of children’s services

Core elements in the Scrutiny of children’s services.