Case Studies

This case study shows how councillor-led scrutiny in North Somerset helped cut agency staff in children’s social care from 40% to 20%, improving continuity and boosting Ofsted ratings.

Discover how Brighton & Hove City Council moved from a committee system to a leader and cabinet model, creating a more resident-focused approach to governance.

Follow York's journey when their scrutiny function was reviewed, uncovering key issues like ineffective oversight, a lack of strategic focus, and a need for cultural change councillor-officer relationships.

Follow Dudley Council’s journey through a full-scale constitutional review to learn more about the challenges and opportunities of modernising governance.

This case study highlights the importance of experimenting, embracing imperfection and adapting to change as part of the journey to effective governance.

Thurrock Council’s transformation of its Overview and Scrutiny function showcases how structural fixes, skills training, and cultural change can address deep-seated challenges and build a more effective, collaborative governance model.

Discover how a newly appointed Governance Officer built scrutiny and governance skills through taking on the challenge of managing Barnet Council’s Youth Homelessness Task and Finish Group.

Read the challenges faced by BCP Council, the initiatives implemented, and the outcomes achieved as the Council sought to enhance its overview and scrutiny functions.

Learn how Newham Council transformed its health and social care scrutiny process to be more inclusive, engaging, and reflective of the community's diverse voices and experiences.

Following intervention, Birmingham City Council commissioned a Governance Stabilisation Plan to support its immediate and short-term challenges.

This highlights resident involvement in housing scrutiny committees, by creating co-optee roles and using surveys and focus groups to improve engagement and more inclusive decision-making.

Anita Searby - Democratic Lead and Statutory Scrutiny Officer - shares what happened when Cornwall Council undertook a Scrutiny Impact Review.

A governance change journey, moving from committee to cabinet system and spotlighting challenges and opportunities along the way.

A collaborative workshop with key stakeholder organisations, to design a practical action plan deliver the ten-year Vision & Strategy for Ashdown Forest.

Governance change example, using a bespoke approach to scrutiny at combined authority level.

A comprehensive scrutiny report of poverty-related issues in South Tyneside, identifying challenges, exploring solutions, and making recommendations to improve the well-being of residents.

A report which showcases the wide-scale application of four principles of effective scrutiny across the Borough Council.

An example of how a Task and Finish Group addressed climate emergency, in collaboration with Scrutiny Committee and the Executive.