Case study sector: Local Authority
West Sussex County Council
Getting the right people around the table is crucial for improving services for children and young people with SEND. Find out how West Sussex County Council’s scrutiny committee has been working closely with partners, tackling delays in EHCPs and keeping communication clear with families.
Woking Borough Council
Read what happened at Woking Borough Council: ambitious decisions and limited oversight created financial challenges, but the council is now learning and building stronger systems for the future.
Essex County Council
Essex County Council used scrutiny to look closely at SEND services, bringing in the views of families, checking how well partners work together, and pushing for clearer action to improve support.
Cheshire West and Chester Council
Read how Cheshire West and Chester Council involved families and local services in scrutiny of SEND, resulting in clear, robust actions to improve support and communication.
North Somerset
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.
Brighton & Hove City Council
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.
City of York Council
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.
Dudley Council
Follow Dudley Council’s journey through a full-scale constitutional review to learn more about the challenges and opportunities of modernising governance.
West Lancashire Council
This case study highlights the importance of experimenting, embracing imperfection and adapting to change as part of the journey to effective governance.
Thurrock Council
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.