Introduction
Rochdale Borough Council partnered with the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny (CfGS) to strengthen its overview and scrutiny arrangements. This initiative was driven by recommendations from the LGA Peer Review carried out in December 2023, which highlighted the need for a more strategic and proactive approach to scrutiny. The Council recognises that effective scrutiny is essential for transparent decision-making and for ensuring that policies deliver the best outcomes for the borough.
Approach
To address these priorities, the Council worked closely with CfGS to review existing practices and implement improvements. The partnership focused on creating a strategic work programme aligned with policy priorities and emerging challenges. Study groups were introduced to allow members to conduct deep dives into key topics, enabling more detailed examination of issues that matter most to the community. Member engagement was enhanced through tailored development sessions designed to build confidence and capability. In addition, the Council modernised its Constitution to clarify roles and responsibilities, ensuring that scrutiny processes are transparent and accessible.
A notable example of this new approach was the introduction of an 18-month rolling work programme. This allowed committees to plan scrutiny activity around major policy cycles and legislative changes, reducing meeting fatigue and ensuring that attention was focused on high-priority topics. Members also participated in workshops facilitated by CfGS, which helped to clarify the strategic role of scrutiny and encouraged councillors to take greater ownership of their development.
Impact
The collaboration between Rochdale Borough Council and CfGS has delivered tangible improvements. Scrutiny is now embedded earlier in policy development and transformation programmes, allowing members to influence decisions at formative stages and reducing conflicts. For instance, a recent use of the call-in mechanism demonstrated a shift in culture, with scrutiny increasingly seen as a tool for accountability and learning rather than a political device. Chairs and vice chairs from different political groups are working more closely together, sharing responsibilities and strengthening committee leadership. This has fostered a more inclusive and balanced scrutiny environment.
Members report increased confidence and a stronger sense of ownership in policy development. Governance processes have become clearer and more robust, fostering transparency and accountability across the organisation. These changes have contributed to a culture where scrutiny is now valued as a constructive and integral part of decision-making.
Top Tips
From this experience, several practical tips stand out for other councils seeking to strengthen scrutiny. Building strong partnerships can accelerate improvement by bringing in external expertise and fostering shared learning. Keeping scrutiny focused on strategic issues and outcomes ensures that it adds real value to decision-making.
Encouraging openness and collaboration between members and officers creates a positive environment for constructive challenge. Using data and evidence to inform scrutiny work enhances credibility and impact, enabling committees to make well-founded recommendations.
Finally, aligning work programming with strategic risks and priorities helps ensure that scrutiny is both relevant and effective.
Lessons Learned
Several important lessons emerged from this work. Early engagement of members and officers proved critical to success, as it ensured that scrutiny was not an afterthought but a core component of policy development. Linking scrutiny to strategic priorities helped maintain focus and relevance, preventing duplication and ensuring that resources were used effectively.
Continuous development for members strengthened both culture and capability, creating a more confident and informed scrutiny function. The Council found that involving portfolio holders in work programming sessions helped ensure accountability and encouraged constructive dialogue.
Finally, external collaboration brought valuable expertise and perspective, enabling the Council to benchmark its approach against best practice nationally.
Future Direction
Looking ahead, Rochdale Borough Council is committed to sustaining and building on these improvements. The Council will regularly review work programmes to reflect emerging priorities and ensure that scrutiny remains forward-looking. Investment in member development will continue, supporting councillors to adapt to new challenges and policy areas. The Council also plans to leverage technology to improve planning and analysis, making scrutiny more efficient and data-driven. These steps will help embed a culture of continuous improvement and maintain scrutiny’s role as a cornerstone of good governance.
This case study was developed collaboratively by Rochdale Borough Council and the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny. It shares learning and good practice and does not constitute a formal evaluation of the work’s impact.
NOTE
At CfGS, we support local government improvement by working closely with councils to highlight the great work being done including case studies of recent improvement activity funded by Government.
As part of this support, we produce case studies to share the lessons learned from these projects, helping other authorities benefit from the insights gained. These case studies are a collaborative effort between CfGS and the councils involved, and while they provide valuable perspectives, they are not formal evaluations of the work’s impact. Instead, they aim to inspire and inform other authorities with real examples of progress that can have a wider impact across the sector.
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