Category: Blog
What we’re looking forward to at CfGS in 2026
We’re looking ahead to a year of learning, collaboration and impact in 2026
First reflections on Holding mayors to account: The future of scrutiny in devolved government
Camilla, Ed and Andrew reflect on the CfGS and London Assembly co-hosted conference dedicated to mayoral scrutiny
Making the map meaningful: identity and place governance in England’s new local state
The English Devolution Bill will reshape local governance through larger councils, stronger mayoral authorities and new neighbourhood duties. The challenge now is ensuring these new boundaries become real places – with identity, legitimacy and meaningful democratic connection
From mandatory to meaningful – insights on neighbourhood governance
In October our learning event sought to understand what a new neighbourhood governance duty will mean for councils – Mel Stevens reflects on what we heard
Celebrating the launch of Elevate
This week marks the official launch of Elevate, a groundbreaking new pilot programme designed to build scrutiny leadership skills, knowledge and confidence among officers from across the country
21st Century Councillors event
We’re excited to share news of a free 21st Century Councillor event taking place in Andover on 4 November – giving councillors and officers the chance to discuss how elected members can adapt, lead and thrive in a rapidly changing landscape for local democracy
Neighbourhood Governance
In her latest blog, Mel Stevens unpacks how a new duty in the Devolution Bill could shake up local democracy and put real power in the hands of communities.
Our first thoughts on the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill
Some first thoughts on the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill
Launch of National Scrutiny Officers’ Network
In this guest post, Fiona Bottrill, Senior Overview and Scrutiny Manager at Birmingham City Council, and her colleagues at the County and Unitary Officers’ Network are now welcoming a wider group of officers, and rebranding as the National Scrutiny Officers’ Network