Category: Blog
Getting the sequence right
This is the fifth in a series of blogs being produced by CfGS as part of the support work we are carrying out over 2015/16 on devolution. A report setting out our findings and recommendations in full will be published shortly. The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Devolution reported last week. Its Chair, Lord Kerslake (he is […]
For England, see Wales. Three reasons why Welsh devolution is important for England
It used to be that one referred to the infamous Encyclopedia Britannica entry For Wales, see England, to highlight the degree of English hegemony within Britain. Yet, the degree of self-determination within Britain’s Celtic periphery post devolution is challenging that view. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland devolution has been highly political and constitutional, was […]
CfGS is getting a new website…
Our current site dates back to 2011. It’s been a pretty good shop window for us, but it has its shortcomings – not least, the fact that it is groaning under the accumulated weight of thirteen years of pages, publications and other data, which were all transferred over wholesale from previous websites. The site’s design […]
Our response to the budget
The Centre for Governance and Scrutiny welcomes the budget announcement on greater devolution of further powers to more parts of the country. We will continue to work with colleagues in government, local government and the wider public sector to urge a more inclusive and transparent approach to devolution deal making and implementation. We remain concerned that the […]
Good scrutiny: Lincoln Council’s review of poverty
Why is scrutiny a good thing? I ask because it seems to me that there are a number of different justifications for scrutiny which apply differently in different areas at different times. Here are a few: In terms of governance, scrutiny can be viewed as a democratic buffer, providing a check against over-powerful local government. […]
New trustee position at CfGS
Passionate about helping organisations and people make good decisions and improve lives? Then help us deliver our vision An opportunity has arisen for a new independent trustee to join our Board. The Board is chaired by Lord Bob Kerslake and meets four times a year in London. This important voluntary role offers an opportunity to […]
Devolution blog – managing relationships, the dynamics of partnership working and the need for clarity and leadership in decision-making
This is the third in a series of blogposts on governance and devolution. CfGS has been funded by the LGA to provide practical support to five areas in England which are going through the process of negotiating and agreeing devolution deals. We are exploring how accountability and governance will work in relation to matters […]
What is the best way for local authorities to use public money?
In fact, what is the best way for local authorities to understand what “the best way” even is? One method that CfGS have been interested in for a long time is Social Return on Investment, as advocated by Social Value UK. We believe both scrutiny and decision makers can use a SROI framework to judge the […]
Are you curious about Corporate Parenting?
Children in the care of a local authority are one of the most vulnerable groups in society. And when services fail a child the results are far reaching and as we have often seen can be the subject of extensive media coverage. Did you know that at any one time around 68,000 children are […]
Returning to return on investment
Ensuring that public money delivers clear, positive outcomes to those who use public services is at the heart of good decision-making. Unless we have a clear idea of what the projected outcomes are from the decisions we take, and a sense of whether those outcomes are worth the monetary investment needed to make them happen, […]