Resource type: Case studies
Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner
When Bedfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner set out to untangle governance across three unitary councils, policing, fire and health partners, the result was a new Safer Beds Strategic Partnership Board – and a blueprint other areas can learn from as reform takes shape.
Somerset Council
Facing a financial emergency, an LGA peer challenge, and five councils’ worth of scrutiny culture to merge into one, Somerset streamlined its committees and reframed scrutiny as an enabling partner in good governance.
London Borough of Tower Hamlets
When Tower Hamlets came to us with a council culture in real trouble, we didn’t hand them a policy – we got every political group in a room together and helped them write their own Members’ Pledge, signed by every single councillor.
Teignbridge District Council
Discover how, one year on, Teignbridge District Council has turned recommendations into lasting improvements in scrutiny, governance and organisational culture.
Harborough District Council
How do you make scrutiny more than just a process? This case study explores how a council took a fresh look at its governance arrangements, creating the conditions for better conversations, stronger challenge, and more effective decision-making. It offers practical insights into building a culture where scrutiny supports improvement and helps elected members make a real difference.
Chesterfield Borough Council
This is a story of how strong, trust-based relationships between members and officers, built through openness, respect and a shared commitment to place, can bring governance and scrutiny to life.
Woking Borough Council
Read what happened at Woking Borough Council from a Scrutiny and Democratic Services officer perspective, as they reflect on tackling financial pressures and improving scrutiny to support better decision-making.
Rochdale Borough Council
Rochdale Borough Council’s approach highlights how devolving decision-making can strengthen accountability and empower councillors to respond directly to community needs. This model demonstrates the value of place-based governance in improving engagement and delivering more responsive local services.
Halton Borough Council
Halton Borough Council’s approach shows how scrutiny can work best when it builds strong relationships. Read about practical improvements they made and how they used evidence and constructive questioning to help the council get better outcomes for local people.
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.