Resource type: Case studies

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.


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.


London Borough of Barnet

Discover how a newly appointed Governance Officer built scrutiny and governance skills through taking on the challenge of managing Barnet Council’s Youth Homelessness Task and Finish Group.