Resources

How we can recast council constitutions as a living document that doesn’t just describe power, but shapes how it is held, shared and made accountable

This guide explores how to understand, gather, and use evidence to have the greatest impact in scrutiny work.

This practice guide explores proven approaches that councils have used to assess and articulate their impact, demonstrating how scrutiny can shape better governance and service delivery.

This guide outlines the practical steps for conducting a scrutiny review, a detailed investigation aimed at making evidence-based recommendations for change. It covers the end-to-end process of conducting a scrutiny review, from initial planning to post-review follow-up.

Follow Dudley Council’s journey through a full-scale constitutional review to learn more about the challenges and opportunities of modernising governance.

This case study highlights the importance of experimenting, embracing imperfection and adapting to change as part of the journey to effective governance.

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.

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.

An outline of the powers and structures that underpin overview and scrutiny in England, covering key areas such as committee resourcing, membership, chairing, and statutory powers.

Read the challenges faced by BCP Council, the initiatives implemented, and the outcomes achieved as the Council sought to enhance its overview and scrutiny functions.

Learn how Newham Council transformed its health and social care scrutiny process to be more inclusive, engaging, and reflective of the community's diverse voices and experiences.

An easy to follow guide for setting your work programme, with downloadable infographics.

Following intervention, Birmingham City Council commissioned a Governance Stabilisation Plan to support its immediate and short-term challenges.

This highlights resident involvement in housing scrutiny committees, by creating co-optee roles and using surveys and focus groups to improve engagement and more inclusive decision-making.

This practice guide offers practical advice for developing positive working relationships within scrutiny committees, with executives, partners, and the public.

Anita Searby - Democratic Lead and Statutory Scrutiny Officer - shares what happened when Cornwall Council undertook a Scrutiny Impact Review.

A governance change journey, moving from committee to cabinet system and spotlighting challenges and opportunities along the way.

This is the fourth edition of a technical paper first published in 2013.