Topic: Assurance
Councillors need to use data on things like performance, finance and risks in order to be able to oversee, and be “assured”, on the quality of local service delivery. Assurance is a crucial role for all councillors – who need to hold Cabinet and senior officers to account on their commitments. It is particularly important for councillors on audit committees and scrutiny committees. The material in this section explores these obligations, and connected issues.
Issues discussed in this section connect closely with material we have produced under the “access to information” topic.
Shades of grey: audit and scrutiny – understanding the governance divide
Our Shades of Grey learning event explored the divide between audit and scrutiny in local authorities – we’ve summarised our guest speakers’ thoughts
What a Summer!
A refection on activity over the summer, covering elections and devolution and the new Government’s agenda.
Turn and face the changes
Key messages from Mel Stevens on the governance of public services, as featured in the Municipal Journal.
Audit, Scrutiny and Risk
Our latest publication summarising research on how audit and scrutiny can work together to tackle the management and oversight of risk.
Health Scrutiny Fireside Chat
Arrangements for Health Scrutiny explored by Camilla de Bernhardt Lane and Ed Hammond, with practical tips on how to administer them.
Engaging with the outcome of peer review to inform improvement
Information about external review and peer-led assurance techniques, associated with the “Corporate Peer Challenge.”
CfGS Submission to LUHC Select Committee Call for Evidence on Oflog
CfGS insights on the establishment of the Office for Local Government (Oflog).
Using insights from the Ombudsman to inform scrutiny
An outline of how complaints can improve the corporate governance process, with focus on Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.
Fitting scrutiny into the local assurance framework
Exploration of how scrutiny is used effectively in quality assurance and who is responsible for this.
Councillors’ use of information
CfGS explainer on our guidance for councillors on their rights to access information.