Topic: Better scrutiny
This category covers material that provides advice, and shares our thinking, about what makes overview and scrutiny work well. It should be read alongside our Good Scrutiny Digest.
Test Valley Borough Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee
Speaking to Test Valley’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Mel Stevens considers what effective scrutiny looks like in a time of devolution, local government reorganisation and political change, and sets out five tests for developing a strong scrutiny work programme
Election 2026 special: Managing change
With the 2026 elections set to reshape local power, this blog explores how councils can navigate uncertainty and respond effectively to sudden political change
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.
Setting up the Scrutiny Review Library: what we learned
Find out more about some of the key lessons we learned about what works – and what doesn’t – when building a shared resource to support better, more connected scrutiny across the sector
Celebrating the launch of Elevate
This week marks the official launch of Elevate, a groundbreaking new pilot programme designed to build scrutiny leadership skills, knowledge and confidence among officers from across the country
21st Century Councillors event
We’re excited to share news of a free 21st Century Councillor event taking place in Andover on 4 November – giving councillors and officers the chance to discuss how elected members can adapt, lead and thrive in a rapidly changing landscape for local democracy
What has scrutiny ever done for us? Sarah’s ADSO workshop
Earlier this month, CfGS’s very own Sarah Fenn delivered a workshop at the Association of Democratic Service Officer’s brilliant annual conference. Here’s what she learnt about the amazing impact scrutiny can – and very often does – have
Asking the right questions in scrutiny – a practice guide
Questioning is central to scrutiny as it helps us challenge assumptions, understand complex systems, hold decision-makers to account, and uncover the stories behind the data. Read how to frame and questions effectively in this practice guide.
Navigating SEND Scrutiny: Shared Insights for Effective Scrutiny
Join us to hear insights, explore practical approaches, and spotlight innovation in stakeholder engagement and SEND service improvement.