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.
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.
It’s all about impact: Moving from more to meaningful
Camilla and Ian share their thoughts on why scrutiny’s value can’t be measured in the weight of reports or the footprint of its meetings alone
Gathering and evaluating evidence – a practice guide
This guide explores how to understand, gather, and use evidence to have the greatest impact in scrutiny work.
Demonstrating impact – a practice guide
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.
Running effective reviews – a practice guide
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.
Dudley Council
Follow Dudley Council’s journey through a full-scale constitutional review to learn more about the challenges and opportunities of modernising 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.
Structures, resources and formal powers – a practice guide
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.
Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council
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.
Planning and priority setting – a practice guide
An easy to follow guide for setting your work programme, with downloadable infographics.