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.

Scrutiny of children’s services

Core elements in the Scrutiny of children’s services.


South Tyneside Council

A comprehensive scrutiny report of poverty-related issues in South Tyneside, identifying challenges, exploring solutions, and making recommendations to improve the well-being of residents.


Public participation par excellence

Ideas to increase the reach of scrutiny activities and increase public engagement.


Key learning points for effective member officer relations

Core elements for strengthening positive dynamics of member/officer relationships.


Training and Development Checklist

Step-by-step guide to putting together a scrutiny training and development programme.


‘Complaints – a window into their role in good corporate governance and as the driver for improvement’

Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman perspective on investigating complaints about councils.


Somerset West and Taunton Council

An example of how a Task and Finish Group addressed climate emergency, in collaboration with Scrutiny Committee and the Executive.


CfGS 2023 annual survey of overview and scrutiny in local government

Headline findings of the 2023 CfGS annual survey of overview and scrutiny in local government.


The use of call-in: guidance for English authorities

A technical paper giving advice on the operation and review of critical elements of governance framework for local authorities in England.


The review and redrafting of constitutions: guidance for English authorities

A technical paper giving advice on the operation and review of critical elements of governance framework for local authorities in England.