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 Frontiers 2020/21: experiences from the frontline
Frontline scrutiny stories in the light of the pandemic.
Lessons from scrutiny improvement reviews
In 2018, CfGS carried out its first evaluations of local authority scrutiny functions using a new method, and under a new title. We brought together our wealth of research, policy and practical experience and developed the “scrutiny improvement review” (SIR) as a consistent and comprehensive way to evaluate scrutiny arrangements, to diagnose problems and to […]
2021 annual survey: main findings
Our annual survey of overview and scrutiny in local government is published today (7 July). It’s been the first opportunity to fully assess the impact of the pandemic on councils’ scrutiny functions, and to think about the role that scrutiny might play as we set about the task of recovery. Councils’ approaches on, and successes […]
Glasgow City Council
Building a strategic approach to scrutiny though interactive development and coaching sessions for council members.
Good governance and corporate responsibility through scrutiny
Over the past year, organisations across all sectors have experienced new complexities in shifting to a different operating environment and unparalleled challenges that have inevitably tested organisational culture and governance. In this current context, many organisations in the private and not-for-profit sectors are reflecting on how to implement resilient governance practices that help achieve their […]
Independent Scrutiny Board reports back on Mears Performance
An independently chaired panel of customer representatives has published its first annual report on the performance of housing provider Mears – you can read the report here. The Scrutiny Board was set up in 2020 to work alongside the Mears PLC Board to provide oversight, challenge and support to improve Mears services. Chaired by Terrie […]
Planning work, delivering impact
CfGS has produced updated material on work programming and the production of scrutiny annual reports. This replaces earlier guidance produced by CfGS in 2011. It draws on the Government’s statutory scrutiny guidance published in 2019. November 2020
Mears Group PLC
A new approach to engaging customers housing association business, with more effective ways to listen and respond.
London Borough of Merton
Example of our methodology for a scrutiny impact review, with recommendations for a council to put into action.
Annual Survey 2019 – full results
We carried out a full survey in 2019, to find out councillors and officers views of oversight and scrutiny. Nearly two-thirds (62%) of councils in England and Wales are represented in these findings. Although we released some headline findings at our Driving Smarter Scrutiny Conference in December 2019, these full results reveal more about the […]