Scrutiny Snippets 16 June 2015
Aug 15, 2015
Scrutiny Snippets16 June 2015
Work Programme A work
programme is a list of subjects that will be reviewed over a period of time
It is agreed by Council
Work Programme Committee approved the proposed work
programme
The Committee work programme will be presented to Council in July for agreement
Scrutiny Training Committee Members
will receive a number of training workshops across the year to build their scrutiny skills.
Training today was delivered by Mark Mower (Authorio) covering the “Basics of Scrutiny”
What is ScrutinyMembers gave their understanding of the definition of Scrutiny Transparency Refined process of decision making Working with the public for the public
Training
What is ScrutinyNational definition of overview and scrutiny is: Overview “a proactive policy
development” Scrutiny “a reactive challenge to
decision making” Overview and Scrutiny “creating
conditions in which difficult questions can be constructively asked”
Training
Basics PrinciplesMembers learnt the basic powers of scrutiny in the Local Government Act 2000 Must be politically balanced Review decisions, make reports and recommendations
to Council Call-in decisions that have been made but not
implemented Community Call for Action (CCfA) Scrutinise external partners delivering services on
behalf of the Council Ability to be a Community Champion
Training
Community Call for Action Community Call for Action is
a tool for members of the public or their parish/district Councillor to raise issues regarding something that is not working in their community.
The Overview and Scrutiny Committee must consider these for investigation
Key Skills of a ScrutineerMembers discussed and agreed what they felt are key skills to have for effective scrutiny: Common Sense Use committee
demographics to advantage
Know what your ward needs
Diversity Listening Confidence
Training
Key Skills of a Scrutineer Compassion Empathy Evidence appraising Good chairman who can
facilitate discussion Creative thinking Strategic thinking
What do you think are key skills Members should have?
Training
Final Tips Make sure topics on the work programme
add value, make an impact and remain achievable. Be realistic when attempting to take on any national body
Be sure to set effective Terms of Reference Invite expert witnesses and look at
evidence that already exists Be broad and then prioritise who you would
engage
Training
Future Training Members will receive their next training
workshop on the 14 July on Effective Questioning Skills