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