A copy of the Centre for Public Scrutiny’s publication – Successful Scrutiny 2009 – Outstanding Practice in Public Scrutiny is attached for Members information.

The Director of Law, HR and Asset Management presented for information a copy of the Centre for Public Scrutiny (CfPS) publication “Successful Scrutiny 2009 – Outstanding Practice in Public Scrutiny”. The CfPS highlighted examples of where scrutiny was working and where it promoted the value that non-executives had in helping shape the way public services were delivered. The examples contained within the publication were gathered from the Centre for Public Scrutiny’s 2^nd Good Scrutiny Awards, which were awarded at their 2009 Annual Conference. They provided a set of case studies where accountability arrangements had exemplified the CfPS principles of effective scrutiny. All demonstrated excellent and innovative practice and examples of what could be achieved and it was intended that they would offer encouragement to scrutiny practitioners and policy makers across the public sector.

Members commented upon the need for all Members of Overview and Scrutiny Committees to be actively involved in the scrutiny function and to lead community participation. In order to encourage public engagement, Members proposed the production of a scrutiny leaflet to seek the views of local residents upon what issues they wished to be the subject of scrutiny.

Resolved –

(1)  That the Centre for Public Scrutiny publication “Successful Scrutiny 2009 – Outstanding Practice in Public Scrutiny” be noted.

(2)  That the Director of Law, HR and Asset Management be requested to present a Scrutiny Leaflet for consideration at the next meeting of the Board.