This two-hour session provides a practical introduction to the overview and scrutiny function for councillors and officers, exploring how scrutiny can add value to council decision-making and support effective governance.
The session will cover:
- Background to Overview and Scrutiny – understanding its role and purpose
- Selecting areas and issues for scrutiny – identifying topics where scrutiny can have the greatest impact
- Developing effective questions – using constructive challenge to support meaningful discussion
- Identifying information sources – making best use of evidence, data, and insight
- Making the best use of scrutiny resources – planning and managing activity effectively
- Monitoring and evaluating recommendations – ensuring scrutiny leads to improvement
Sessions have been scheduled at lunchtime, afternoon, and evening times to support participation by councillors and officers with different commitments.
The sessions may be particularly beneficial for:
- New councillors
- Councillors returning to the council or taking on a scrutiny-related role
- Councillors in authorities that have recently adopted the Executive/Scrutiny system
- Councillors seeking a refresher on overview and scrutiny
- Chairs and vice-chairs of scrutiny committees
- Officers supporting the overview and scrutiny function
Delivered by Talent Bank Associate – Judy Foster
Judy Foster is an experienced learning and development professional with over 40 years service working in Local Government. This includes 27 years as a councillor, where, in the role of Deputy Leader, she led a review of scrutiny.