Agenda item

To receive a progress update on implementation of the actions arising from the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny (CfGS) scrutiny improvement review.

The committee then received a progress update on implementation of the actions arising from the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny (CfGS) scrutiny improvement review from Everton Roberts, Head of Scrutiny.

·  130 actions agreed in October 2023 implemented through to 2025

·  Recommendations have had minor tweaks

·  Minor enhancements, strengthening the collaborative relationship between Cabinet members, officers and Scrutiny Committee Members

·  Cabinet Scrutiny Protocol- dialogue between Cabinet Members and Scrutiny Chairs, priortising work to add value, evidenced based recommendations

·  Improvements- key strategic priorities discussions within scrutiny

·  Cabinet response and monitoring of recommendations

·  Pre-scrutiny and leadership providing updated information on council delivery

·  Timescales- protocol in place by March-April 2025

·  Scrutiny Recommendation Tracker and ‘Engage at Southwark’ Website, scrutiny section for public to suggest scrutiny topics

The committee then asked questions on the following themes

·  Cabinet Member feedback on Cabinet Scrutiny protocol

·  Feedback and agreement from Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Cabinet Scrutiny protocol

·  Community Engagement in Scrutiny – differentiation between case work and scrutiny topics, managing expectations of the public

·  Complaints follow different process, shortlisting of scrutiny topics chosen on value it adds

·  Early meeting and pre-meetings- early planning of work programme, pre-meetings to identify information needed to carry out effective scrutiny and possibility of pre-meeting recordings circulated to members