[David Collins]

In the past when I have done this I found it more fun to use photos rather than attach a load of dry leaflets, reports etc. We have built up a small portfoilo of pictures of Scrutiny members "in action" over the years and used to them to good effect as part of member induction training last year. I dont know if you have time to take lots of pictures now but rather than use photos of members sat in committee, we used photos of them out on site, looking ar regeneration sites; play facilities and a host of other eye catching opportunities. I want to show the newer members that scrutiny could be fun!

[Gemma Waugh]

Would any of your members (e.g. the chair) be willing to man the stall rather than officers? Or perhaps one of the services scrutinised could have a staff member there to take questions about how they found the process?

Agree with the photos as mentioned about. If you don't have any and no time to get some... I'm thinking of pictorally representing the scrutiny concept of 'critical friend'; maybe photo of lady walking away from toilets with skirt tucked into pants and slogan "wouldn't you want your friend to tell you?". Thinking something to grab their attention and then some information on how scrutiny can help your service and that the process isn't a hinderance (we hope!). Maybe I'm just getting the friday afternoon feeling too early?

[John Ross]

Hi Kath,

great idea. i think if you look at it as 'what's in it for them' you may get a better feel

so let me try and answer what's in it for them

- they are all residents/service user/tax payers somewhere - appeal to this

by having an example of a survey to hand that you used in a review and example

how it led to an recommendation/improvement

ask for a suggestion of a topic/item for scrutiny to look at - or give them

a choice of five and see which is rated the highest

- what the best thing about the city/the worst

- many may not know what councillors do and/or have a low opinion. agree

with invite one or two along to talk about the active role

- take names if want to set up email news to staff on whats coming up in scrutiny

and how they could be involved

many more - i am feeling a bit fridayish myself - good luck and let us know how you get on.

best wishes john

[Kath Vlcek]

thanks to everyone for their advice, it was really helpful.

We held our stall last week at the all staff conference event and it went really well, we asked people for their suggestions for scrutiny (with a prize for the best idea), had a summary of our scrutiny panel subjects and copies of previous reports, all of which seemed popular. We also had a lovely supply of CFPS leaflets and post-its, thanks for sending them.