[Jackie Sayers]

I've just got an email back from Spencer (yes, at Swansea). He says "Cheers for that, I didn't think anyone would pick up on that!! It was worth falling off things for the eight days in Buenos Aries though, LOL."

[Spencer Martin]

Hello All, Spencer here from Swansea Scrutiny Team

Hero??? Thats very kind, however all I did was fall off things (a lot) get battered black and blue and utterly terrified in front of camera!! all in exchange for a free week of partying in Buenos Aries.

When they asked me about being a Scrutiny Officer I could tell they didn't understand the subtle intricacies of the role by the glazed looks and disinterested fidgeting, but at least they kept a reference to it in the programme.

They werent kind enough to give me a helmet until the sweeper round, so perhaps they thought the fall from the balls would knock some sense into me, plus I decided not to opt for lycra, its a family show after all and my legs are bad enough as it is, skin tight apparel on my massive frame would have put many off their tea, so I stuck with a traditional Welsh green and red shorts & t-shirt combo!!

Although a certain amount of lost dignity is inevitable I like to think that considering Im in my 40's and had a lot of me to drag round the course (im 6'4'') finishing in under 3 minutes was quite an achievement (even though I couldn't talk legibly for and hour after it) as for the Sweeper the least said about that the better, i didnt enjoy that at all, much too scary!

All in all, I like to think I did my bit to publicise the essential role of Scrutiny in all walks of life, cheers!

If any anyone wants a link to apply for the next series let me know, it would be a shame to loose the momentum now they know we exist!

[David Collins]

I feel a whole new genre developing here...one of my scrutiny colleagues in another Welsh Council was on MAsterchef recently! I am waiting for "I'm a Scrutiny Officer Get me outa here" or even "Scrutiny's Got Talent!!"

[Nick Beale]

David Collins Wrote:I feel a whole new genre developing here...one of my scrutiny colleagues in another Welsh Council was on MAsterchef recently! I am waiting for "I'm a Scrutiny Officer Get me outa here" or even "Scrutiny's Got Talent!!"

• Desperate Scrutiny Officers
• Who Wants To Be A Scrutiny Officer?
  

[David Collins]

Desparate Scrutiny Officer's Wives!!!!

[James McLaughlin]

How about Scrutiny Den?

Councillors come in with their 'big ideas' and we tell them whether they're suitable to go on the work programme? You could have a cabinet member or a director in the den taking on the Duncan Bannatyne role.

[Matthew Garrard]

Scrutiny come dancing, straight after the gala dinner at conference

[James Walsh]

You know what I like the Dragon's Den idea and as sad as it may seem could see it working, I can see it now...

Councillor Smith: Hello Dragons, my name is Councillor Smith and I'm looking for an investment of £50,000 into a scrutiny investigation into the cost savings on rubber stamps. The Authority spends something in the region of £50 on rubber stamps each year and I believe by streamlining the application process for stamps, by devolving responsibility to a central outsourced resource we can project year on year budgetary savings.

Evan Davis: A positive and strong pitch by Councillor Smith, but remember he needs the full amount invested to have his idea taken forward as a scrutiny topic.

Theo Paphitis: So you're telling me that you want me to spend £50,000 of my children's inheritance on an investigation into the cost savings of having an interchangeable rubber stamp rather than individual departmental stamps? I'm telling you now, Mrs P would not be happy with that sort of investment.

Peter Jones: Hi I'm Peter and I'm far too tall to even think of investing in your suggestion I'm out.

ED: With one Dragon down and another wavering Councillor Smith's idea is looking doomed and now Duncan Bannatyne is about to show his hand.

Duncan Bannatyne: I'm heard of some ridiculous ideas in my time and this one is ridiculous, in fact I think you're ridiculous and I'm struggling to think of another word other than ridiculous. So I'm out.

James Caan: *strokes beard* So let me get this straight you're telling me that there is a group of retired individuals who sit around and look at making every day activities more efficient?

CS: Yes and we've been very effective and have saved the Authority thousands over the years.

ED: A revelation that thousands have been solved seems to have perked up the remaining Dragon's.

JC: *stroking beard more slowly* I like you and I'm interested in your idea, what's your projected savings over 5 years?

C: £5

JC: And over 10 years.

C: Erm...can I call on my advocate?

JC: Yes and who is it?

C: It's Spencer

*Spencer enters the room*

JC: And what's your background?

Spencer: I'm a scrutiny officer and recently appeared on Total Wipeout.

JC: Hmm...this pitch is losing all credibility...I'm afraid although I like you, I'm not sure about the added value of this suggestion, so reluctantly I'm out.

Deborah Meaden: Hi I'm Deborah and I never invest in anything I don't understand, in fact I hardly invest in anything and I'm not going to start now...I'm out.

ED: That just leaves Theo with the coup de grace.

TP: I'll tell you where I am with this idea...I cannot see this as an investable idea and I ink kidding you [titters from the other Dragons] when I say my vast empire of stationers are about to produce a stamp that has imprinted on the bottom I'm Out.

With apologies to Dragon's Den and Spencer....

[Gemma Waugh]

Would you be able to guess it's friday today??

[Nick Beale]

gwaugh Wrote:Would you be able to guess it's friday today??

Not without setting up a task group and developing a set of protocols for the enquiry.