[Keith Gordon]

Hi Michelle

Never be afraid to ask here.

We have five scrutiny committees two of which are chaired by opposition party members and three by majority party members. The Chairman of the Scrutiny Commission, consisting of the Chairmen and Deputy-Chairman of the scrutiny committees, is an opposition party member. All this is set down in our constitution.

All the Deputy Chairmen are majority party members.

I am sure you'll get a lot of variations on this from other authorities on here. I feel that it is good practice for opposition members to be involved to a greater extent rather than lesser.

Give me a shout if I can be of any help.

Keith

[Mohammed Ahad]

Michelle

Use of Chairs from the official opposition group is one model available to authorities, and represents an example of very good practice.

Some authorities adhere to a model which provides for a Member from the governing group to Chair meetings (as well as the Vice Chair ).

A third option available to some authorites: Members from responsible third parties or groups may provide Chair of a committee.

I know a version of the third option has worked well at London Borough of Merton.

[Michelle Allan]

Thanks everyone for your help.

That has directed me the way I wanted to go.