[Ed Hammond]

Jillym Wrote:If this is already listed I could not find it for looking - digressing slightly, it would be really good if there was an easier way to search eg a search box on the forum page or a sorting facility on the menu bar.

Yes, it certainly would - you can do a whole-site search via the bar on the top right which will bring up forum posts, or you can search in Google, limiting your search domain to "http://www.cfps.org.uk/scrutiny-exchange/forum"

I'll see if I can get hold of some info on the substantive point.

[embexGexart]

Hi Jilly

I'm sure colleagues with relevant experience will email you or post here, but you may also find it helpful to have a good look through the Independent Reconfiguration Panel website. If you look at their 'completed reviews' page (http://www.irpanel.org.uk/view.asp?id=56) their reports usually include in the appendices the original letter of referral from the HOSC/JHOSC. It would also help you identify authorities which have made referrals who you could contact for more info.

The IRP also produce a helpful report called 'Learning from Reviews' (just recently updated) which, although it doesn't go into any detail about HOSC referrals, does talk about the most common reasons for referral, the sort of issues the IRP consider, and has a section on the role of OSCs.

[Jilly Mushington]

Thanks Ed. I also have a query about who writes the letter. It is my understanding it should go in the name of the HS Chairman rather than the CE, please advise.

[Jilly Mushington]

Most helpful, thanks Claire and my thanks to officers at Tameside and Salford who emailed me directly.

Regards

Jilly

[Nick Beale]

Jillym Wrote:Thanks Ed. I also have a query about who writes the letter. It is my understanding it should go in the name of the HS Chairman rather than the CE, please advise.

The important point is that it's a reference from the Committee rather than the Council and if the letter makes that clear then I think the job is done. Officers write on behalf of committees all the time so whether the CX or the Chair does it probably comes down to "custom and practice" in the council concerned. The referral we made recently was signed by the Chairman.

[embexGexart]

Jilly, all the letters of referral I have seen have been in the name of the Chairman of the HOSC/JHOSC making the referral. It is the HOSC/JHOSC which holds the powers to make a referral.