Why we charge for some publications

The original conception of CfPS was uniquely to promote a vision of public scrutiny across government and the public sector, recognising the benefits of cross-sector learning. It was conceived that in this role CfPS would add most value in building the capacity of local government in its new scrutiny function, but that as an organisation it would not limit its focus to the local government sector.

In its first year the Centre has worked closely with local government, recognising the particular and urgent needs of the sector following the Local Government Act 2000. However it aspires to support non-executive public scrutineers in a range of different environments and has already begun work with the Probation Boards Association and has opened discussions with the Home Office, on support for the scrutiny role in the probation service and the police, and the new Centre for Active Citizenship.

The founder sponsors supported the new venture on this basis with the aim of building an independent and sustainable operation.

It was therefore felt to be essential for the Centre to establish a formal independent status which would allow for broad based representation and funding. It needed also to be able to operate independently and demonstrate that independence to potential future sponsors. On this basis the initial governance arrangements for the Centre were agreed for the first year only.

The advisory board have now taken the view that a move towards incorporation as a not-for-profit limited liability company would be the most appropriate way forward and transactional arrangements are now being progressed. It may be that charitable status is sought subsequently.

In this first year the Centre has been funded by grant from the founder sponsors and a grant from ODPM/LGA joint capacity building fund for local government. The Centre is not in receipt of revenues support grant. These funds have covered the core costs and supported a limited programme of activities. It has been necessary to supplement this with income from publications and we will also be seeking further grants and sponsorship from government, the public and private sector. A broad funding base will be essentialin the future to support independent status. Whilst, for example, the recent Department of Health Grant is a welcome boost to our work, only a small amount will be retained to fund CfPS support for the health scrutiny programme in order that as much resource as possible can support activity in local authorities.

As a not-for-profit company the Centre would not engage in commercial activity but would seek to cover its costs from product sales, grant funding and sponsorship.