Library

The Centre for Public Scrutiny has amassed the largest collection of overview and scrutiny reviews available anywhere on the web. This is a unique and powerful resource that should form an integral part of any scoping exercise for an overview and scrutiny review. For a more in depth analysis of reviews into a particular subject we also provide review library monitors.

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The CfPS scrutiny review library has become the first port of call for local government scrutineers looking to learn from the experiences of other authorities in reviewing any given subject. The review library is a one-stop-shop for establishing how best to approach the following:

the legislative framework in which the review lies - avoid stepping on the toes of statutory measures and take advantage of policies and schemes by learning from the experiences of other reviews
resourcing - establish how much time, support and funds will be needed and refine your terms of reference accordingly by undertaking a comparative analysis of similar reviews
innovative ideas - overview and scrutiny has evolved greatly, not least due to its forward thinking and dextrous approaches of scrutineers be they elected or professional. By sharing information on good ideas we can ensure that this improvement continues.
terms of reference - ensure you frame your review right first time to avoid inefficiency and dead-ends by looking at other reviews
who to call - see what witnesses were called, who was co-opted and which service delivery partners were involved.
community engagement - find out what engagement schemes were employed in similar reviews to judge which are most appropriate for your authority.
recommendations and outcomes - see what happened post review to determine how best to present your findings

Latest reviews

Positioning Sandwell for Economic Recovery

This review looked at the policy framework, planning and land use policy, education and training provision, job brokerage schemes, proposed economic activities for the borough and the then proposed economic prospectus.

South Central Ambulance Service: Review of Rural Performance

Undertaken by Buckinghamshire Hampshire and Oxfordshire Health Overview and Scrutiny Joint Review Group. All HOSCs concerned about the significant differential between A8 and A19 performance between urban and rural areas. The review concluded there was a 2tier service vis-a-vis national standards and that the Lightfoot model which seeks to optimise performance, relies on high activity in urban settings (near ambulance stations and hospitals)