Improving scrutiny
We work with other public sector scrutiny bodies to make sure scrutiny of all public services is well targeted, proportionate and coordinated. We do this through the Strategic Public Sector Scrutiny Network.
As well as focussing on key risks facing the public sector and sharing insights, the network is exploring how the scrutiny landscape can change to support public service reform, including the scrutiny of 'place' and the role of self-evaluation to support scrutiny.
Membership of the network is set out below. Click on the logos to visit each body’s website.
Coordinating scrutiny
Sitting under the network is a Scrutiny Coordination Group where we work with partners to deliver more coordinated, efficient and effective scrutiny that:
- supports the improvement of services
- seeks to share insights and intelligence amongst partners and minimise the workload on councils from scrutiny activity.
The group’s focus is on overseeing the development and coordination of scrutiny of local government, working on behalf of the Accounts Commission.
The Scottish Local Government Assurance and Improvement Framework sets out the landscape of governance, reporting, performance improvement, audit and scrutiny that relates to local government.
Scrutiny in your area
The Scrutiny Co-ordination Group has established 'Local Area Networks' in each council area which comprises representatives of each of the local government scrutiny bodies. The aim of the Local Area Network is to share insights and intelligence among scrutiny bodies, including opportunities to collaborate, and to consider the timing and footprint of scrutiny activity at a local level.
Other ways we share information and work together
- Collaborative projects with other scrutiny bodies, for example joint inspections of services for children and young people and joint inspections of adult support and protection services.
- A joint study by the Auditor General and HMICS is in progress to assess how effectively Best Value arrangements in the Scottish Police Authority (including Forensic Services) and Police Scotland demonstrate continuous improvement in delivering policing priorities and transformation of policing services.
- Sharing and considering of data on health and social care services is done through the Sharing Intelligence for Health and Social Care Group. This comprises Audit Scotland, the Care Inspectorate, Healthcare Improvement Scotland, the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland, NHS Education for Scotland, Public Health Scotland and the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman.
