Scrutiny improvement

Audit Scotland works with other scrutiny bodies to make sure the scrutiny of public sector bodies is better targeted and more proportionate in relation to identified risks. The main focus of our development work is on local government, on behalf of the Accounts Commission.

Local government scrutiny coordination

Scrutiny coordination in local government is led by the Strategic Scrutiny Group (SSG). The SSG comprises Scotland's main public sector scrutiny bodies and aims to deliver efficient and effective, well-coordinated scrutiny that supports improvement. It is convened and chaired by the Accounts Commission and is supported by the Operational Sub-group (OSG).

The members of the SSG are set out below along with a link to their respective scrutiny plans, where available.

Accounts Commission logo
Accounts Commission work programme
Audit Scotland logo
Audit Scotland work programme
Healthcare Improvement Scotland logo
Healthcare Improvement Scotland scrutiny activity 2022/23
HM Fire Service Inspectorate logo
HM Fire Service Inspectorate Chief Inspector's Plan, 2022-25
HM Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland logo
HM Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland Scrutiny Plan 2022-2025
HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland logo
HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland recent and upcoming inspections
HM Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland logo
HM Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland Strategic Plan 2022-25

Local government scrutiny programme

Click on the council name to see a summary of scrutiny activity from 2024/25:

Aberdeen City Council - Scrutiny programme
Scrutiny activityScrutiny body/bodiesFieldwork/engagement dates
National thematic inspection on Local Authority approaches to support school improvementEducation ScotlandEarly 2024/25 Academic Year
Carry out risk assessment and Homelessness duties structured conversationsScottish Housing RegulatorNovember 2024 - March 2025
BV thematic work on workforce innovation - how councils are responding to workforce challengesAudit ScotlandOctober 2023 - September 2024
BV thematic work on transformation: How councils are redesigning services to maintain outcomes and deliver services more efficientlyAudit ScotlandOctober 2024 - September 2025
Aberdeenshire Council - Scrutiny programme
Scrutiny activityScrutiny body/bodiesFieldwork/engagement dates
National thematic inspection on Local Authority approaches to support school improvementEducation ScotlandEarly 2024/25 Academic Year
Carry out risk assessment and Homelessness duties structured conversationsScottish Housing RegulatorNovember 2024 - March 2025
BV thematic work on workforce innovation - how councils are responding to workforce challengesAudit ScotlandOctober 2023 - September 2024
BV thematic work on transformation: How councils are redesigning services to maintain outcomes and deliver services more efficientlyAudit ScotlandOctober 2024 - September 2025
A performance Audit on Sustainable TransportAudit ScotlandMarch 2024
Angus Council - Scrutiny programme
Scrutiny activityScrutiny body/bodiesFieldwork/engagement dates
National thematic inspection on Local Authority approaches to support school improvementEducation ScotlandEarly 2024/25 Academic Year
Carry out risk assessment and Homelessness duties structured conversationsScottish Housing RegulatorNovember 2024 - March 2025
A performance Audit on Building Resilience to floodingAudit ScotlandLikely between August and October 2024
BV thematic work on workforce innovation - how councils are responding to workforce challengesAudit ScotlandOctober 2023 - September 2024
BV thematic work on transformation: How councils are redesigning services to maintain outcomes and deliver services more efficientlyAudit ScotlandOctober 2024 - September 2025
Argyll and Bute Council - Scrutiny programme
Scrutiny activityScrutiny body/bodiesFieldwork/engagement dates
A performance Audit on Building Resilience to floodingAudit ScotlandLikely between August and October 2024
National thematic inspection on Local Authority approaches to support school improvementEducation ScotlandEarly 2024/25 Academic Year
Carry out risk assessment and Homelessness duties structured conversationsScottish Housing RegulatorNovember 2024 - March 2025
BV thematic work on workforce innovation - how councils are responding to workforce challengesAudit ScotlandOctober 2023 - September 2024
BV thematic work on transformation: How councils are redesigning services to maintain outcomes and deliver services more efficientlyAudit ScotlandOctober 2024 - September 2025
Clackmannanshire Council - Scrutiny programme
Scrutiny activityScrutiny body/bodiesFieldwork/engagement dates
National thematic inspection on Local Authority approaches to support school improvementEducation ScotlandEarly 2024/25 Academic Year
Controller of Audit ReportAudit ScotlandMay 2024
Carry out risk assessment and Homelessness duties structured conversationsScottish Housing RegulatorNovember 2024 - March 2025
BV thematic work on workforce innovation - how councils are responding to workforce challengesAudit ScotlandOctober 2023 - September 2024
BV thematic work on transformation: How councils are redesigning services to maintain outcomes and deliver services more efficientlyAudit ScotlandOctober 2024 - September 2025
Dumfries and Galloway Council - Scrutiny programme
Scrutiny activityScrutiny body/bodiesFieldwork/engagement dates
A performance Audit on Building Resilience to floodingAudit ScotlandLikely between August and October 2024
National thematic inspection on Local Authority approaches to support school improvementEducation ScotlandEarly 2024/25 Academic Year
Carry out risk assessment and Homelessness duties structured conversationsScottish Housing RegulatorNovember 2024 - March 2025
BV thematic work on workforce innovation - how councils are responding to workforce challengesAudit ScotlandOctober 2023 - September 2024
BV thematic work on transformation: How councils are redesigning services to maintain outcomes and deliver services more efficientlyAudit ScotlandOctober 2024 - September 2025
A performance Audit on Sustainable TransportAudit ScotlandMarch 2024
Dundee City Council - Scrutiny programme
Scrutiny activityScrutiny body/bodiesFieldwork/engagement dates
National thematic inspection on Local Authority approaches to support school improvementEducation ScotlandEarly 2024/25 Academic Year
Carry out risk assessment and Homelessness duties structured conversationsScottish Housing RegulatorNovember 2024 - March 2025
BV thematic work on workforce innovation - how councils are responding to workforce challengesAudit ScotlandOctober 2023 - September 2024
BV thematic work on transformation: How councils are redesigning services to maintain outcomes and deliver services more efficientlyAudit ScotlandOctober 2024 - September 2025
East Ayrshire Council - Scrutiny programme
Scrutiny activityScrutiny body/bodiesFieldwork/engagement dates
National thematic inspection on Local Authority approaches to support school improvementEducation ScotlandEarly 2024/25 Academic Year
Carry out risk assessment and Homelessness duties structured conversationsScottish Housing RegulatorNovember 2024 - March 2025
BV thematic work on workforce innovation - how councils are responding to workforce challengesAudit ScotlandOctober 2023 - September 2024
BV thematic work on transformation: How councils are redesigning services to maintain outcomes and deliver services more efficientlyAudit ScotlandOctober 2024 - September 2025
East Dunbartonshire Council - Scrutiny programme
Scrutiny activityScrutiny body/bodiesFieldwork/engagement dates
National thematic inspection on Local Authority approaches to support school improvementEducation ScotlandEarly 2024/25 Academic Year
Carry out risk assessment and Homelessness duties structured conversationsScottish Housing RegulatorNovember 2024 - March 2025
BV thematic work on workforce innovation - how councils are responding to workforce challengesAudit ScotlandOctober 2023 - September 2024
BV thematic work on transformation: How councils are redesigning services to maintain outcomes and deliver services more efficientlyAudit ScotlandOctober 2024 - September 2025
East Lothian Council - Scrutiny programme
Scrutiny activityScrutiny body/bodiesFieldwork/engagement dates
Children Inspection ServiceEducation ScotlandApril 2024
National thematic inspection on Local Authority approaches to support school improvementEducation ScotlandEarly 2024/25 Academic Year
Carry out risk assessment and Homelessness duties structured conversationsScottish Housing RegulatorNovember 2024 - March 2025
BV thematic work on workforce innovation - how councils are responding to workforce challengesAudit ScotlandOctober 2023 - September 2024
BV thematic work on transformation: How councils are redesigning services to maintain outcomes and deliver services more efficientlyAudit ScotlandOctober 2024 - September 2025
East Renfrewshire Council - Scrutiny programme
Scrutiny activityScrutiny body/bodiesFieldwork/engagement dates
Controller of Audit ReportAudit ScotlandFebruary 2025
National thematic inspection on Local Authority approaches to support school improvementEducation ScotlandEarly 2024/25 Academic Year
Carry out risk assessment and Homelessness duties structured conversationsScottish Housing RegulatorNovember 2024 - March 2025
BV thematic work on workforce innovation - how councils are responding to workforce challengesAudit ScotlandOctober 2023 - September 2024
BV thematic work on transformation: How councils are redesigning services to maintain outcomes and deliver services more efficientlyAudit ScotlandOctober 2024 - September 2025
City of Edinburgh Council - Scrutiny programme
Scrutiny activityScrutiny body/bodiesFieldwork/engagement dates
Controller of Audit ReportAudit ScotlandOctober 2024
National thematic inspection on Local Authority approaches to support school improvementEducation ScotlandEarly 2024/25 Academic Year
Carry out risk assessment and Homelessness duties structured conversationsScottish Housing RegulatorNovember 2024 - March 2025
Onsite visit to police divisions to explore partnership workingHis Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS)April 2024
BV thematic work on workforce innovation - how councils are responding to workforce challengesAudit ScotlandOctober 2023 - September 2024
BV thematic work on transformation: How councils are redesigning services to maintain outcomes and deliver services more efficientlyAudit ScotlandOctober 2024 - September 2025
A performance Audit on Sustainable TransportAudit ScotlandMay 2024
Eilean Siar - Scrutiny programme
Scrutiny activityScrutiny body/bodiesFieldwork/engagement dates
National thematic inspection on Local Authority approaches to support school improvementEducation ScotlandEarly 2024/25 Academic Year
Carry out risk assessment and Homelessness duties structured conversationsScottish Housing RegulatorNovember 2024 - March 2025
Onsite visit to police divisions to explore partnership workingHis Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS)April 2024
BV thematic work on workforce innovation - how councils are responding to workforce challengesAudit ScotlandOctober 2023 - September 2024
BV thematic work on transformation: How councils are redesigning services to maintain outcomes and deliver services more efficientlyAudit ScotlandOctober 2024 - September 2025
Falkirk Council - Scrutiny programme
Scrutiny activityScrutiny body/bodiesFieldwork/engagement dates
Controller of Audit ReportAudit ScotlandAugust 2024
National thematic inspection on Local Authority approaches to support school improvementEducation ScotlandEarly 2024/25 Academic Year
Carry out risk assessment and Homelessness duties structured conversationsScottish Housing RegulatorNovember 2024 - March 2025
BV thematic work on workforce innovation - how councils are responding to workforce challengesAudit ScotlandOctober 2023 - September 2024
BV thematic work on transformation: How councils are redesigning services to maintain outcomes and deliver services more efficientlyAudit ScotlandOctober 2024 - September 2025
Fife Council - Scrutiny programme
Scrutiny activityScrutiny body/bodiesFieldwork/engagement dates
Controller of Audit ReportAudit ScotlandDecember 2024
National thematic inspection on Local Authority approaches to support school improvementEducation ScotlandEarly 2024/25 Academic Year
Carry out risk assessment and Homelessness duties structured conversationsScottish Housing RegulatorNovember 2024 - March 2025
BV thematic work on workforce innovation - how councils are responding to workforce challengesAudit ScotlandOctober 2023 - September 2024
BV thematic work on transformation: How councils are redesigning services to maintain outcomes and deliver services more efficientlyAudit ScotlandOctober 2024 - September 2025
Glasgow City Council - Scrutiny programme
Scrutiny activityScrutiny body/bodiesFieldwork/engagement dates
A performance Audit on Building Resilience to floodingAudit ScotlandLikely between August and October 2024
National thematic inspection on Local Authority approaches to support school improvementEducation ScotlandEarly 2024/25 Academic Year
Carry out risk assessment and Homelessness duties structured conversationsScottish Housing RegulatorNovember 2024 - March 2025
BV thematic work on workforce innovation - how councils are responding to workforce challengesAudit ScotlandOctober 2023 - September 2024
BV thematic work on transformation: How councils are redesigning services to maintain outcomes and deliver services more efficientlyAudit ScotlandOctober 2024 - September 2025
A performance Audit on Sustainable TransportAudit ScotlandMarch 2024
Highlands Council - Scrutiny programme
Scrutiny activityScrutiny body/bodiesFieldwork/engagement dates
Controller of Audit ReportAudit ScotlandNovember 2024
National thematic inspection on Local Authority approaches to support school improvementEducation ScotlandEarly 2024/25 Academic Year
Carry out risk assessment and Homelessness duties structured conversationsScottish Housing RegulatorNovember 2024 - March 2025
Onsite visit to police divisions to explore partnership workingHis Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS)April 2024
BV thematic work on workforce innovation - how councils are responding to workforce challengesAudit ScotlandOctober 2023 - September 2024
BV thematic work on transformation: How councils are redesigning services to maintain outcomes and deliver services more efficientlyAudit ScotlandOctober 2024 - September 2025
Inverclyde Council - Scrutiny programme
Scrutiny activityScrutiny body/bodiesFieldwork/engagement dates
National thematic inspection on Local Authority approaches to support school improvementEducation ScotlandEarly 2024/25 Academic Year
Carry out risk assessment and Homelessness duties structured conversationsScottish Housing RegulatorNovember 2024 - March 2025
BV thematic work on workforce innovation - how councils are responding to workforce challengesAudit ScotlandOctober 2023 - September 2024
BV thematic work on transformation: How councils are redesigning services to maintain outcomes and deliver services more efficientlyAudit ScotlandOctober 2024 - September 2025
Midlothian Council - Scrutiny programme
Scrutiny activityScrutiny body/bodiesFieldwork/engagement dates
National thematic inspection on Local Authority approaches to support school improvementEducation ScotlandEarly 2024/25 Academic Year
Carry out risk assessment and Homelessness duties structured conversationsScottish Housing RegulatorNovember 2024 - March 2025
BV thematic work on workforce innovation - how councils are responding to workforce challengesAudit ScotlandOctober 2023 - September 2024
BV thematic work on transformation: How councils are redesigning services to maintain outcomes and deliver services more efficientlyAudit ScotlandOctober 2024 - September 2025
Moray Council - Scrutiny programme
Scrutiny activityScrutiny body/bodiesFieldwork/engagement dates
A performance Audit on Building Resilience to floodingAudit ScotlandLikely between August and October 2024
Children Inspection ServiceEducation ScotlandNovember 2024
National thematic inspection on Local Authority approaches to support school improvementEducation ScotlandEarly 2024/25 Academic Year
Carry out risk assessment and Homelessness duties structured conversationsScottish Housing RegulatorNovember 2024 - March 2025
BV thematic work on workforce innovation - how councils are responding to workforce challengesAudit ScotlandOctober 2023 - September 2024
BV thematic work on transformation: How councils are redesigning services to maintain outcomes and deliver services more efficientlyAudit ScotlandOctober 2024 - September 2025
North Ayrshire Council - Scrutiny programme
Scrutiny activityScrutiny body/bodiesFieldwork/engagement dates
National thematic inspection on Local Authority approaches to support school improvementEducation ScotlandEarly 2024/25 Academic Year
Carry out risk assessment and Homelessness duties structured conversationsScottish Housing RegulatorNovember 2024 - March 2025
BV thematic work on workforce innovation - how councils are responding to workforce challengesAudit ScotlandOctober 2023 - September 2024
BV thematic work on transformation: How councils are redesigning services to maintain outcomes and deliver services more efficientlyAudit ScotlandOctober 2024 - September 2025
North Lanarkshire Council - Scrutiny programme
Scrutiny activityScrutiny body/bodiesFieldwork/engagement dates
National thematic inspection on Local Authority approaches to support school improvementEducation ScotlandEarly 2024/25 Academic Year
Carry out risk assessment and Homelessness duties structured conversationsScottish Housing RegulatorNovember 2024 - March 2025
Onsite visit to police divisions to explore partnership workingHis Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS)March 2024
BV thematic work on workforce innovation - how councils are responding to workforce challengesAudit ScotlandOctober 2023 - September 2024
BV thematic work on transformation: How councils are redesigning services to maintain outcomes and deliver services more efficientlyAudit ScotlandOctober 2024 - September 2025
Orkney Islands Council - Scrutiny programme
Scrutiny activityScrutiny body/bodiesFieldwork/engagement dates
National thematic inspection on Local Authority approaches to support school improvementEducation ScotlandEarly 2024/25 Academic Year
Carry out risk assessment and Homelessness duties structured conversationsScottish Housing RegulatorNovember 2024 - March 2025
Onsite visit to police divisions to explore partnership workingHis Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS)April 2024
BV thematic work on workforce innovation - how councils are responding to workforce challengesAudit ScotlandOctober 2023 - September 2024
BV thematic work on transformation: How councils are redesigning services to maintain outcomes and deliver services more efficientlyAudit ScotlandOctober 2024 - September 2025
Perth and Kinross Council - Scrutiny programme
Scrutiny activityScrutiny body/bodiesFieldwork/engagement dates
National thematic inspection on Local Authority approaches to support school improvementEducation ScotlandEarly 2024/25 Academic Year
Carry out risk assessment and Homelessness duties structured conversationsScottish Housing RegulatorNovember 2024 - March 2025
BV thematic work on workforce innovation - how councils are responding to workforce challengesAudit ScotlandOctober 2023 - September 2024
BV thematic work on transformation: How councils are redesigning services to maintain outcomes and deliver services more efficientlyAudit ScotlandOctober 2024 - September 2025
A performance audit on sustainable TransportAudit ScotlandMay 2024
Renfrewshire Council - Scrutiny programme
Scrutiny activityScrutiny body/bodiesFieldwork/engagement dates
National thematic inspection on Local Authority approaches to support school improvementEducation ScotlandEarly 2024/25 Academic Year
Carry out risk assessment and Homelessness duties structured conversationsScottish Housing RegulatorNovember 2024 - March 2025
BV thematic work on workforce innovation - how councils are responding to workforce challengesAudit ScotlandOctober 2023 - September 2024
BV thematic work on transformation: How councils are redesigning services to maintain outcomes and deliver services more efficientlyAudit ScotlandOctober 2024 - September 2025
Scottish Borders Council - Scrutiny programme
Scrutiny activityScrutiny body/bodiesFieldwork/engagement dates
Controller of Audit ReportAudit ScotlandJanuary 2025
National thematic inspection on Local Authority approaches to support school improvementEducation ScotlandEarly 2024/25 Academic Year
Carry out risk assessment and Homelessness duties structured conversationsScottish Housing RegulatorNovember 2024 - March 2025
BV thematic work on workforce innovation - how councils are responding to workforce challengesAudit ScotlandOctober 2023 - September 2024
BV thematic work on transformation: How councils are redesigning services to maintain outcomes and deliver services more efficientlyAudit ScotlandOctober 2024 - September 2025
Shetland Islands Council - Scrutiny programme
Scrutiny activityScrutiny body/bodiesFieldwork/engagement dates
National thematic inspection on Local Authority approaches to support school improvementEducation ScotlandEarly 2024/25 Academic Year
Carry out risk assessment and Homelessness duties structured conversationsScottish Housing RegulatorNovember 2024 - March 2025
Onsite visit to police divisions to explore partnership workingHis Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS)April 2024
BV thematic work on workforce innovation - how councils are responding to workforce challengesAudit ScotlandOctober 2023 - September 2024
BV thematic work on transformation: How councils are redesigning services to maintain outcomes and deliver services more efficientlyAudit ScotlandOctober 2024 - September 2025
South Ayrshire Council - Scrutiny programme
Scrutiny activityScrutiny body/bodiesFieldwork/engagement dates
National thematic inspection on Local Authority approaches to support school improvementEducation ScotlandEarly 2024/25 Academic Year
Carry out risk assessment and Homelessness duties structured conversationsScottish Housing RegulatorNovember 2024 - March 2025
BV thematic work on workforce innovation - how councils are responding to workforce challengesAudit ScotlandOctober 2023 - September 2024
BV thematic work on transformation: How councils are redesigning services to maintain outcomes and deliver services more efficientlyAudit ScotlandOctober 2024 - September 2025
South Lanarkshire Council - Scrutiny programme
Scrutiny activityScrutiny body/bodiesFieldwork/engagement dates
National thematic inspection on Local Authority approaches to support school improvementEducation ScotlandEarly 2024/25 Academic Year
Carry out risk assessment and Homelessness duties structured conversationsScottish Housing RegulatorNovember 2024 - March 2025
Onsite visit to police divisions to explore partnership workingHis Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS)March 2024
BV thematic work on workforce innovation - how councils are responding to workforce challengesAudit ScotlandOctober 2023 - September 2024
BV thematic work on transformation: How councils are redesigning services to maintain outcomes and deliver services more efficientlyAudit ScotlandOctober 2024 - September 2025
Stirling Council - Scrutiny programme
Scrutiny activityScrutiny body/bodiesFieldwork/engagement dates
National thematic inspection on Local Authority approaches to support school improvementEducation ScotlandEarly 2024/25 Academic Year
Carry out risk assessment and Homelessness duties structured conversationsScottish Housing RegulatorNovember 2024 - March 2025
BV thematic work on workforce innovation - how councils are responding to workforce challengesAudit ScotlandOctober 2023 - September 2024
BV thematic work on transformation: How councils are redesigning services to maintain outcomes and deliver services more efficientlyAudit ScotlandOctober 2024 - September 2025
West Dunbartonshire Council - Scrutiny programme
Scrutiny activityScrutiny body/bodiesFieldwork/engagement dates
Controller of Audit ReportAudit ScotlandJune 2024
National thematic inspection on Local Authority approaches to support school improvementEducation ScotlandEarly 2024/25 Academic Year
Carry out risk assessment and Homelessness duties structured conversationsScottish Housing RegulatorNovember 2024 - March 2025
BV thematic work on workforce innovation - how councils are responding to workforce challengesAudit ScotlandOctober 2023 - September 2024
BV thematic work on transformation: How councils are redesigning services to maintain outcomes and deliver services more efficientlyAudit ScotlandOctober 2024 - September 2025
West Lothian Council - Scrutiny programme
Scrutiny activityScrutiny body/bodiesFieldwork/engagement dates
National thematic inspection on Local Authority approaches to support school improvementEducation ScotlandEarly 2024/25 Academic Year
Carry out risk assessment and Homelessness duties structured conversationsScottish Housing RegulatorNovember 2024 - March 2025
BV thematic work on workforce innovation - how councils are responding to workforce challengesAudit ScotlandOctober 2023 - September 2024
BV thematic work on transformation: How councils are redesigning services to maintain outcomes and deliver services more efficientlyAudit ScotlandOctober 2024 - September 2025

Sharing intelligence

Shared Risk Assessment (SRA)

Scrutiny bodies share intelligence and agree scrutiny risks in each of Scotland's 32 councils using the shared risk assessment process (SRA). The process is designed to identify where we think scrutiny will make the most difference in terms of helping councils to improve and providing assurance to the public. It also provides a focus for more coordinated engagement between councils and scrutiny bodies.

Local government scrutiny bodies work together through local area networks (LANs) to share local intelligence and to carry out the SRA process. There are 32 LANs, one for each council area. The LAN is led by the council's appointed auditor.

The Sharing Intelligence for Health and Social Care Group

Data about health and social care services is shared and considered by the Sharing Intelligence for Health and Social Care Group. Audit Scotland works with the Care Inspectorate, Healthcare Improvement Scotland, the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland, NHS Education for Scotland, Public Health Scotland and Scottish Public Services Ombudsman on this group which aims to:

Scrutiny collaboration

A wide range of our work is carried out collaboratively, for example joint inspections of services for children and young people and joint inspections of adult support and protection services. The SSG is committed to this approach and plans to explore broader opportunities for scrutiny collaboration around important issues facing councils and the public, where all scrutiny bodies have an interest.

Reports

Covid-19 Strategic Scrutiny Group

Covid-19 has changed our lives. Responding to it has changed how public services are delivered and how we scrutinise them.

This paper, from the Strategic Scrutiny Group, sets out: key areas of risk facing the sectors we scrutinise; how we have adapted our approaches to scrutiny in response to Covid-19; how we plan to capitalise on the advances made in our working practices and how we can build on the increased joint-working that has taken place.

Principles for community empowerment

Principles for community empowerment

The Principles for community empowerment document, from the Strategic Scrutiny Group aims to raise awareness of community empowerment and promote such a shared understanding across scrutiny bodies to support high-quality scrutiny of community empowerment.