Overview and scrutiny
The Overview and Scrutiny Committee provides independent democratic scrutiny of the Authority's work and, once the office is occupied, the Mayor. It examines major proposals, decisions, delivery and performance and can make recommendations for further action or explanation.
Scrutiny is separate from executive decision-making. Its purpose is to test evidence, challenge assumptions, examine whether decisions are producing the intended results and make the decision-making process more accountable.
Work programme and evidence
The committee can organise a work programme around matters within SHCSA's responsibilities. Its work may draw on Authority reports, financial information, performance evidence, programme information and evidence from relevant partners.
Where the governance framework provides for pre-decision scrutiny or call-in, those procedures allow scrutiny to examine qualifying decisions at the appropriate stage before the normal decision process is complete.
Recommendations and responses
Scrutiny can make recommendations where it identifies a concern, a gap in evidence or an opportunity to improve delivery. Recommendations and the Authority's formal response form part of the public accountability record, so people can see not only what scrutiny asked but what happened afterwards.
Scrutiny can also revisit an issue where new evidence, performance information or implementation experience shows that further examination is needed.
Public access and evidence
Scrutiny meetings and reports are published through the democratic-services system. Where external organisations, officers or portfolio holders provide evidence, the public record identifies the subject being examined and the evidence considered. Information that cannot lawfully be made public is handled under the rules on public access to information.
Audit and Governance Committee
The Audit and Governance Committee has a different role. It provides assurance on governance, risk, financial reporting, internal control and audit. It helps the Authority test whether its systems and controls are working properly and whether agreed recommendations are being followed through.
Standards and interests
The Authority maintains arrangements for members' interests, conflicts and standards of conduct. Declarations and relevant public records are published through the appropriate governance or meeting route.
Scrutiny support
The Statutory Scrutiny Officer supports the scrutiny function independently and provides advice to members and officers. Acting scrutiny-support arrangements are currently in place while the Authority completes its longer-term appointments.
Meetings and reports
Committee dates, agendas, reports, minutes, recommendations and responses are published through the meetings and decisions section as formal records are created.