Overview and Scrutiny

The Overview and Scrutiny function is at the heart of a Councillor's role as an elected representative. In this section you will find details about the Overview and Scrutiny Boards and their reviews and documents, as well as find out how you can get involved. Find out more via the links on the right hand side of this page.  

What is Overview and Scrutiny?

The Council currently has five Overview & Scrutiny Boards, each one responsible for specific areas of activity, further details of which can be found by following the links below. Some of the Boards' most recent work can be found on the document links opposite.

In brief, the roles of Overview and Scrutiny are:

• Holding the Cabinet to account, particularly in meeting Corporate Priorities
• Policy review and development
• External scrutiny of other local organisations
• Performance management and review (including Best Value and CPA)
• Examining matters of particular concern either within the Council or within  the community

In holding the Council’s Executive to account, Overview & Scrutiny can 'call-in' a decision which has been made but not yet implemented. Subject to certain safeguards, this allows a separate group of Councillors to consider whether a decision has been made properly and that the decision maker has considered all relevant factors.

The Overview and Scrutiny structure aims to support the Council in making its Vision a reality and achieving its aims and key priorities. Overview & Scrutiny has adopted a 'Critical Friend' relationship with the Cabinet, with a view to improving outcomes for local people. It is a powerful tool in supporting the Council's community leadership role, by reviewing matters of concern to the community and allowing local people and organisations to be involved in its work.

Its focus should be on strategic issues and the community perspective rather than day to day operational service matters. The work undertaken by each of the Scrutiny Boards can be found in the Boards' agendas and work plans.

The Boards

The Council has set up an Overview and Scrutiny Management Board and four Scrutiny Boards:

• Education, Children and Young People Scrutiny Board
• Economic Development & Regeneration Scrutiny Board 
• Neighbourhood Services Scrutiny Board
• Healthier Communities Scrutiny Board

The Healthier Communities Scrutiny Board undertakes the statutory Health Scrutiny role contained in the Health & Social Care Act 2001. Click here for more information.

Can you get involved?

Overview and Scrutiny would welcome your involvement. If you are interested in a particular item and wish to speak at a Board Meeting, you must contact the Scrutiny Officer at least 48 hours before the meeting or use the Submit Your Views about Council Scrutiny form.

We aim to publish the work plans for each of the Scrutiny Boards. If you want to be involved in a scrutiny review please contact the Scrutiny Officer and explain which piece of work is of interest to you and what you can offer in terms of knowledge or expertise that will assist with this piece of work. It will then be the decision of the Scrutiny Board as to whether they receive evidence/information from you.

Scrutiny is always looking for new expert witnesses to inform Councillors about particular issues so please consider what expertise you have and whether you would be willing to get involved in the scrutiny process.

Another way for members of the public to get involved in the Scrutiny process is by suggesting a specific piece of work you would like the Board to undertake. Suggestions can be made by filling in a Scrutiny Review Form which can be found on this website and sending it to Democratic Services at the Solihull Council House. Please be aware, however, that the decision to undertake pieces of work is at the individual Board's discretion and suggested topics may not always be taken up.

The role of a Scrutiny Board in considering a particular subject is to gather evidence, listen to members of the public and engage with stakeholders to enable Councillors to make a series of informed recommendations. It strives to be non-political and ensure that everyone is heard and positive outcomes for the Council and its partners are developed. Scrutiny is not about being confrontational nor is it about listening to complaints.  The Council has a separate complaints procedure

Please do think about attending a Scrutiny Board whether that is to observe the proceedings or by becoming an expert witness. Notes are available on what you can expect if you attend a meeting.

Contact

If you require any further information then please contact Democratic Services

Telephone: 0121 704 6079

Email: democraticservices@solihull.gov.uk