Overview and Scrutiny was introduced as a new way of working by the Local Government Act 2000.  It was set up to address the relationship and balance of power between the Executive and non-executive members.  Scrutiny is a way for elected non-executive councillors to make a positive contribution and add value to effective decision making, and hold the decision makers to account.

the main roles for scrutiny are

 Holding the Executive to account

·        Challenge executive decisions before they are implemented through a 'call in' mechanism.

·        Scrutinisedecisions after they have been made and implemented

 Policy Review and Development

·        Assist in developing and improving key policies for the county council

·        Review an existing policy, how well it is carried out, and its impact

·        Conduct wide-ranging and cross-cutting reviews on priority issues

 Performance Review

·        Check service delivery to improve performance - anticipate and address poor performance

·        Play a key role in driving continuous performance

·        Monitor the performance of directorates, with a view to ensuring value for money

 External Scrutiny

·        Investigate the contributions made by external partners who's work links with the function of the county council

·        Enhance the community leadership role of councillors and promote the power of well-being