The scrutiny review process

As part of our commitment to examine issues of concern to local people, our scrutiny panels carry out in-depth reviews of local issues.

Our aim is to identify local issues, investigate problems, and develop better policy and service options as a result of our research findings.

How Scrutiny reviews work

Each year, scrutiny reviews are scheduled into the annual work programme for our Overview and Scrutiny Committee and scrutiny panels.

Scrutiny bodies conduct reviews by gathering evidence on the topics they are investigating from local people and external organisations.

The panel usually begins by asking for contributors to send in written evidence on the topic that is being investigated.

Some contributors may then asked to speak at special review meetings.

Findings

Once the written and oral information on the review topic has been gathered, the scrutiny body brings all the findings together into a formal report with recommendations for improvement.

This report will be referred to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Once satisfied, the committee will send the report to the Royal Borough of Greenwich's Chief Executive, who will prepare a response to be considered by Cabinet. 

Recommendations

The scrutiny body which carried out the review will monitor the implementation of the recommendations agreed by Cabinet and the outcomes achieved.

Current and past reviews

The Royal Borough of Greenwich has a very good reputation for conducting reviews into issues of local concern. The majority of the reviews that we have carried out have been in direct response to concerns raised by the public.