The Guiding Principles of Overview and Scrutiny
The key local principles forming the foundation of the overview
and scrutiny function at Dover District Council are as follows:
1. The focus for scrutiny must be based upon the achievement of
outcomes rather than upon process and procedures in order to
develop a function that can make a real difference to the Council
and the district.
2. That Overview and Scrutiny be positive, objective and
constructive, seeking to add value to any service that it
considers. Scrutiny should acknowledge good practice where found
and recommend improvements where necessary.
3. It is essential that the Council has an active and
challenging scrutiny function that reflects corporate
priorities regarding the provision of services.
The Four Principles of Good Scrutiny
As a matter of good practice, the Overview and Scrutiny
function at Dover District Council incorporates the Four Principles
outlined by the Centre for Public Scrutiny in all its work.
1. “To provide a ‘critical friend’ challenge to
executive policy-makers and decision-makers”
- Clarity of purpose
- Constructive, Robust and Purposeful Challenge
- A Constructive Working Relationship with executive colleagues
including external bodies
- Be open, transparent and inclusive in its actions
2. “Enable the voice and concerns of the public and its
community”
- Ensuring an ongoing dialogue with the public to create an
‘accountability relationship’
- Representing and engaging diverse communities and addressing
inequalities where they exist in the district.
- Promoting public understanding of the scrutiny role
3. “Independent minded governors’ should lead and own
the scrutiny process”
- Champions of the value and potential for good public scrutiny
as the vehicle for public accountability
- Active engagement of non-executive committee members in a
scrutiny role
- Ensure adequate public accountability and community
leadership
4. “Drive improvement in public services”
- Promote community wellbeing and improve the quality of
life
- Harness public concern as a lever for addressing wider
issues
- Co-ordinate reviews of policy and service performance in line
with strategic objectives
Contact Scrutiny
Telephone: 01304 872304
E-mail: scrutiny@dover.gov.uk
