These are small groups which are set up by the main Committee for in-depth scrutiny work. Working groups add significantly to the Committee’s ability to scrutinise particular policy or service areas and to make an impact on the performance of local services. 

The main Committee will:

• appoint the members of the working party
• appoint a Chairman (or agree that the working group will appoint its own)
• provide clear terms of reference and a timescale (with a finish date for reporting back to the parent scrutiny committee)

The working group will develop its own work programme, within the terms of reference provided by the Committee, and report back on progress to the parent scrutiny committee from time to time as appropriate.

In order to develop its work programme, the working group will identify:

• what questions need to be asked in order to address the terms of reference
• additional attendees (including service users) who need to be notified and invited to contribute
• other potential sources of evidence such as expert advice, comparative information from other councils
• visits and consultation activities

The working group will present a written report of its findings and recommendations to the main scrutiny committee for its approval. The committee will then send the report (which will be presented by the Chairman) to the Cabinet for consideration and response.

The parent committee will be responsible for monitoring the implementation of recommendations, for example through six monthly update reports until all recommendations have been implemented to the satisfaction of the committee. Details of past and current working groups are currently being updated but if you have any queries please contact the Scrutiny Unit.