Issue - meetings

Report of the Director – Finance and Corporate Services

The Group were asked to consider and approve the draft Scrutiny Witness Guide, which had been developed to draw attention to the provisions outlined in the Council’s Constitution in relation to expert witnesses and Councillors contributing to scrutiny. It also sets the standards for involving witnesses in scrutiny to ensure that the different scrutiny groups are following the same procedures and the processes are transparent and easy for witnesses to follow.

The Service Manager – Corporate Services explained that the Guide aims to encourage expert witnesses to be more focused in the information presented to Scrutiny and the balance to be maintained between information provided and debate. In addition, the Scrutiny Witness Guide outlines how scrutiny works at Rushcliffe, who can speak at scrutiny and for how long, the nature of their involvement and what external speakers can expect both by way of support in advance of and during the meeting.

Councillors were complimentary of the proposals and expressed that the document provides a better understanding of who can be involved and sets out clear expectations for external speakers.

The Group suggested that provisions in case the technology fails should be considered in the guidance and that Chairmen be allowed some flexibility for effective scrutiny.

The Group noted that the Service Manager – Corporate Services would publicise the Scrutiny Witness Guide appropriately.

It was RESOLVED that the Corporate Overview Group approves the Scrutiny Witness Guide provided in Appendix One attached to the report.