Overview and Scrutiny is a fundamental part of a local authority's political structure and it is very similar to the select committee process that operates in Parliament.

About the Process

The Overview and Scrutiny process is carried out on behalf of the people of Swindon, by Councillors, together with experts with specialist knowledge, stakeholders and other interested parties.  This is done by:

• Challenging the performance of service providers to raise standards, and ensuring that services meet people's needs;
• Holding the Council's decision makers to account;
• Examining issues which affect the well-being of the people of Swindon.

Annual Report

Each year we publish an annual report which details the work and achievements made by the Overview and Scrutiny function. The Report for 2009/10 is available as a downloadable PDF file:

Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2009-10 (110Kb)

Be Involved in Improving Swindon

You can get involved in the Overview and Scrutiny process in two ways: by suggesting a topic that you believe needs investigating, or by becoming part of an investigation itself.

Submit a Suggestion

Please use the online form to suggest a subject for review.

If you would prefer, you can download the paper form (pictured, right), complete that and then send it back to us post free. It is available as a downloadable pdf file:

Be involved in improving Swindon (437Kb)

Making Scrutiny More Effective

Following consultation with those involved in the Overview and Scrutiny function in Swindon, a Guide has been produced that will hopefully lead to better scrutiny, better policy development, better partnership working and a better Swindon.  

Download the Document

The Guide allows scrutineers, witnesses, officers, partners and the public to understand each others' views on what scrutiny is, and how it can be effective.  A copy of the document is available as a downloadable PDF file below:

Making Scrutiny More Effective for Swindon - Guide (320 Kb)

Further Information

More details about the democratic and scrutiny process is available in these websites:

• Centre for Public Scrutiny website (www.cfps.org.uk)
• Local Government Improvement and Development website (www.idea-knowledge.gov.uk)
• Communities and Local Government website (www.communities.gov.uk)
• Local Government Association website (www.lga.gov.uk)
• Directgov website (www.direct.gov.uk)