This course is available to junior lawyers at a discounted rate of £75 + VAT. Click here for more information.
Other dates will be arranged for 2025. To join the waiting list please email bookings@llg.org.uk
The political landscape in which overview and scrutiny committees operate has been subject to pressures from both communities and local residents, to ensure they focus on issues that are of concern to them. Recent Inquiries have highlighted the need for more and increased openness and transparency of decision making and robust scrutiny of those decisions. Alongside this is the demand placed on the scrutiny function for real time holding to account through increased use of social media and digital technologies.
Scrutiny during the Covid-19 pandemic presented further challenges and opportunities for adapted ways of delivering governance, some of which will be explored during the session.
Member relationships and cross-party issues can either help or hinder scrutiny outcomes. Whilst these, and other pressures, create many challenges for officers who lead, manage and support scrutiny committees, they also provide opportunities for ensuring that scrutiny work is effectively linked to local priorities and outcomes. This practical course will provide space for consideration of these matters, giving attendees the opportunity to engage with the speaker and with each other, share experience and ask questions.
The course will consider the context and different ways of delivering the OSC function and role in a complex governance and accountability framework. It will consider the complexities and challenges faced by officers who are delivering multiple roles supporting committees. Sessions will include:
The legislative context and guidance
Structures and systems in which overview and scrutiny is delivered
Political and organisational culture
Work programming
Good practice examples and case studies
The environment in which officers operate
Member officer roles and responsibilities
Looking forward- nationally and locally
Considering the implications of pandemic on practice
This workshop is for you if you are:
New to supporting overview and scrutiny
Want to explore how best to support scrutiny members
The Statutory Scrutiny Officer
Involved in committee, democratic work and want to broaden your role.
Service Lead: Governance, Risk & Assurance, West Yorkshire Combined Authority
Natalie has extensive governance experience. She is currently Service Lead: Governance, Risk & Assurance with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. This includes team managing information governance, committee services, internal governance, risk and security. As a peer reviewer for the LGA and associate with the Centre for Governance & Scrutiny she has conducted governance reviews in a wide range of authorities. This has included tackling systemic culture issues impacting governance. Natalie was previously Head of Scrutiny at a large shire authority her review work has covered all areas of the Council’s work and extensive scrutiny of the NHS. Natalie has led induction for new and returning councillors, national training for local government members and officers; and has mentored staff. She regularly delivers training for LLG that receives positive feedback from delegates for its insights and focus on practical solutions.
Director of Practice, Centre for Governance and Scrutiny
Camilla de Bernhardt Lane is the Director of Practice at the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny (CfGS), where she leads scrutiny and governance reviews for local authorities and not-for-profits to drive accountability and performance improvements. With two decades in the public sector, including as Head of Scrutiny at Devon County Council, she has delivered pioneering reviews, produced over 40 impactful reports on issues like problem gambling, armed forces support, and health systems.
Her achievements include an MSc in Policy Research, an MBA, and a Level 7 Senior Leader certification. Known for her creative leadership style, Camilla excels in policy development, securing funding, crafting national strategies, and driving research for measurable change.
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09:30 - 14:45
Online
