Pilot programme launched in bid to improve dialogue between chairs of scrutiny committees and chairs of audit committees

The organisations are calling for a small number of chairs with varying levels of experience to participate in the pilot.

The programme will focus on the core duties of the two committee types, relationships between members and officers, the skillset needed to be chair, and support arrangements available to committee members.

Discussion of these factors – key to the effectiveness of the scrutiny and audit functions – will lead to two outcomes, the CfGS said.

It added: "The first is the development by participants of plans for their own ongoing self-directed learning and development.

"The second is development of ideas for changes to practice in their own authorities, and tactics to bring those changes about." 

The pilot will divide participants into two cohorts, each comprising about 20 people, with a roughly equal number of audit and scrutiny chairs in each.

Applicants who are scrutiny chairs should be the current chair of whichever committee takes a lead on corporate finance issues. 

The deadline to apply is 3 October.

Details on how to apply can be found here.

Adam Carey