Submitting Evidence
When a “Scrutiny” on a particular matter is being undertaken by an Improvement Committee, a key part of the evidence gathering is to invite “interested parties” to submit their views and suggestions
This gathering of evidence is critical to the effectiveness of the scrutiny and is vital that it represents a wide range of views. Hence the Committee undertaking any particular scrutiny is very grateful for individuals or organisations that submit written evidence and hence contribute to the rigour and depth of the scrutiny.
The term “evidence” is used to cover any comments, facts or views about the matter of the scrutiny that the interested party may have and a copy of the Terms of Reference that were agreed by the Committee at the start of the scrutiny can be supplied on request. It is very helpful for any such evidence to cover any recommendations for action by the Council or others that the interested parties would like the Committee to consider for inclusion in its final report.
In detail the process is as follows:
- Through a press release or targeted letters, interested parties are invited to submit evidence on the subject of the scrutiny.
- All submitted evidence (i.e. any written documents/statements etc) is regarded as being in the public domain unless agreed otherwise with the committee.
- The committee considers all evidence in the preparation of the scrutiny report. Upon examination of the written submitted evidence, the committee may choose to invite certain interested parties to attend as witnesses at a public hearing to further discuss the subject of the scrutiny. A separate briefing note is available for people invited to appear as witnesses.
- The outcome of a “scrutiny” is a report from the Committee that is made public. This report will contain the findings and the recommendations of the committee. These recommendations may be directed to the Executive of the Council or to other external bodies/agencies.
Submitting written evidence to a scrutiny may well be a new experience for you. Any required support will be given and you can contact the officers who are supporting the scrutiny.
Providing Information
Local NHS bodies must provide information about the planning, provision and operation of health services to the committee responsible for the scrutiny of its service.
Officers from local authorities are encouraged to maintain close-working relationships with organisations to ensure clarity exists on the information required and timescales involved. To that end the Health Improvement Committee in partnership with Health organisations have developed a protocol which seeks to establish the roles each organisation plays in carrying out the health overview and scrutiny function (Health Improvement Committee)
Attendance at meetings and providing information
Providing sufficient notice is given, organisations have a duty to represent themselves at Improvement Committees and answer questions. The aim of attendance is to enable members of the committee to fulfil their functions – for example to understand why action has taken place and the options that have been considered.
