Get involved in Overview and Scrutiny
- How can I get involved in Overview and Scrutiny?
- When are the meetings and can I attend them?
- How can I submit evidence to an inquiry/review?
- How can I raise an issue/topic for inquiry?
- What if I’ve been asked to give evidence?
How can I get involved in Overview and Scrutiny?
For Overview and Scrutiny to be effective at Bracknell Forest, community involvement is vital. This will ensure that Councillors gain a clear and accurate view of the issues that are affecting the local community.
People can get involved in a number of ways:
- Through these web pages
- Attending Meetings
- Submitting evidence to an inquiry/review
- Raising an issue/topic for inquiry
- Contacting the Overview and Scrutiny Team
When are the meetings and can I attend them?
All Overview & Scrutiny meetings are open to the public unless otherwise stated (i.e. confidential matters are being discussed) and all members of the public are welcome to come along. By attending these meetings you can follow the progress of inquiries in person.
Meetings usually take place in the Council Chamber in Easthampstead House, Bracknell.
View details of the Scrutiny Meeting dates.
How can I submit evidence to an inquiry/review?
Written Evidence
Members of the public, community groups, or other key stakeholders are encouraged to submit written evidence to assist an inquiry. Written evidence provides individuals/groups the opportunity to potentially influence Council policy and the way services are delivered.
It would be helpful for any written submission to contain factual information from which conclusions can be drawn, and any suggested recommendations for action by the Council or others, which you would like considered by the Commission or Panel.
Written evidence may be published by the Commission or Panel along with the final report. If any part of the evidence is confidential or if you wish to remain anonymous please state this clearly in your submission.
Evidence can be submitted via email, or alternatively by post (address it to the committee chairman and send it to the relevant scrutiny officer).
In addition to formal written submissions, any comments on current inquiries can be sent by post or email to the Overview & Scrutiny Team.
Oral Evidence
Members of the public, community groups, and other key stakeholders may be invited to give evidence in person at an Overview & Scrutiny meeting. This gives commission/panel members a chance to discuss issues first hand with the experts or to allow witnesses to elaborate on written evidence.
Usually, oral evidence will only be sought from an individual or group who has/have already submitted written evidence however, in certain circumstances, this rule will be waived. In this situation, it will generally be more helpful to combine the oral evidence with a written brief that commission/panel members can study in advance of the meeting. This assists members in identifying the questions they wish to ask and makes for a more productive meeting.
For more information on giving evidence, please click below:
External Witness Guide (339kb)
How can I raise an issue/topic for inquiry?
The commission and panels welcome suggestions for topics of inquiries and will consider issues put forward by any members of the public, interest groups or local businesses. If you consider that an issue would warrant review, please refer to the points below to ensure that it is a suitable subject for Overview & Scrutiny.
Suggestions for inquiries must relate to issues that:
- affect a group or community of people living within the Borough;
- relate to a service, event or issue in which the Council has a significant stake or over which the Council has an influence;
- have not been considered by the Overview & Scrutiny during the last 12 months;
- do not relate to an individual service complaint;
- do not relate to matters dealt with by another Council committee, unless the issue concerns procedure.
If you would like to suggest an issue/topic for inquiry contact the Overview and Scrutiny Team using the contact details on the right or complete a Suggest a Topic for Inquiry Proforma.
What if I’ve been asked to give evidence?
Please click below for guidance on giving evidence:
- External Witness Guide (339kb)
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