Review of Scrutiny Activity 2004 – 2006, Scrutiny Protocol and the Scrutiny Programme Ian Munro Chair of the Scrutiny Panel

Presentation Overview Scrutiny activity Engagement and participation Review outcomes and impact Independent review of scrutiny Changes to scrutiny protocol Scrutiny forward plan

Scrutiny Activity Topics examined by the Scrutiny Panel: Broadband Business development Tourism Sustainable energy

Regional Strategic Reviews – trends in participation

Regional Strategic Review – wider engagement Interviews Focus groups Academics and experts Senior professionals and practitioners

Broadband Regional Strategic Review Outcomes and Impact – Recommendations on the strategic development and policies surrounding the application of broadband technologies – Addressing issues of social exclusion, skills, spatial planning and business competitiveness – Partnership arrangements in the public sector for the roll-out of technologies

Business Development Regional Strategic Review Outcomes and Impact – Raised profile for business development and related issues – Influenced Government policy at a critical stage for departments and in light of an increasing role for SWRDA – Improved clarity and vision on plans for business development in the region.

Tourism Regional Strategic Review Outcomes and Impact – Recommendations to reduce fragmentation of support and duplication of effort – Value for money through coordinated effort – Better understanding of the split responsibility for tourism – Greater ownership and endorsement of the Towards 2015 Tourism Strategy

Independent review – How well are we doing? Arup and partners conducted independent review of SWRA scrutiny activity focused on: – Improving the overall approach – Ensuring adequate resources – Exploring wider engagement of regional players Arup reported that when compared nationally SWRA had: – Made significant progress in collaborative working – Pioneered the Scrutiny Protocol approach – Engaged stakeholders innovatively – Successfully used different techniques for gathering evidence

Independent review – What could we improve? Arup recommended that reviews should: – Engage and not scrutinise regional partners – Focus primarily on connecting regional issues and agendas – Involvement/engagement of the SWRDA Board – Be flexible in the forward plan for topic selection – Produce distinctive reports which reflect the evidence gathered during the review process

Independent review – How we will improve Improvements to the scrutiny protocol : Clarity on how scrutiny relates to other SWRDA monitoring and evaluation activity Improvements in the process for following up scrutiny recommendations and reports Appointment of a lead SWRDA Board member for scrutiny Flexibility in the identification and timing of topics for review

Scrutiny Forward Plan Next review topic: Quality of Employment Opportunity Topics in reserve include: Transport Cities and Regions ….and will be flexible, responsive and timely as the region requires