Scrutiny Board

The Scrutiny Board is responsible for scrutinising delivery of the Regional Economic Strategy (RES) and in particular the work of Yorkshire Forward, the Regional Development Agency. Its work is about making sure that the activities undertaken by Yorkshire Forward are the right ones for the region, supporting Yorkshire Forward and other regional bodies to become more accountable.

What does it do?

The Scrutiny Board undertakes scrutiny activity on behalf of the full Assembly, it:

• Reviews specific areas of activity set out in the Regional Economic Strategy and makes recommendations;
• Seeks to engage with a wide variety of regional stakeholders, harnessing their knowledge and experience to ensure that scrutiny recommendations are robust and demonstrably improve the quality and impact of work to deliver the Regional Economic Strategy;
• Monitors the implementation of the agreed actions by Yorkshire Forward;
• Reports to the Assembly on the progress and impact of scrutiny activity;
• Works closely with the Regional Sustainable Development Board to ensure that sustainable development issues (including quality of life and social inclusion) are addressed in the scrutiny process; and
• Considers, develops and implements mechanisms by which other regional bodies (including the Assembly) can become more accountable to the region.
  

Over the past year, the Scrutiny Board has...

• Completed two reviews, into Employment issues, and the region’s Rural Economy;
• Monitored progress on action plans in relation to previous reviews into Employment and Innovation;
• Produced publications and developed communication/engagement innovations - including on-line consultation and targeted focus group meetings - to increase regional participation in scrutiny.

How does it work?

Formal scrutiny reviews - There are two formal scrutiny reviews each year. Both focus on priority areas within the RES and are agreed by the full Assembly. The Board undertakes the review by commissioning research and seeking the views of stakeholders to identify key lines of enquiry. Sometimes they co-opt experts to help with this work. The key lines of enquiry are discussed with Yorkshire Forward Board Members at a public meeting. The Scrutiny Board then brings all the information together and makes a series of recommendations. Finally, an action plan is agreed and the Scrutiny Board monitors how Yorkshire Forward delivers the recommendations over the following year.

Regional accountability – The Board is also responsible for considering how scrutiny and accountability might be broadened across the region and developing ways of undertaking this work.

How often does it meet?

The Scrutiny Board holds three business meetings each year, with additional meetings for each review. All meeting agendas, papers and minutes are available from the Assembly website. (Note: papers associated with scrutiny reviews will be confidential until approved and published by the Assembly).

What are the priorities this for this year?

• To complete two scrutiny reviews, the first being issues surrounding Climate Change in the region;
• To support the development of new regional scrutiny arrangements, both through Parliament and work in Yorkshire and Humber to be led by local government;
• To monitor delivery of Yorkshire Forward’s action plans in relation to previous scrutiny reviews.
  

Who's involved?

The Scrutiny Board is made up of full Assembly members and is chaired by the Deputy Chair of the Assembly, Paul Jagger. If a review requires specialist knowledge there is the facility to co-opt two additional members.

Who supports the Scrutiny Board?

The work of the Scrutiny Board is supported by the Assembly Scrutiny Team led by Head of Service, Iain Lovell.