Archived decisions
POLICY REVIEW COMMITTEES
TERMS OF REFERENCE:
1. Policy & Resources :
Would have two roles:
· Coordinating Scrutiny:
_ To ensure resources of the scrutiny function are being effectively targeted
_ To ensure the outputs and outcomes of Scrutiny are having impact and being evaluated
_ To prioritise topics for scrutiny task & finish groups (thematic reviews) to create an annual work programme.
_ To identify where each thematic review on the work programme should be ratified.
_ To provide an annual report to Full Council outlining the effectiveness, outcomes and learning of the scrutiny function (i.e. PRCs and overall work programme).
· Scrutinising Corporate Functions:
Looking at how policies, services and decisions ensure effective use and management of all resources; how effectively is cross-cutting / corporate policy developed, implemented and performance evaluated and improved.
_ Efficiency; Human Resources; Partnership working (internal & external); Procurement; Financial Management (eg budget setting and monitoring, final accounts, capital programme, capital receipts); Asset& estate management; Information management (including records management); Communication; Use of IT; Health & Safety; Corporate policy & performance; Business Units.
_ Departments Covered:
_ Chief Executives (including HR)
_ Treasurers
_ PBRS (Property and Business particularly)
_ IT Services
_ R&H (Records Management)
_ Potentially whole organisation as a corporate entity
2. Children & Young People
Looking at how the needs and interests of children and young people are met by all departments, policies, services and decisions; and how performance is evaluated and improved.
· Universal, targeted and specialist services for children & young people: prevention & management of risk; social care; children's & young people's wellbeing; Education - supporting and enabling learning for all children & young people; internal and external partnership working re Children & Young People (i.e. Recreation & Heritage / Adult Services); supporting parents & families.
· Departments Covered:
_ Children's Services
_ Recreation & Heritage
_ Any other Department doing work with or impacting on Children or Young People
3. Safe & Healthy People:
Looking at how policies, services and decisions support safe, well, independent, and continuously developing people (adults and older persons).; how they are implemented and how performance is evaluated and improved.
· Working alongside the Health Overview & Scrutiny function with primary focus on how Hampshire County Council is contributing to delivering the Wellbeing agenda for adults; crime prevention; crime & disorder; adult social care; promoting independence & quality of life for older people, healthy & safe families; Regulatory Services
· Departments Covered:
_ Adult Services
_ Chief Executives
_ Recreation & Heritage
_ PBRS (particularly Regulatory Services)
_ Any other relevant functions in other Departments
4. Culture & Communities:
Looking at how policies, services and decisions support thriving culture and sustainable, inclusive communities; how they are implemented and how performance is evaluated and improved.
· Culture & recreation; heritage; economic development; community development; developing sustainable communities; supporting diversity & inclusion; community engagement & consultation; lifelong learning for adults
· Departments Covered:
_ Recreation & Heritage
_ Chief Executives
_ Adult Services
_ Environment
_ Any other relevant functions in other Departments
5. Environment & Transportation:
Looking at how policies, services and decisions support a positive and sustainable environment, accessibility to services for all and effective management of natural resources; how they are implemented and how performance is evaluated and improved.
· Passenger transport; transport policy; road infrastructure; access; protection of the environment; sustainable development; climate change; land management; waste management.
· Departments Covered:
_ Environment
_ Recreation & Heritage
_ Children's Services
_ Adult Services
DEVELOPING THE SCRUTINY FUNCTION:
The informal group currently existing could continue meeting two or three times a year with scrutiny officers and take a monitoring / developmental role to check that everything is delivering what it should, to suggest any improvements to the way we are working and to support PRC Chairmen in developing their work effectively.