North West Scrutiny Support Officers' Network Meeting

14th July 2008

Agenda

1. Notes of the Last Meeting

To receive for information, the notes of the last meeting of the Network held on 17th March 2008.

2. North West Employers Organisation

Liz McQue, Chief Executive of the North West Employers Organisation, has agreed to speak to the meeting about the current services and provision available through North West Employers that are especially relevant to scrutiny together with proposals for the future to meet changing circumstances. It will also be an opportunity to feedback to Liz views on future needs and how effective use can be made of training.

3. Health Scrutiny in the North West - Facing the Challenge Together

Network members are asked to give feedback on the above regional conference sponsored by the CfPS and NWEO  and chaired by Liz McQue that was held on 26th June 2008 and discuss the way forward for regional health scrutiny.

4. Local Government And Public Involvement In Health Act 2007 

Joanne Heron will report to the meeting on her attendance at a workshop organised by the Centre for Public Scrutiny and the Local Government Association on regulations and guidance for the above Act. This covered scrutiny of LAAs in two tier authorities where the county council is responsible for the LAA. Also whether Partners should be required to provide information in the form of documentation, or whether they should be required to actually attend meetings if requested.

5. Quality Benchmarking

At the last meeting consideration was given to the outline Quality Benchmarking Scheme for the North West and most of those present undertook a bench marking exercise.

Subsequently, the Quality Benchmarking information was sent out again for authorities to carry out the exercise and if they wished to inform Rob Haddrell (Oldham) of the outcome.

It is suggested that the exercise be discussed and feed back given on the exercise.

6. Arrangements for the Next Meeting