3.         OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY PANELS

3.1       (a)        The Overview and Scrutiny Commission shall establish such overview and scrutiny panels as it shall determine, currently including the following three panels:

·                      Education, Skills & Growth Overview and Scrutiny Panel

·                      Environment & Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel

·                      Wellbeing & Finance Overview and Scrutiny Panel

with terms of reference as set out below.  The Commission may discontinue any overview and scrutiny panel and/or appoint alternative or additional panels, subject to there being a minimum of the three standing panels.  The Commission may also amend the terms of reference of the panels as appropriate.

(b)        Where the Overview and Scrutiny Commission seeks to discontinue or appoint overview and scrutiny panels other than as set out in the Constitution, it may do so provided that it has consulted with interested parties, if appropriate.  Any change will be reported to the proper officer and then to the next meeting of the Council by the chairman of the Commission, so that the Constitution may be amended accordingly

3.2       Terms of Reference

The three above mentioned overview and scrutiny panels shall

(i)            conduct focussed enquiries and deep dive reviews across a wide range of topics which support the delivery of the Council’s objectives commissioned by the Overview and Scrutiny Commission from an agreed work-programme preparing such evidence-based reports and recommendations as it deems necessary.

(ii)           at the direction of the Overview and Scrutiny Commission:

·                    review and/or scrutinise decisions made or actions taken in connection with the discharge of any of the Council’s functions;

·                    consider any matter affecting the Borough or its residents or businesses.

(iii)          Where appropriate refer to the Overview and Scrutiny Commission any such issues, arising from the outcome of the scrutiny process, that it considers should be reported to Council.