Centre for Governance and Scrutiny
@cfgs.bsky.social
As leading charity and national centre of expertise, we are committed to empowering organisations with the tools and knowledge to enhance governance and scrutiny.
The very last chance to get 20 per cent off your ticket price for our Annual Conference in March 2026
At the end of today our offer closes, so visit now to avoid disappointment www.cfgs.org.uk/home/cfgs-an...
At the end of today our offer closes, so visit now to avoid disappointment www.cfgs.org.uk/home/cfgs-an...
December 31, 2025 at 9:01 AM
The very last chance to get 20 per cent off your ticket price for our Annual Conference in March 2026
At the end of today our offer closes, so visit now to avoid disappointment www.cfgs.org.uk/home/cfgs-an...
At the end of today our offer closes, so visit now to avoid disappointment www.cfgs.org.uk/home/cfgs-an...
⏰ There are just 10 days left to save 20% on your ticket for the CfGS Annual Conference 2026 – offer ends 31 December.
12 March 2026 | 📍 Millennium Point, Birmingham
Book your place now: www.cfgs.org.uk/home/cfgs-an... 
12 March 2026 | 📍 Millennium Point, Birmingham
Book your place now: www.cfgs.org.uk/home/cfgs-an... 
December 22, 2025 at 2:03 PM
⏰ There are just 10 days left to save 20% on your ticket for the CfGS Annual Conference 2026 – offer ends 31 December.
12 March 2026 | 📍 Millennium Point, Birmingham
Book your place now: www.cfgs.org.uk/home/cfgs-an... 
12 March 2026 | 📍 Millennium Point, Birmingham
Book your place now: www.cfgs.org.uk/home/cfgs-an... 
Free online learning event! The role of constitutions in democratic change
11:00-12:30 pm, Dec 17
Explore how to:
- check that your constitution still reflects current practice,
- remains easy to navigate,
- and supports councillors in their role
www.cfgs.org.uk/constitution...
11:00-12:30 pm, Dec 17
Explore how to:
- check that your constitution still reflects current practice,
- remains easy to navigate,
- and supports councillors in their role
www.cfgs.org.uk/constitution...
Learning event: The role of constitutions in democratic change
11am to 12.30pm, 17/12/2025
www.cfgs.org.uk
December 9, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Free online learning event! The role of constitutions in democratic change
11:00-12:30 pm, Dec 17
Explore how to:
- check that your constitution still reflects current practice,
- remains easy to navigate,
- and supports councillors in their role
www.cfgs.org.uk/constitution...
11:00-12:30 pm, Dec 17
Explore how to:
- check that your constitution still reflects current practice,
- remains easy to navigate,
- and supports councillors in their role
www.cfgs.org.uk/constitution...
The CfGS Annual Conference 2026 is your chance to:
✅ Hear from experts and innovators in governance and scrutiny
✅ Take part in interactive sessions and workshops
✅ Connect with peers from across local government
Early bird tickets 20% off until the end of 31 December.
Book now bit.ly/48jrTwn
✅ Hear from experts and innovators in governance and scrutiny
✅ Take part in interactive sessions and workshops
✅ Connect with peers from across local government
Early bird tickets 20% off until the end of 31 December.
Book now bit.ly/48jrTwn
CfGS Annual Conference 2026 - CfGS
Learning from yesterday, leading for tomorrow Thursday, 12 March 2026, Millennium Point, Birmingham B4 7AP CfGS’s annual conference in 2026 will be a special one – as we look back on 25 years of…
bit.ly
December 5, 2025 at 3:50 PM
The CfGS Annual Conference 2026 is your chance to:
✅ Hear from experts and innovators in governance and scrutiny
✅ Take part in interactive sessions and workshops
✅ Connect with peers from across local government
Early bird tickets 20% off until the end of 31 December.
Book now bit.ly/48jrTwn
✅ Hear from experts and innovators in governance and scrutiny
✅ Take part in interactive sessions and workshops
✅ Connect with peers from across local government
Early bird tickets 20% off until the end of 31 December.
Book now bit.ly/48jrTwn
👋 Free online learning event! The role of constitutions in democratic change
11:00 am to 12:30 pm, December 17, 2025
A council’s constitution should be a trusted guide for members and officers to understand how to things get done – vital at a time of change.
www.cfgs.org.uk/constitution...
11:00 am to 12:30 pm, December 17, 2025
A council’s constitution should be a trusted guide for members and officers to understand how to things get done – vital at a time of change.
www.cfgs.org.uk/constitution...
The role of constitutions in democratic change
With May elections coming, this free online event explores how constitutions work, can be kept up to date, and easy to use
www.cfgs.org.uk
December 5, 2025 at 11:24 AM
👋 Free online learning event! The role of constitutions in democratic change
11:00 am to 12:30 pm, December 17, 2025
A council’s constitution should be a trusted guide for members and officers to understand how to things get done – vital at a time of change.
www.cfgs.org.uk/constitution...
11:00 am to 12:30 pm, December 17, 2025
A council’s constitution should be a trusted guide for members and officers to understand how to things get done – vital at a time of change.
www.cfgs.org.uk/constitution...
At CfGS Annual Conference 2026 we'll mark 25 years of overview and scrutiny, we’ll ask how governance and scrutiny can help shape the next 25 years of local democracy.
Book before end of 31 December 2025 and save 20%
Find out more: www.cfgs.org.uk/home/cfgs-an...
Book before end of 31 December 2025 and save 20%
Find out more: www.cfgs.org.uk/home/cfgs-an...
CfGS Annual Conference 2026 - CfGS
Learning from yesterday, leading for tomorrow Thursday, 12 March 2026, Millennium Point, Birmingham B4 7AP CfGS’s annual conference in 2026 will be a special one – as we look back on 25 years of…
www.cfgs.org.uk
December 3, 2025 at 3:50 PM
At CfGS Annual Conference 2026 we'll mark 25 years of overview and scrutiny, we’ll ask how governance and scrutiny can help shape the next 25 years of local democracy.
Book before end of 31 December 2025 and save 20%
Find out more: www.cfgs.org.uk/home/cfgs-an...
Book before end of 31 December 2025 and save 20%
Find out more: www.cfgs.org.uk/home/cfgs-an...
@se13ed.bsky.social explains how government amendments to the English Devolution Bill will affect councils running the committee system - and why it means won't have to immediately move from the governance system
www.cfgs.org.uk/resource/exp...
www.cfgs.org.uk/resource/exp...
How the government is changing its planned end for the committee system
The English Devolution Bill includes provisions to end the committee system in England. But the government is changing who it affects and how
www.cfgs.org.uk
December 3, 2025 at 11:24 AM
@se13ed.bsky.social explains how government amendments to the English Devolution Bill will affect councils running the committee system - and why it means won't have to immediately move from the governance system
www.cfgs.org.uk/resource/exp...
www.cfgs.org.uk/resource/exp...
We’ve just been listening to Lord Heseltine at Holding Mayors to Account deliver the keynote- at @londonassembly.bsky.social
November 27, 2025 at 12:16 PM
We’ve just been listening to Lord Heseltine at Holding Mayors to Account deliver the keynote- at @londonassembly.bsky.social
We're looking for a Senior Governance Consultant to join our team, as we deliver more of our governance and scrutiny services to local government.
If this sounds like you, then follow the link to find a full job description and information on how you can apply....
www.cfgs.org.uk/join-cfgs-se...
If this sounds like you, then follow the link to find a full job description and information on how you can apply....
www.cfgs.org.uk/join-cfgs-se...
Join CfGS – Senior Governance Consultant
We are looking for someone to join the CfGS team to expand and develop the support we provide to the local government sector in England
www.cfgs.org.uk
November 27, 2025 at 9:00 AM
We're looking for a Senior Governance Consultant to join our team, as we deliver more of our governance and scrutiny services to local government.
If this sounds like you, then follow the link to find a full job description and information on how you can apply....
www.cfgs.org.uk/join-cfgs-se...
If this sounds like you, then follow the link to find a full job description and information on how you can apply....
www.cfgs.org.uk/join-cfgs-se...
Making sense of the money — join us on 19 Nov 2025 @ 11:00 GMT for our free online session: “Scrutiny of medium-term council finance”.
Book your place, join the conversation and share how scrutiny has an important role in corporate finance.
Book your place, join the conversation and share how scrutiny has an important role in corporate finance.
October 31, 2025 at 9:34 AM
Making sense of the money — join us on 19 Nov 2025 @ 11:00 GMT for our free online session: “Scrutiny of medium-term council finance”.
Book your place, join the conversation and share how scrutiny has an important role in corporate finance.
Book your place, join the conversation and share how scrutiny has an important role in corporate finance.
Reposted by Centre for Governance and Scrutiny
Are you a councillor thinking about how your role could change following LGR?
Join a free to attend event on 4 November featuring @jesstud.bsky.social, Mel Stevens of @cfgs.bsky.social and @catherinemangan.bsky.social
Find out more and sign up here 👇
www.lgcplus.com/politics/gov...
Join a free to attend event on 4 November featuring @jesstud.bsky.social, Mel Stevens of @cfgs.bsky.social and @catherinemangan.bsky.social
Find out more and sign up here 👇
www.lgcplus.com/politics/gov...
Free event – 21st Century Councillors
Councillors and council staff keen to influence the role of elected members following local government reorganisation are invited to share their views at a free event.
www.lgcplus.com
September 25, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Are you a councillor thinking about how your role could change following LGR?
Join a free to attend event on 4 November featuring @jesstud.bsky.social, Mel Stevens of @cfgs.bsky.social and @catherinemangan.bsky.social
Find out more and sign up here 👇
www.lgcplus.com/politics/gov...
Join a free to attend event on 4 November featuring @jesstud.bsky.social, Mel Stevens of @cfgs.bsky.social and @catherinemangan.bsky.social
Find out more and sign up here 👇
www.lgcplus.com/politics/gov...
Exciting new training opportunity for scrutiny officers!
CfGS has launched the Elevate Scrutiny Officer Leadership Training Programme - an initiative to support scrutiny officers who want to build their leadership skills and strategic confidence. Find out more here: www.cfgs.org.uk/elevate-pilo...
CfGS has launched the Elevate Scrutiny Officer Leadership Training Programme - an initiative to support scrutiny officers who want to build their leadership skills and strategic confidence. Find out more here: www.cfgs.org.uk/elevate-pilo...
August 22, 2025 at 12:47 PM
Exciting new training opportunity for scrutiny officers!
CfGS has launched the Elevate Scrutiny Officer Leadership Training Programme - an initiative to support scrutiny officers who want to build their leadership skills and strategic confidence. Find out more here: www.cfgs.org.uk/elevate-pilo...
CfGS has launched the Elevate Scrutiny Officer Leadership Training Programme - an initiative to support scrutiny officers who want to build their leadership skills and strategic confidence. Find out more here: www.cfgs.org.uk/elevate-pilo...
Navigating SEND Scrutiny – Shared Insights for Effective Scrutiny.
This free learning event is for councillors, officers and scrutiny practitioners who want to improve how they approach scrutiny of SEND services.
Find out more and sign up: www.cfgs.org.uk/navigating-s...
#SEND #Scrutiny
This free learning event is for councillors, officers and scrutiny practitioners who want to improve how they approach scrutiny of SEND services.
Find out more and sign up: www.cfgs.org.uk/navigating-s...
#SEND #Scrutiny
August 22, 2025 at 10:24 AM
Navigating SEND Scrutiny – Shared Insights for Effective Scrutiny.
This free learning event is for councillors, officers and scrutiny practitioners who want to improve how they approach scrutiny of SEND services.
Find out more and sign up: www.cfgs.org.uk/navigating-s...
#SEND #Scrutiny
This free learning event is for councillors, officers and scrutiny practitioners who want to improve how they approach scrutiny of SEND services.
Find out more and sign up: www.cfgs.org.uk/navigating-s...
#SEND #Scrutiny
Many councils face challenge in where audit ends and scrutiny begins. Our free online learning event, “Audit and Scrutiny – understanding the finance and risk governance divide” on 30th September, 11-12.30pm will help untangle these issues.
Book your place: www.cfgs.org.uk/shades-of-gr...
Book your place: www.cfgs.org.uk/shades-of-gr...
August 21, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Many councils face challenge in where audit ends and scrutiny begins. Our free online learning event, “Audit and Scrutiny – understanding the finance and risk governance divide” on 30th September, 11-12.30pm will help untangle these issues.
Book your place: www.cfgs.org.uk/shades-of-gr...
Book your place: www.cfgs.org.uk/shades-of-gr...
Navigating SEND Scrutiny – Shared Insights for Effective Scrutiny.
This free learning event is for councillors, officers and scrutiny practitioners who want to improve how they approach scrutiny of SEND services.
Find out more and sign up: www.cfgs.org.uk/navigating-s...
#SEND #Scrutiny
This free learning event is for councillors, officers and scrutiny practitioners who want to improve how they approach scrutiny of SEND services.
Find out more and sign up: www.cfgs.org.uk/navigating-s...
#SEND #Scrutiny
August 1, 2025 at 10:48 AM
Navigating SEND Scrutiny – Shared Insights for Effective Scrutiny.
This free learning event is for councillors, officers and scrutiny practitioners who want to improve how they approach scrutiny of SEND services.
Find out more and sign up: www.cfgs.org.uk/navigating-s...
#SEND #Scrutiny
This free learning event is for councillors, officers and scrutiny practitioners who want to improve how they approach scrutiny of SEND services.
Find out more and sign up: www.cfgs.org.uk/navigating-s...
#SEND #Scrutiny
Embedding Effective Scrutiny in Combined Authorities - free online learning event
Date: Wednesday 30 July 2025
Time: 11:00 am – 12:30 pm BST (Online)
Find out more and register here: www.cfgs.org.uk/embedding-ef...
#Scrutiny #CombinedAuthorities #Governance #CfGS #PublicSector #Democracy
Date: Wednesday 30 July 2025
Time: 11:00 am – 12:30 pm BST (Online)
Find out more and register here: www.cfgs.org.uk/embedding-ef...
#Scrutiny #CombinedAuthorities #Governance #CfGS #PublicSector #Democracy
July 28, 2025 at 9:05 AM
Embedding Effective Scrutiny in Combined Authorities - free online learning event
Date: Wednesday 30 July 2025
Time: 11:00 am – 12:30 pm BST (Online)
Find out more and register here: www.cfgs.org.uk/embedding-ef...
#Scrutiny #CombinedAuthorities #Governance #CfGS #PublicSector #Democracy
Date: Wednesday 30 July 2025
Time: 11:00 am – 12:30 pm BST (Online)
Find out more and register here: www.cfgs.org.uk/embedding-ef...
#Scrutiny #CombinedAuthorities #Governance #CfGS #PublicSector #Democracy
Check out our featured case study of transition from committee to cabinet governance model, with a bountiful basket of top tips from #BrightonHoveCouncil. Essential reading for others looking to do this as it's packed with learning. #GovernanceChange #LocalGovScrutiny #ResidentFocused
July 21, 2025 at 12:06 PM
Check out our featured case study of transition from committee to cabinet governance model, with a bountiful basket of top tips from #BrightonHoveCouncil. Essential reading for others looking to do this as it's packed with learning. #GovernanceChange #LocalGovScrutiny #ResidentFocused
Our deputy CEO Ed Hammond says that developing the right form of scrutiny for mayors means thinking about the system of place governance we're creating as a result of the government's plans for English Devolution.
www.cfgs.org.uk/there-are-di...
www.cfgs.org.uk/there-are-di...
June 26, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Our deputy CEO Ed Hammond says that developing the right form of scrutiny for mayors means thinking about the system of place governance we're creating as a result of the government's plans for English Devolution.
www.cfgs.org.uk/there-are-di...
www.cfgs.org.uk/there-are-di...
We'll be at the LGA Conference, starting on Tuesday next week. If you're there make sure to come and find us at stand A46, where at least one of our team of
- Mel Stevens
- Sarah Fenn
- Ed Hammond and
- Andrew Brightwell
will be!
- Mel Stevens
- Sarah Fenn
- Ed Hammond and
- Andrew Brightwell
will be!
June 25, 2025 at 2:50 PM
We'll be at the LGA Conference, starting on Tuesday next week. If you're there make sure to come and find us at stand A46, where at least one of our team of
- Mel Stevens
- Sarah Fenn
- Ed Hammond and
- Andrew Brightwell
will be!
- Mel Stevens
- Sarah Fenn
- Ed Hammond and
- Andrew Brightwell
will be!
Mel Stevens, in the MJ: "If the Government is in the business of re-designing our democratic system, then the way to meet the new deficits this system creates might well be in resolving the ones we've been living with for years."
Filling in the holes in local democracy
Last week we saw elections take place across England – although for a smaller number of councils than had originally been planned. Suspending polls in areas that...
www.themj.co.uk
May 30, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Mel Stevens, in the MJ: "If the Government is in the business of re-designing our democratic system, then the way to meet the new deficits this system creates might well be in resolving the ones we've been living with for years."
Our deputy chief exec @se13ed.bsky.social says it's time to rethink governance and scrutiny for mayoral authorities, given their increasing power - and because of how they'll use that power:
Ed Hammond: Rethinking combined authority scrutiny
The convening power of mayors means we need to rethink governance and scrutiny in their areas, write...
www.lgcplus.com
May 29, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Our deputy chief exec @se13ed.bsky.social says it's time to rethink governance and scrutiny for mayoral authorities, given their increasing power - and because of how they'll use that power:
Ed (@se13ed.bsky.social) in his latest column for the LGC argues that mayors' place shaping goals mean that there are huge opportunities to rethinking how mayoral governance and scrutiny work. www.lgcplus.com/politics/gov...
May 28, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Ed (@se13ed.bsky.social) in his latest column for the LGC argues that mayors' place shaping goals mean that there are huge opportunities to rethinking how mayoral governance and scrutiny work. www.lgcplus.com/politics/gov...
Our chair, Catherine Howe says CfGS is busy exploring how our democracy can adapt as part of our wider work supporting councils facing this profoundly important moment for the future of the local state.
Read more of Cathrerine's thoughts and about our work: www.cfgs.org.uk/why-we-shoul...
Read more of Cathrerine's thoughts and about our work: www.cfgs.org.uk/why-we-shoul...
May 27, 2025 at 10:24 AM
Our chair, Catherine Howe says CfGS is busy exploring how our democracy can adapt as part of our wider work supporting councils facing this profoundly important moment for the future of the local state.
Read more of Cathrerine's thoughts and about our work: www.cfgs.org.uk/why-we-shoul...
Read more of Cathrerine's thoughts and about our work: www.cfgs.org.uk/why-we-shoul...