Scrutiny improvement

Sharing intelligence

Shared Risk Assessment (SRA)

Scrutiny bodies share intelligence and agree scrutiny risks in each of Scotland's 32 councils using the shared risk assessment process (SRA). The process is designed to identify where we think scrutiny will make the most difference in terms of helping councils to improve and providing assurance to the public. It also provides a focus for more coordinated engagement between councils and scrutiny bodies.

• Download the latest guidance on the SRA process - PDF 665Kb

Local government scrutiny bodies work together through local area networks (LANs) to share local intelligence and to carry out the SRA process. There are 32 LANs, one for each council area. The LAN is led by the council’s appointed auditor.

The Sharing Intelligence for Health and Social Care Group

Data about health and social care services is shared and considered by the Sharing Intelligence for Health and Social Care Group. Audit Scotland works with the Care Inspectorate, Healthcare Improvement Scotland, the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland, NHS Education for Scotland and NHS Scotland on this group which aims to:

• provide a forum to identify potential or actual risks to the quality of health and social care and, where necessary, initiate further action in response to these risks, and
• promote coordination of activity between these partner organisations, respecting the statutory responsibilities of each.

The group's latest report for 2018-19 was published in August 2019:

• The Sharing Intelligence for Health and Care Group summary report 2018-19 - PDF 526Kb

Scrutiny collaboration

A wide range of our work is carried out collaboratively, for example joint inspections of services for children and adults and inspections of the Scottish Attainment Challenge authorities. The SSG is committed to this approach and plans to explore broader opportunities for scrutiny collaboration around important issues facing councils and the public, where all scrutiny bodies have an interest.

In 2019 the SSG published Principles for community empowerment based on work with councils and other partners to understand this developing area and how they could incorporate it in scrutiny programmes.

The SSG plans further collaborative work where this can add most value. As this develops, further details will be available here.