Inviting colleagues from across Local Government to shape the future of Self-Evaluation for improvement and influence a new and strengthened relationship between scrutiny bodies, local and central government in Scotland.
We want to hear from colleagues leading Quality Assurance activity both strategically and/or in specific service areas to collaborate on the development of a National Framework for Self-Evaluation and inform the bigger picture of performance and improvement in Scotland.
In 2007, Professor Crerar carried out an independent review of the current systems of audit, regulation, inspection and complaint handling of public services in Scotland. Published in September 2007, the report made a number of recommendations around:
I. Streamlining and reducing duplication
II. Proportionality and Risk-Based Approach
III. User Focus
IV. Accountability and Transparency
V. Collaboration and coordination
Almost 20 years on, the Solace/IS transformation programme has prompted a revisit to these findings, highlighting the role of self-evaluation as a key transformation lever that will underpin and propel the emerging vision of what a Council of the Future needs to look like in Scotland, supported by External regulation and scrutiny.
“The sector has the opportunity to lead the charge towards reform and work with their local communities and the Scottish Government to have a direct and honest conversation about where we go next.” (source: Delivering a Future for Scottish Local Authorities 2022)
The ‘Recommitment to Crerar’ project plays a fundamental role in reconnecting public bodies across Scotland with the recommendations of the Crerar Review 2007. In early 2026, the launch of a National Framework for Self-Assessment will demonstrate a local government led, national and coordinated first step towards strengthening our capacity as a self-improving system.
The launch of the Scottish Governments Public Sector Reform Strategy in June 2025, 'Delivering for Scotland', commits to a review of the scrutiny and inspection landscape and outlines various actions aimed at driving a shift toward enabling Improvement. This underlines the timeliness and credibility of the opportunity for local government to influence meaningful change.
Come along to contribute to what a National Framework needs to look like to be of benefit to local authorities and in turn to the communities we serve.
