A prayer for your scrutiny committee


Hello, here is a prayer for your scrutiny committee, in case you find it useful.

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As we sit down around this committee table

May we be the best version of our scrutiny selves

May we work together with respect and compassion

And always remember the citizens we seek to serve


As we steady ourselves for our scrutiny work

May we feel confident about the tasks before us

May we feel well prepared

And ready to challenge constructively


As we start our first item

May we be sure of our purpose

May we be guided well by our chair

And focussed on making a difference


As we greet our first witness

May we see them calm and relaxed

Knowing why they are here and what to expect

And open to dialogue as we are open to dialogue


As we ask our first questions

May we show we are respectful by our words

May we show we are listening by our faces

And see thought in the faces of those who we talk with


As we conclude each item

May we be clear about our conclusions

May our recommendations be impactful

And let us be happy with our agreed next steps


As we end our our meeting

Let us feel we have used our time well

Let us reflect on what we have done

And look forward to when we next meet


If we should look back in three months time

May we be grateful for the assurance we have provided

May we be grateful for the improvements we have helped with

And pleased to have played our part


Amen

If you would like to see / add any comments, I have posted this prayer on LinkedIn here.

Dear scrutineer,

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