290.Subsection (1) imposes a duty on scheduled scrutiny authorities to co-operate and co-ordinate activity with each other and, where appropriate, the Scottish Ministers, with a view to improving the exercise of their scrutiny functions in relation to local authorities (including public services provided by them or on their behalf), social services and health services. This must be with regard to efficiency, effectiveness and economy. Scrutiny functions of a person, body or office-holder are defined in subsection (10). This duty requires, for example, SCSWIS and Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Education to co-operate and carry out integrated inspections in relation to the inspection of school care accommodation services (as defined in schedule 12).
291.Subsection (3) allows the Scottish Ministers to add, by order, a person, body or office-holder to the list of authorities that are subject to the duty in schedule 20. An authority can only be added to the list if it has scrutiny functions in relation to local authorities or public services provided by them or on their behalf, social services or health services. Subsection (4) requires the Scottish Ministers to consult those in question, before making such an order.
292.Subsection (5) disapplies the duty to the extent that compliance with it would prevent or delay action that the scheduled scrutiny authority considers necessary as a matter of urgency. Subsection (6) requires scheduled scrutiny authorities to comply with any directions given by the Scottish Ministers and have regard to any guidance issued by Scottish Ministers. Subsection (7) provides that such directions and guidance may be of a general or a specific nature, and may apply to all or some scheduled scrutiny authorities and to all or some of their functions.