This report from the Centre for Public Scrutiny highlights the experiences of eight non-executive scrutiny chairs who have influenced executive colleagues in key decisions and made an impact on the well-being of the communities they represent. It shows that the scrutiny process delivers the most tangible benefits when local councillors take the lead, when the public is engaged in innovative ways and when there is a constructive working relationship with the executive. Kent County Council’s early years education scrutiny review is among the experiences quoted. Backbenchers from all three main parties got involved and took ownership of the early years education agenda. Their involvement raised the profile of the issue notably and they were able to sell the agenda to their fellow members.The report is available free at: www.cfps.org.uk/successfulscrutiny