Agenda, reports and minutes with decisions made at all committee meetings are available. With the exception of panels, all meetings are open to the public and are held at County Hall, Dorchester. Minutes with decisions will be made available a few days after all meetings.

The county council produces a forward plan containing information about the issues on which decisions - including key decisions - will need to be made by the Cabinet.

View the dates of forthcoming council meetings and the 2011/12 yearbook.

The public can participate at some committee meetings.

The Audit and Scrutiny Committee reviews or scrutinises decisions or actions taken by the Cabinet. This relates to the county council's strategic approach, cross-cutting issues, financial and other internal control systems, financial irregularities and losses, internal and external audit, and performance information, including performance indicators and overview of complaints handling.

The Dorset Health Scrutiny Committee acts as a 'critical friend' to local NHS health organisations, asking them and others for information, examining that information and asking probing questions.

View the annual report for 2010.