watching brief 
noun Law, British
1A brief held by a barrister to follow a case on behalf of a client who is not directly involved.Any discreet watching brief must take full cognisance of an individual's right to privacy and independence....
- The Department of Justice has two lawyers who have already been paid nearly €250,000 simply to keep a watching brief on the proceedings.
- They are here on trial and it is as well that it is represented by counsel said to be holding a watching brief.
1.1An interest in a proceeding in which one is not directly or immediately concerned.Our aim has always been to see this building serving the needs of the community so we will carry on with our watching brief....
- It's something we can keep a watching brief on, but at the moment it's not a community safety issue.
- We are here in an advisory position and will keep a watching brief on it.