Review of Framework for Policy Making in the FSA

Who will this consultation be of most interest to?
Businesses who are regulated by the FSA; consumers and enforcement bodies who have views on how the FSA regulates.

What is the subject of this consultation?
Stakeholders' perception of the FSA as a regulator.

What is the purpose of this consultation?
To review the Framework for Policy Making in the FSA and revise as required, taking into account the views of stakeholders.

In December 2006 we published our Framework for Regulatory Decision Making. The document said that we would review the framework and our performance against it two years after adoption.

We carried out a review, including full public consultation, in 2010 and republished the revised Framework for Policy Making in the FSA in March 2010. Essentially the principles of the original document were retained, but the text was made more concise. It is now time to review the document again and the following text refers to the current consultation.

We have already consulted internally on the Framework to gauge FSA policy-makers’ awareness of the document and their views on our performance against it.

I have marked suggested amendments in tracked changes on the attached Word document at Annex B.

• Obtain stakeholders’ views of the suggested amendments to the 'Framework for Policy Making in the FSA'
• Republish the revised document by the end of July 2012

Once I have received and analysed the responses to this consultation the revised version of the Framework will be republished by the end of July 2012. A further review will be carried out after two more years.

Questions asked in this consultation:
Q1: Do you agree with the suggested tracked amendments to the Framework for Policy Making in the FSA?
Q2: In your opinion, does the Framework reflect the FSA’s following strategic objectives?

• Regulation is effective, risk-based and proportionate, is clear about the responsibilities of food business operators, and protects consumers and their interest from fraud and other risks
• Enforcement is effective, consistent, risk-based and proportionate and is focused on improving public health

Responses are required by close 22 June 2012. Please state, in your response, whether you are responding as a private individual or on behalf of an organisation/company (including details of any stakeholders your organisation represents).

This consultation has been prepared in accordance with the HM Government Code of Practice on Consultation, which states that a consultation must follow better regulation best practice, including carrying out an Impact Assessment (Regulatory Impact Assessment in Scotland). The assessment is included in the consultation documents.

We are interested in what you thought of this consultation and would therefore welcome your general feedback on both the consultation package and overall consultation process. If you would like to assist us to improve the quality of future consultations, please feel free to share your thoughts with us by using the consultation feedback questionnaire.

In accordance with the FSA principle of openness we shall keep a copy of the completed consultation and responses, to be made available to the public on request. The FSA will publish a summary of responses, which may include personal data, such as your full name. Disclosure of any other personal data would be made only upon request for the full consultation responses. If you do not want this information to be released, please complete and return the Publication of Personal Data Form. Return of this form does not mean that we will treat your response to the consultation as confidential, just your personal data.

Within three months of a consultation ending we aim to publish a summary of responses received and provide a link to it from this page.

If, after three months, the summary is still not showing, please contact the person who was responsible for the original consultation. Alternatively, you can contact the FSA Consultation Co-ordinator by email: consultationcoordinator@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk