Inspection plans
The advice delivered through Primary Authority can be strongly supported and enhanced through the creation of a national inspection plan. As the name suggests, this serves to get the most from the checks carried out on the business by councils around the UK, by coordinating activity and standardising the feedback.
Much of the value of an inspection plan lies in the fact that it is a flexible tool, capable of serving a number of purposes. Areas to which it can be applied include improving targeting, sharpening the focus of work, informing risk assessment, reducing duplication of effort, and ensuring effective communications. This wide scope has the potential to assist businesses of all sizes, from retailers with many outlets to mobile traders who go from place to place.
Producing an inspection plan benefits all parties:
- The primary authority can use the data it gathers to help the business improve its performance and address any failings.
- The business can reduce the costs associated with regulation by multiple local authorities, for example by avoiding repeated checks.
- All councils have ready access to key information about the business, its procedures, and where problems are most likely to arise, making local regulation more efficient.
In addition, the better sharing of data allows them to see any issues they identify locally in the wider context and make a proportionate response.
LBRO has prepared inspection plan templates for use by partnerships along with a rationale template which must accompany all submitted plans. The rationale document assists the listing of reasons for recommendations, and any supporting evidence for the plan, for the benefit of the primary authority, LBRO, and any national regulators with an interest. Further details are provided in the mini-guide.
Inspection Plan Template - Partnerships with one category, for example health and safety only
Inspection Plan Template - Partnerships with multiple categories, for example health and safety, food safety and hygiene and environmental protection
Inspection Plan Rationale Template
PA Mini-Guide - Inspection Plans: A Tool for Change
For further information please contact a member of the LBRO team on 0121 226 4000 or email pa@lbro.org.uk
"It cuts time and effort, while making sure quality information is provided."
Lichfield District Council Councillor Ian Pritchard - 15/06/2010
