How do I start doing an RIA?

A Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) is a tool which informs policy decisions. It is an assessment of the impact of policy options in terms of the costs, benefits and risks of a proposal.

The first stage is an initial assessment at the early stage of policy development when options are being considered.

If you are new to the RIA process, or need a quick reminder of what’s involved, we suggest the following pages are a good starting point;

• The Policy Makers’ Checklist shows you what you need to consider when starting an RIA
• The initial RIA page lists the areas that should be covered in the initial RIA.
• The RIA Template gives an example of the sort of information you need to put in each part of the RIA.
• The RIA process section includes details of where RIAs are needed, the benefits of the process and what makes a good RIA.

Help and advice

• Your first port of call should be your Departmental Regulatory Impact Unit (DRIU) whom you should ideally consult early on in the policy development stage, or at whatever stage you realise you need advice. They need to know about your RIA as they are responsible for providing Cabinet Office with details of all your department’s policy proposals that may affect business, charities or the voluntary sector.
• The Cabinet Office RIU can provide DRIU contact details and is also happy to help, they can be contacted on 0207 276 2198.
  
• Quick Guide to RIAs