Reviewing Regulators
The Hampton Implementation Reviews assess how well regulators are following the Hampton principles of better regulation and the characteristics of effective sanctions defined by the Macrory review. They encourage best practice and continuous improvement among regulators.
The purpose of the reviews is to promote more effective and efficient regulatory activity. They will clearly demonstrate where the recommendations of Hampton and Macrory have been successfully implemented, and where there is still work to do. The reviews should also help regulators:
- increase openness and transparency
- highlight areas for development
- spread good practice to other regulators
Another aim is to improve the perception of regulators, among those being regulated, and so encourage better cooperation.
Initial reports on five major national regulators (Environment Agency, Financial Services Authority, Food Standards Agency, Health and Safety Executive and Office of Fair Trading) were carried out between August and December 2007.
The review process is currently being rolled out to a further 31 national regulatory bodies. Reports will be published as and when reviews are completed.
How did the process work?
The reviews are being carried out using a guide developed by the Better Regulation Executive and the National Audit Office. The methodology included in the guide was reviewed and amended based on lessons learned during the review process, as well as comments from regulators and others involved in the review process. In conjunction with the guidance, a toolkit has also been created for those undertaking reviews that gives more detail on the review process and sets out the role and functions of review team members.
The review process has been adapted slightly for the current second phase of reviews. Regulators are being reviewed under one of two models, depending on their size, scope and impact, to ensure that reviews are proportionate to the organisation.
