How we work
The Food Standards Agency has core values which inform all its decisions. It also works within a series of policies and commitments that are reflected in its working practices. This section describes our values, policies and commitments and how we report on them.
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Openness
Openness is one of the core values of the Food Standards Agency.
Risk
A great deal of our work depends on understanding and dealing with risk. In this statement we describe how the Agency proposes to approach risk issues, so that everybody who may be affected by our decisions can understand our way of working.
Procurement
The Food Standards Agency buys goods and services in line with UK Government and European Union (EU) policy requirements.
Sustainable development
The Agency's remit is to protect the interests of consumers in relation to food, now and in the future. In doing so the Agency will take sustainable development into account in all of its activities and policy decisions.
Welsh Language Policy
The Welsh Language Act 1993 states that every public body providing services to the public in Wales must prepare a Scheme setting out how it will provide those services in Welsh. The Food Standards Agency’s (FSA) first Welsh Language Scheme was operational between 2002 and 2007 and the FSA is now operating its second scheme for 2008 - 2012.
Regulatory approach
The Food Standards Agency has a statutory objective to protect public health and consumers' other interests in relation to food and drink. However, we are aware that excessive or unclear regulations can place a burden on business, the public sector and civil society groups (such voluntary groups, charities and not for profit organisations) and so hinder effective delivery of the intended benefits.
Annual Public Appointment Report
The FSA is responsible for seven public bodies, all of them advisory committees. Additionally, up to October 2010 the Agency shared responsibility for three public bodies with the Department of Health, and one with Defra. The Annual Appointments Report includes the FSA's public appointments objectives for 2011/12. It also includes diversity levels and progress against diversity targets.
Equality
Information about the Race Equality Scheme, Disability Equality Scheme and Gender Equality Scheme.
Finance management
This section explains financial management within the FSA.
Transparency data: spending and staff
Being open and transparent has been one of the Food Standards Agency’s core values since its launch in 2000.