Developing a World Class Local Authority Regulatory Services System Local Authority Reference Panel 28th April 2009

Welcome and introduction

To re-cap the approach: Coalition of national regulators, professional bodies and other stakeholders Local authority reference panel Common standard of excellence ‘Modules’ to address inter-dependencies: Risk assessment Priorities Data sharing Competency Impact assessment

Wider context: Economic downturn Primary Authority live from 6 April Consumer White Paper Trading places

Aims of the day: Practitioner input and views on the data sharing and impact/outcome modules Communicate LBRO’s activities Discussion and debate

Workshop: Data Sharing

Workshop: Data Sharing Overview: ‘Map’ of data collections with a view to reducing the burden on local authorities Metrics to assist managers in performance management Undertaken by CIPFA – uniquely placed

Workshop: Data Sharing Key questions for groups: Are the metrics useful and fit for purpose in terms of helping performance? What is missing from the metrics? CIPFA: Salina Bates – Policy Research Manager Arpad Morotz – Research Analyst

Workshop: Impact and outcomes

Firstly the impact and outcomes of LARS activity project has a direct strategic fit with LBROs activity Objective 3: Improve the System A subset of the World Class Programme The project assists to resolve one the key (so called) mischief items outlined in the LBRO Draft Strategy and Corporate plan: a lack of outcome focus by regulatory services.

Secondly it responds to a changing policy environment

Identify potential outcomes and impacts of LARS RAND Europe have been commissioned to undertake a study into the impact and outcomes of LARS activity Identify potential outcomes and impacts of LARS Link activities of LARS to outcomes Identify potential indicators and data sources and, Provide a conceptual framework – the ‘dashboard’ for use by LARS RAND Europe Tom Ling – Director, Evaluation and Audit Christian Van Stolk – Senior Analyst Jan Tiessen – Analyst

Outcomes and impact of LARS activity Current practice                        Group work with three groups You are asked to think about the following: Report back to plenary session How are you currently analysing and considering the outcomes and impacts of your activity? Please summarise it as strengths and weaknesses

Outcomes and impact of LARS activity The draft toolkit                          Discussion of the toolkit -  Suitability, feasibility and acceptability of the toolkit: Is this toolkit fit for purpose? Would you and your service be able to use the toolkit? Would you have the capacity and resources to apply it? Would you, your service and your stakeholder find this toolkit acceptable?

Discussion: Supporting Businesses in the Recession and Beyond

Supporting businesses in recession and beyond Relationship between business and local regulatory services 56% of SMEs face to face contact with a LARS officer 45% of businesses more profitable Source of advice, guidance and expertise Insight into business environment for local authority and partners

Impact of Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) on areas of business management. 70% of business stated that FSMS had increased the effectiveness of the business. 45% stated that their business is more profitable because it operates a FSMS. Source: (2008) Food Safety Management Evaluation Research COI/FSA

Supporting businesses in recession and beyond Signposting support Local authority led Regional/ national support Engaging to understand business needs New local economic assessment duty Perceptions and ‘on the ground’ intelligence Closer working with economic development

Supporting businesses in recession and beyond Effective targeting Information gathered Risk based approach Level playing field Local priorities Focus on fair trading? Role of accreditation schemes to support business

Supporting businesses in recession and beyond Discussion points: What are the key issues facing businesses in your area? Does the advice and guidance reflect these? How are consumers and communities being affected? What sort of responses are being made by LARS?

Next steps Coalition meeting 13 May Peer Challenge project Ongoing work on risk and competency Circulation of draft excellence standard Dissemination of impact/outcomes toolkit Priorities in Wales Thank you for your views