1. The strengths and weaknesses of self regulation
Dr Jon Bell
Formerly Chief Executive
UK Food Standards Agency

2. The case for and against command and control regulation (1)
Define required behaviour
Set standards
Clearly set out offences and penalties

3. The case for and against command and control regulation (2)
Blunt instrument
Can be costly and act as a brake on innovation
Always follows new activities, never precedes them
Only sets minimum standards

4. Aims of self regulation
Ensure a properly functioning market
Ensure a responsible industry
Ensure a commitment to published standards
Effective action in the event of a breach
Easy and low cost to administer
Responsive to change

5. Advantages and disadvantages
Possible advantages:
Driven by those being regulated
Embeds responsibility for compliance
Flexible
Low cost

6. Advantages and disadvantages
Possible disadvantages
Conflicts of interest
Lack of confidence in the process
Weak sanctions
Lack of transparency
Narrowness of interpretation of the rules

7. Drivers (1) Industry: Threat of command and control regulation
Name and shame by the authorities
Desire to raise standards and confidence
Desire to prevent damage by rogue operators

8. Drivers (2) Government: Desire to keep costs down
Enables minimal government interference
Maximises flexibility
Strengthens corporate responsibility

9. Suitability for different sectors
Required standards of behaviour are well understood
No risk of serious or widespread harm
Industry cohesiveness and maturity
Competitive market

10. Ways of avoiding or reducing the disadvantages (1)
Involve outside parties
External policing
External auditing

11. Ways of avoiding or reducing disadvantages (2)
Clear and transparent rules
Allow group action by consumer bodies
Clear appeals procedures

12. Examples of sectors in the UK which have tried self regulation
Successfully
Advertising
The medical profession
The press
Unsuccessfully
The police
Lawyers
Gas safety

13. Perceptions about self regulation
The public
Politicians
Industry

14. Issues requiring particular attention
Funding
Expertise and background of independants
Transparency
Speed of response
Appeals system
Mandatory participation?

15. Conclusions
Workable alternative to command and control regulations in appropriate circumstances
Not suitable for all sectors
Perceptions are all important