The Environment Agency have been the subject of a Hampton Implementation progress review following their initial assessment against the Hampton principles two years ago. The NFU participated in the review through representation at a stakeholder workshop and member interviews via telephone.
The initial review conducted in 2008 by the National Audit Office and Better Regulation Executive, highlighted a number of issues that needed to be addressed by the Environment Agency to meet the Hampton principles, allowing them to gain access to new enforcement sanctions.
A stakeholder meeting was held last year as part of a progress review to see what the Environment agency had done to address the concerns previously raised. A final report was published in February 2010, which found significant evidence of cultural change within the Environment Agency since the original review. The review team also found significant progress in the culture of the agency, which they believe is increasingly driven by outcomes rather than processes. The review team also found more confidence amongst Environment Agency staff, with improved relationships with business. It was felt the language of better regulation was now in general use throughout the organisation.
A summary of this report with NFU comment can be read on the right hand side.
No comments have been made.