Independent panel launched to consider challenges to regulatory advice

An independent panel has been set up to consider complaints that Health & Safety Executive or local authority inspectors have given incorrect or disproportionate regulatory advice.

The Independent Regulatory Challenge Panel was set up following a recommendation in the Löfstedt report, which said a challenge mechanism should be set up to address cases of alleged poor advice. The panel will be chaired by Tricia Henton, a former regulator at the Environment Agency.

Key features of the arrangements are:

• The complainant should – before raising an issue with the panel – have tried to resolve the matter with the relevant Health & Safety Executive or local authority inspector and their manager
• The panel will not look at issues where other independent appeals processes, such as for enforcement notices or prosecutions, exist
• The panel will only consider cases occurring from 30 June 2011 onwards
• The outcome will be made available on the HSE website
• The panel’s role is only advisory.

More information on the work of the panel can be found here.

Further reading on the Löfstedt report:

• Safety first
• Health & Safety Executive handed beefed-up role in relation to local authorities