The first triennial review report in to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) was published by Martin Temple in January 2014. The publication is entitled 'An independent review of the function, form and governance of the HSE'.

The report was set up in April 2013 in order to comply with the Government's Policy that all Non-Departmental Public Bodies should undergo a substantive review at least once every three years.

The Triennial review process involved a two stage process. Stage one involved consideration of the following two questions:

  • Whether the functions of HSE remained necessary
  • Whether delivery by an arms length body was the most efficient and effective way to deliver those functions

The conclusion reached was that there remained a continuing need for the functions that the HSE delivers, and a very strong case for those functions to continue to be delivered by an arms-length body.

Stage two of the review considered whether adequate control and arrangements were in place to ensure that the body complies with the principles of good governance. The conclusion of the report was that in this area, on the whole, HSE is operating with the level of control and governance that should be expected of an arms-length body of its size and profile.

The report made clear that there is room for improvement going forwards and identified a number of areas where there was potential scope for innovation and change, to ensure that HSE continues to operate efficiently and effectively.

These are set out in the recommendations section of the report and include:

  • A review of the Fees For Intervention regime including gathering views from stakeholders
  • That the HSE should actively review Local Authorities annual returns on their inspection and advisory activities
  • Measuring performance in order to ensure cost effectiveness
  • Completion of Professor Löfstedt recommendations by tidying up and removing redundant legislation and, where appropriate, by consolidating and updating legislation

A copy of the full report is available here.

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