Better Regulation Delivery Office
The winners of the Primary Authority Awards 2014 have been announced following judging by an expert panel.
For the first time, co-ordinated partnerships have featured in the entries, as well as work covering fire safety. The standard of entries has again been very high, demonstrating the great diversity of business types and activities that benefit from Primary Authority, and the innovative ways in which local authorities have worked with business partners in using the scheme to encourage growth and better compliance.
There were six categories and the winners were:
Partnership: Wigan Council and HC-One
This partnership has achieved real outcomes, including through providing assurance for the Catering Safely programme. The qualitative and quantitative benefits were particularly impressive and highlight the impact of a successful partnership.
Local Authority: Westminster
Westminsters early adoption of the scheme has created effective working partnerships across a diverse range of businesses, including Savills and We Buy Any Car. Special commendations went to Slough for the strength and breadth of work; and Horsham for its work with the National Federation of Meat & Food Traders in promoting growth and compliance.
Officers Contribution: Tim Gass of Hertfordshire County Council
The judges considered this a particularly strong entry with strong endorsements. Tims efforts clearly go above and beyond.
Business: ASDA
ASDAs innovative approach to test purchasing has demonstrated a real impact on improving compliance rates regarding age restricted sales of alcohol.
Special Contribution: Su Dakin, Joanna Hancock: British Frozen Food Federation
The British Frozen Food Federation has actively shaped co-ordinated partnerships and has been willing to challenge BRDO. Its efforts with Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue and assistance to BRDO on fire safety exceeded expectations.
Innovation: Surrey County Council Trading Standards
Surreys innovative and responsive approach is a beacon for others. Judges were impressed by the commitment to engaging with other regulators and the relationship formed with Surrey Fire and Rescue.
The winners will receive their awards at the Primary Authority Seminar in Harrogate on July 1st where they will share their experiences. This free seminar will focus on quality delivery and recent changes to the scheme such as extension to cover fire safety and age-restricted sales of alcohol. Frontline regulators and businesses will talk about their experiences and the benefits Primary Authority can deliver.
The seminar is open to all regulators and businesses and will support delivery and enforcement of the scheme. The event, to be held in association with TSI, will run alongside its annual conference in Harrogate (the TSI conference is open to non-TSI delegates 80).