The Local Better Regulation Office (LBRO) have a produced a case study of the innovative work done by Great Yarmouth Council using the Vanguard Method of systems thinking. The case study shows how flexible, curious and supportive the Food Standards Agency (FSA) were in supporting Great Yarmouth's journey of exploration and experimentation.

Summary

Using systems thinking, Great Yarmouth Borough Council has redesigned its food inspection work around the purpose of ensuring that food is safe for public consumption, by focusing on making food businesses safe.  This has significantly increased contact time between officers and business, and enabled a new regulatory culture based around trusting relationships and tools to help make businesses safe. Early indications are showing better outcomes in terms of compliance. 

Key lessons from the project include the benefits of early engagement with the Food Standards Agency to ensure the new service design works within the Code of Practice and the willingness of the national regulator to support innovation and new approaches which improve official controls and local food safety.

To read more click on the link: Using Systems Thinking to Redesign Food Inspection Work

is the Director of the LBRO

Articles

Back to Basics Environmental Health News, September 2011.