29 August 2006

BPIF backs proposal for targeted and proportionate penalties system

The BPIF this week backed the CBI’s call for a targeted and proportionate penalty system that focuses on ensuring compliance with regulations in a positive way and uses sanctions only as a last resort. The CBI was responding to a consultation by Professor Richard Macrory, Professor of Environmental Law at University College London, who has been appointed by the Government to review the current system of penalties imposed for non-compliance with regulations. Lizzy Hawkins, BPIF public affairs officer, said she was pleased with the current thrust of the Macrory review’s proposals, but that they needed to be part of a regulatory system that kept companies fully informed of their duties. “There is a climate of fear surrounding the issue of regulatory compliance, because many smaller businesses do not have time to keep up-to-date with new regulations. Tools such as the BPIF’s HR and Health and Safety Healthchecks help companies to identify where they are not compliant, and put in place action plans to remedy the situation. The Health and Safety Executive has become better at advising companies on what they need to do to comply with regulations and giving them time to do this, rather than just penalising them, and this approach should be used more widely. Penalties must be flexible enough to distinguish between genuine rogue traders and companies that have simply made a mistake.” BPIF members can access a wide range of advice and support to help them identify their regulatory responsibilities and implement them within their companies. Telephone advice and online guidance is available for Gold level members, and Platinum level members get a free HR and Health and Safety Healthcheck. For an even higher level of service, members can secure the support of a BPIF consultant who will provide them with a complete Health and Safety service for two years with the Health and Safety Management Scheme, or use the HR Management Solutions Scheme to fully revise and maintain a company’s HR documentation and processes. For more information, please email Lizzy Hawkins or call her on 020 7915 8319 or For more information about the assistance available from the BPIF’s advisory services, please contact your regional office.