Involving Consumers in Policy Making Research Programme (D02)

The aim of the programme is to review, develop and test different mechanisms for involving different groups of consumers in the work of the Agency and to measure how effective the Agency has been in taking those measures on board.

Specifically the programme will:

• Develop and test innovative methods for establishing the views of consumers on food policy issues and for increasing their level of participation in policy making.
• Involve people on low incomes in the development of specific food policy issues.
• Help develop a framework for selecting appropriate consumer consultation methods to inform the Agency's policy making.
• Evaluate the usefulness of the framework in enabling staff to ensure that people on low incomes and other vulnerable groups are effectively involved in Agency policy-making processes.

This programme will address the Agency's core values of putting the consumer first and working in an open and accessible way. The programme will also contribute directly to the Agency's stated aims of consulting widely before making decisions and basing those decisions on the best available evidence. It will help inform the development of the Agency's strategy on consumer consultation and the programme of work to improve the diets of low income consumers. It will benefit the work of the Agency as a whole.

Particular emphasis will be given to consulting low income groups and the socially excluded who can find it difficult to make their voice heard in public consultation exercises. The mechanisms for consulting effectively with these groups will also, potentially, be useful for communicating to these groups and the programme will therefore complement the parallel programme on risk communication.

The programme will develop and test innovative methods for establishing the views of the full range of consumers on food policy issues and for increasing their level of participation in the policy making of the Agency. It will inform the establishment of appropriate mechanisms to ensure there is active engagement particularly between people on low incomes and other vulnerable groups and the Agency, which is a clear priority of the Board. This will help the Agency to develop a framework for selecting the most appropriate consumer consultation methods.

This programme will contribute to the wider Government agenda of promoting social inclusion and improving the health and well being of all members of society. The concerns of people on low incomes and other disadvantaged groups are often overlooked during policy making. The Board has identified low income consumers as a priority for the Agency. This programme will enable us to engage these groups in policy making so that the Agency’s policies become better informed and directed towards those sections of society where change is needed.

Name: Micah McGuire
Tel: 020 7276 8170
Email: micah.mcguire@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk