Oversight Bodies for Regulatory Quality in OECD Countries

Oversight Bodies for Regulatory Quality in OECD Countries Regional Capacity Building Seminar on “Drafting Legislation and Oversight Bodies for Regulatory Quality” Amman, Jordan 29 -30 April 2008 Mr. Pedro Andres-Amo Policy Analyst & Administrator Regulatory Policy Division Directorate for Public Governance and Territorial Development

Objective of the presentation Overview… OECD experiences with oversight bodies for regulatory quality

Oversight Bodies for Regulatory Quality Presentation outline 1. Regulatory Quality 2. Some institutional challenges in Regulatory Systems 3. Oversight Bodies. An approach in some OECD countries: a. Definition and functions b. Elements for institutional design 4. Conclusion

1. Regulatory Quality What is High Quality Regulation? • Transparent and open regulatory process • Effectively achieving policy goals • Sound legal and empirical basis • Benefits that justify minimised costs • Eliminating unnecessary regulatory barriers: promoting innovation, competition, trade and investment • Clear, simple, and practical regulation for users • Whole-of-government approach and consistency with other policies High quality regulation does not necessarily means less regulation

2. Some institutional challenges in Regulatory Systems: Institutions for High Quality Regulation: Main tasks… 1. Regulating & drafting 2. Ensuring compliance & enforcement 3. Providing technical support and oversight …derived challenges for the institutional framework • Complex network of Regulatory Institutions • Regulatory quality: Respect to regulatory principles and achievement of policy objectives • Promotion of momentum for reform • Technical capacities and needs

3. Oversight Bodies. An approach in some OECD countries Definition – Engines of reform “Institution responsible for promoting regulatory policy and monitoring and reporting on regulatory quality” a. Functions 1. Coordination and supervision 2. The ‘challenge’ function 3. Advocacy 4. Advice and technical support

The ‘challenge’ function of the OB Flow of Regulation Oversight Body Line Ministries Proposals Oversee RIA Rejected Reviewed Stock of Regulation

3. Institutional Design: OB within the executive Executive 1. Centre of Government Oversight Body 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Independency & Authority High level political support Whole-of-Government Multidisciplinary Broad concept of reform Legislative Secondary Legislation Regulation Primary Legislation

4. Conclusion Engines of reform NO ONE SIZE FITS ALL MODEL Each system decides its own institutional setting. The goal is to satisfy common needs: • Co-ordination • High Regulatory Quality • Regulatory Innovation and Improvement • Technical capacities within Government

Thank you for your attention Mr. Pedro Andres-Amo Policy Analyst & Administrator Regulatory Policy Division Directorate for Public Governance and Territorial Development pedro. andresamo@oecd. org