Rural Payments Agency Framework Document

Thursday 26th April 2012 Written Statements

[The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mr James Paice)]

An update to the Rural Payments Agency’s framework document is being published today. In line with the requirements for all Executive agencies, the document sets out the overarching framework for the governance and accountability arrangements between Government and the agency.

As well as changes to reflect current corporate requirements and practices, the update reflects the action taken since publication of the 2013 review of the RPA to strengthen governance arrangements both in DEFRA and the RPA, including:

The establishment of the RPA oversight board, which I personally chair, to oversee the agency’s operations and its preparations for implementation of the expected 2013 CAP reforms. Independent scrutiny is provided by the appointment of four non-executive directors;

Additional independent scrutiny and challenge of the RPA’s internal governance, with non-executive directors appointed to the chair of the agency management board and the RPA’s audit and risk committee;

The RPA framework document may be viewed on the RPA’s website: http://rpa.defra.gov.uk/rpa/index.nsf/home and I have arranged for copies to be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.