Introduction
Delivering on the vision for SAFER to reform and modernise food law delivery in Scotland requires a strong foundation of research and evidence. This strategy outlines how we will build that foundation to ensure every decision is informed, transparent, and aligned with best practice.
The strategy sets out:
- the overarching research questions and the working assumptions guiding the research
- the anticipated research activities
- the professional standards to be observed and the range of analytical methodologies for appraisal and options analysis
- research output requirements, along with quality assurance mechanisms, clearly defining roles and responsibilities
An established and robust evidence base will underpin the options for reform and will ensure that every decision is proportionate, credible, and designed to deliver benefits for consumers, businesses, and enforcement bodies. It will support monitoring and evaluation to measure impact and adapt strategies as needed in addition to providing critical input for policy and legislative processes required to deliver a new system.
Without a strong evidence base, SAFER reforms risk being fragmented, costly, or ineffective. This strategy will encourage co-design and, when coupled with transparency around decision-making, will help to build confidence among stakeholders that the SAFER programme is working towards a shared goal, ensuring safe and authentic food for consumers in Scotland.
While the research and evidence activities will be driven by the needs of the programme, they will be underpinned by established professional processes and standards for each discipline for aspects such as ethics, quality assurance and publication and dissemination. As such, this strategy has been informed by HM Treasury’s guidance for evaluation and appraisal: the Green Book, the Aqua Book and the Magenta Book.