Research working assumption
As set out in SAFER’s vision and objectives, the delivery scope has been defined as food law official controls and official activities undertaken as part of local authorities’ food law delivery remit and FSS’s key statutory obligations.
A working assumption can be understood as a belief or idea that is accepted as true for the purpose of conducting analysis, often without definitive proof. They are commonly used in policy to guide decision making, for example, it is often assumed that a certain policy will lead to a certain outcome, allowing for research and evaluation based on that assumption.
Adopting a working assumption for SAFER provides a framework for research design and interpretation, with clearly defined boundaries. Setting this assumption from the outset supports programme acceptance and transparency, both critical factors to SAFER’s delivery.
Having regard of the SAFER Vision, to reform and modernise the delivery of food law in Scotland, and objectives, which can be found on the Food Standards Scotland website, the SAFER research working assumption is: food law, if delivered consistently and in full across Scotland, assures food business compliance which in turn protects public health and consumer interests.
The working assumption provides boundaries within which research and analysis will be carried out, it is not a metric to be measured or assessed. It provides context that the current legislative framework is sufficient, regardless of the delivery model, which is out with the scope of the SAFER programme research and evidence strategy.