02-06-2011, 00:03
Bit grumpy today arent we? Sounds more like one of my rants, but with more facts.
Interesting to read the final paragraph of the Statutory Code of Practice for Regulators
By contrast the "Review of procedures for handling broadcasting complaints, cases and sanctions" published today says that Sanctions decisions relating to program content will normally be taken by "Ofcom’s Director of Standards and the Group Director of Ofcom’s Content, International and Regulatory Development Group ... together with a Non-Executive member of Ofcom’s Content Board" (2.90) and makes no mention of conflict of intenterst if they were involved at an earlier stage. This is apparently a "fair" process. Ofcom dismisses the suggestion that Sanctions should be "dealt with by a panel of at least three Ofcom officers who are different (and preferably more senior) to the Ofcom officer(s) who dealt with the original (breach) complaint (or investigation)." (2.92).
The word "efficient" is used quite a bit, "impartial" does not appear once despite being a legal requirement.
Interesting to read the final paragraph of the Statutory Code of Practice for Regulators
Quote:9.7 Complaints procedures should include a final stage to an independent, external, person. Where there is a relevant Ombudsman or Tribunal with powers to decide on matters in this Code, the final stage should allow referral to that body. However, where no such person exists, a regulator should, in consultation with interested parties, provide for further complaint or appeal to another independent person, for example, an independent professional body.
By contrast the "Review of procedures for handling broadcasting complaints, cases and sanctions" published today says that Sanctions decisions relating to program content will normally be taken by "Ofcom’s Director of Standards and the Group Director of Ofcom’s Content, International and Regulatory Development Group ... together with a Non-Executive member of Ofcom’s Content Board" (2.90) and makes no mention of conflict of intenterst if they were involved at an earlier stage. This is apparently a "fair" process. Ofcom dismisses the suggestion that Sanctions should be "dealt with by a panel of at least three Ofcom officers who are different (and preferably more senior) to the Ofcom officer(s) who dealt with the original (breach) complaint (or investigation)." (2.92).
The word "efficient" is used quite a bit, "impartial" does not appear once despite being a legal requirement.