The ICO is committed to making timely, informed and impactful decisions, drawing on evidence and insight, and understanding the impacts of our interventions to ensure that we are making a material positive difference. We are forward-thinking and value the importance of learning from our mistakes, celebrating our success and continuously developing. Our impact approach is underpinned by both our frameworks described below.
Prior to intervention– our Impact Assessment Framework
Prior to intervening (‘ex-ante’), impact assessments (IAs) are a key way in which regulators balance different obligations and objectives, and ensure that in making a decision to intervene regulatory action is both proportionate to the issue at hand and not unduly burdensome on the those that they regulate.
Our Impact Assessment Framework provides all of our stakeholders with a clear picture of how we assess the likely impact of our relevant proposed interventions. The purpose of this Framework is to provide enhanced clarity about how we discharge our regulatory duties. This includes explaining the circumstances in which we are likely to conduct an IA, and where we are not likely to conduct an IA. It also summarises our approach to conducting IAs.
A note on developing our Impact Assessment Framework
In January 2023 we launched a consultation on our Impact Assessment Framework. The consultation period ran until April 2023. In October 2023, we published our consultation response in which we explained our decision to proceed with our Impact Assessment Framework but with some changes taking into account consultation comments.
After intervention – our Ex-Post Impact Framework
‘Ex-post’ impact refers to the impact of an intervention after it has been implemented and in operation for a period of time. It is based on actual results, rather than anticipated results (which are considered as part of ex-ante impact work). There are a range of different approaches that can be taken to assessing the ex-post impact of an intervention such as monitoring, review and evaluation.
Our Ex-Post Impact Framework outlines the spectrum of approaches we deliver within the ICO to assess our ex-post impact, where relevant. The Framework provides a list of criteria for how to decide where on this spectrum of approaches is most appropriate for reviewing the impact of relevant interventions. This is based on factors such as whether it is a novel intervention, the level of time and resource, and opportunities for lesson learning.
Contact
For more information or queries, please contact:
[email protected]