Review of HSE launched

As part of the Government’s commitment to reform the public sector, all public bodies are now subject to regular reviews. 

Following an initial review in 2010 which resulted in the reform of 500 public bodies, the Government committed to review all those that remained at least every three years to ensure their functions remain necessary and are appropriate to be delivered independently of Government.

The review will assess whether there is a continuing need for HSE’s functions and whether it is complying with the principles of good governance.

Mr Hoban said: "Routine reviews ensure that bodies such as HSE continue to be fit for purpose, and that they are providing the value for money that the taxpayer expects."

The first stage will identify and examine HSE's key functions. If the conclusion is that the functions are still required, the review will then examine whether HSE as currently constituted remains the best way to perform those functions, or if another delivery method might be more appropriate. 

HSE's size and profile means that there will be an independent ‘Challenge Group’ overseeing the review – their purpose being to rigorously and robustly challenge its findings.