Notice of Inspection
It is a requirement of the EC legislation that inspections should be unannounced. If announced visits are carried out, notice should be limited to the minimum period necessary and only in very limited circumstances should the notice exceed 48 hours. Full reasons for any notice given must be recorded on the inspection report, by the inspector.
It is regarded as good practice to record the date and time that initial contact is made with the beneficiary. Notice periods as required by the Legislation:
0 - 3 hours, notice - recorded as unannounced
3 - 24 hours, notice
24 - 48 hours, notice
over 48 hours
Note - notice given should reflect time lapsed between notification and start of inspection including weekends and public holidays, etc.
Timing of Inspections
On-the-spot compliance checks should be carried out at a time of year which will cover the most representative commitments and obligations of the measures to be checked. For example, Management of mown grassland for corn buntings - field must not be rolled, harrowed or grazed between May 1 and August 1 may determine the timing of the single 'overarching' inspection.
Who Should Complete an Inspection?
There should be a clear separation of duties between the person who captured any application relating to the inspection and the officer who later carries out the on-the-spot inspection. This is to satisfy auditors that there could be no collusion between beneficiary and official. Principal Agricultural Officers (PAOs) will decide on a local basis which grade of officer and individual should undertake the inspections.