Introduction

Policy development at the HFEA

The function of policy development at the HFEA is defined in relation to the legal conditions and the regulatory, or administrative, function of the organisation.  Its drivers are:

• scientific development
• clinical innovation
• public health policy and
• the changing social context.  

As well as respecting the parameters of the HFE Act, policy development must be consistent with the Authority's overall corporate strategy, as set out in the HFEA corporate plan.  

It must also, take account of many contingent factors, such as:

• The social context in which regulated activities are carried out 
• Specific ethical considerations
• The interests of those who will be affected
• The evidence base (or lack of evidence)
• The risks/benefits of the activity in question.

Policy measures must be capable of being applied to classes of activity or event, and not merely provide for individual cases. 

Policy reviews

HFEA policies are reviewed regularly.  This involves extensive research, literature reviews, public consultations and open meetings, and often the commissioning of work from specialists in the field. 

The information is then summarised and policy options are presented to the Authority.  The Authority will make a decision based on the evidence.

more about our policy reviews

Guidance

The HFEA produces guidance for clinics in the form of the Code of Practice, Chair's Letters, Directions and Chief Executive's letters.

more about guidance  

It is important to discover the view of the public and all of our stakeholders before any decisions about changes to policy are made.

This is generally done through public consultation ? usually in the form of a questionnaire, but we often try to schedule public meetings around the country which have, in the past, allowed for some very interesting debate and discussion.

more about public consultations