The House of Commons Work and Pensions Committee published its report,
“The Report is skeptical about the new Merlin accreditation standard. We are very concerned that in cases where the prime contractor is in breach of contract with the Department the Department says it would not get involved”.
“‘We also note that decisions made by Merlin will have implications for the viability of individual subcontractors and for service delivery, and conclude that it makes sense for the Department to make these decisions itself, allowing it to ensure the market develops in a way which is stable, robust and meets the needs of customers’
There are a number of questions that obviously spring from this,
- Is the standard necessary?
- Is it owned – should it, can it – by the industry or is it the preserve of an elite?
- What can we learn from experience in New York?
- What are the consequences and implications of an ‘unsatisfactory’ grading?
- What are the legal ramifications?
- Independence, objectivity & conflict of interest: Is there an ELEPHANT in the room?
Clearly these and other questions are been analysed at the highest levels…
Our critical appraisal is coming shortly …..
