Scheme Rules Review Procedures

A step-by-step of the review process, from drafting the new version, gathering consultation responses, to implementing new rules.

There is a need for the Scheme Rules to be updated or reviewed on a regular basis and in a transparent manner. The procedure is as follows: 

  1. The rules are reviewed once a year.
  2. The rules can be reviewed more frequently only under exceptional circumstances and when agreed with the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) (e.g., to reflect changes to PAS 100, new legislation, etc.).
  3. All comments regarding the rules made by composters or any other stakeholders after the rules’ publication should be gathered by REAL and considered during the next review process.
  4. All comments must be provided in REAL’s consultation template.
  5. REAL will publish the draft revised version of the rules and send it to scheme participants, and the members of the TAC, CBs, the regulators, and the other stakeholders.
  6. All responses must be provided in REAL’s consultation template.
  7. The consultation period must not be shorter than 6 weeks.
  8. REAL will collate, review, and consult with the TAC responses to the consultation.
  9. REAL will provide a written response to the consultation which is made publicly available.
  10. In the event of a dispute, REAL will liaise with the TAC to establish an agreement.
  11. REAL will send the final draft rules, with comments explaining the reason for each change to UKAS for UKAS to provide a quote for their formal review.
  12. Once REAL have accepted the quote, UKAS will conduct their review of changes.
  13. REAL will address UKAS’ comments before finalising and publishing the rules.
  14. The transitional period may vary depending on the circumstances.
  15. A reasonable transitional period must be established as soon as possible and clearly stated with the publication of the new rules.

The transitional period may vary depending on the circumstances.

A reasonable transitional period must be established as soon as possible and clearly stated with the publication of the new rules.

You can download the procedures here.

The Scheme Rules Consultation Responses