Dorset County Council

The Authority used a computerised database system for recording all food law enforcement activity and for compiling monitoring returns to the Agency.

It appeared that the database system was capable of providing all of the information required by the monitoring returns, however, problems with data entry, incorrect coding and configuration issues had resulted in inaccuracies. In particular, these appeared to have resulted in under reporting of written warnings and the incorrect reporting of advisory visits.

The Authority�s validation of data entered on the monitoring returns prior to its submission to the Agency had not been effective in ensuring that accurate returns were made, and the Authority had not fully developed documented procedures on this.