Developing a Code of Practice

Industry Codes of Practice are developed through collaboration between a Sponsor (an industry organisation or representative) and the NHVR.

Identify an issue

If a Sponsor identifies a safety issue, or a gap in industry guidance, they can liaise with the NHVR to work out whether an industry code of practice is the best way to address the problem. If it is, the Sponsor helps the NHVR to liaise with industry to obtain further information, and to identify people with industry experience who can contribute to a new code. These people join other experts and NHVR staff to form a code development group which provides input and advice throughout the process and provides feedback on each draft of the code as it is developed.

The NHVR is responsible for drafting the content of the code, for convening meetings of the development group, and for obtaining expert or technical advice where required. Once the group are substantially satisfied that the code meets the requirements of the Guidelines (see below) the draft is published for a minimum 28 days – on the NHVR’s website – for public consultation.

At the same time, NVHR establishes a separate panel to assess the draft code for registration. This panel also includes a mixture or people with industry experience, regulators, and subject matter experts. Assessment panel members consider any feedback received from the public and use their own knowledge and experience to determine whether the draft code is comprehensive, fit for purpose and practicable to implement. The panel makes a recommendation to the NHVR as to whether a code should be registered, registered with amendments, or not registered.

Overview of the registration process

The registration of an Industry Code of Practice involves 6 stages. Stage 1 - Sponsor proposes a code for development. Stage 2 – Research and Consultation. Stage 3 – Consultation Draft is prepared. Stage 4 – Industry Code of Practice is assessed. Stage 5 – Panel recommends Registration. Stage 6 – Maintenance and Review.

Guidelines

The details of the development process are in the:

The guidelines include the following templates:

Note: The NHVR does not provide funding for code sponsors.