In the last newsletter we mentioned that businesses using the December 2015 template will need to update their plan. Apologies for the distress this has been causing! We realise a lot of you are concerned about businesses needing to reprint their paperwork.
The plan has been revoked, which means businesses do need to update to either the Food Service and Food Retail March 2017 template, or the new Simply Safe and Suitable template, by their next registration.
This was done to avoid multiple versions of the same template, which can be confusing for businesses and verifiers. But we also understand that this is causing some practical difficulties. We know this is our fault - and we want to try and fix it.
For businesses that want to carry on operating as they are, moving to the new plan will involve minimal change. We're thinking of things we could do to avoid hassle or cost to businesses and councils of printing new paperwork. These are just some initial options we've thought about:
-
We can produce an 'update pack', to make it very clear what has actually changed, and what businesses' options are. (i.e. to change over to one of the two new templates, and by when)
-
MPI could contact all affected businesses, or councils could
-
Businesses can change to the simply safe and suitable template - which involves substantially less paperwork, and can be tailored to their business using an online tool
-
MPI could cover the cost of providing new templates for some businesses - such as those who have only recently signed up, or have a registration coming up soon
-
Businesses could download and store the new plans electronically, so that they do not need to reprint all their documents
What do you think would work? We are open to suggestions about what would help you and your businesses.
We have also had enquiries from businesses who want to change to the simply safe and suitable template before their next registration. What should these businesses do? Can they simply call their council to let them know they have changed templates?
Email your MPI liaison or share your thoughts on LinkedIn