Scottish Government

Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate

Introduction

Andy Robb
Chief Agricultural Officer and Director of RPID

This is the first Annual Report covering the Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate ( RPID).

This report sets out our activity and performance in the implementation of the reformed Common Agricultural Policy ( CAP); and identifies our targets for the forthcoming year. The report focuses on those schemes where we made payments during calendar year 2007. This includes all CAP subsidy schemes, both new and legacy schemes, agri-environment & afforestation schemes.

The Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate ( RPID) is part of the Scottish Government's "Greener Scotland" portfolio, together with the Rural, Environmental Quality, Marine, and Rural and Environment Research and Analysis Directorates. We assist in the delivery of the "Greener Scotland" Agenda and Outcomes. We are the public face of Rural Affairs and provide the main points of contact with rural beneficiaries through our network of local Area Offices and through their direct contact with headquarters. We are responsible for implementation and delivery of grants, subsidies and other Government policies to the agricultural industry as well as the development and support of the Information Technology Systems to enable the delivery of the schemes. We provide professional agricultural advice and information to Scottish Ministers, the general public and other colleagues in the Scottish Government. We provide professional advice on IT systems to the agricultural and fisheries interests within the Portfolio. We also work closely with the Crofters' Commission and act as their agents in regulatory matters.

I am grateful to the five Divisions within RPID who have contributed to this report which covers the work undertaken by them.

2. Vision Statement

Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate will be recognised by everyone as an efficient delivery organisation with a staff who are proud of the quality of service they provide.

We will:

1. Have teams who work well together and present consistent, clear messages to all our customers;

2. Set clear targets and priorities, and deliver in accordance with our published timetables or provide timely notification of and explanations for any exceptions;

3. Identify clear lines of responsibility for all deliverables;

4. Provide clear guidance for all staff and customers;

5. Demonstrate sound financial controls at all stages in our processes.