The first year of implementation of the LPIS quality assessment in the frame of Comm. Reg. No 1122/2009 art. 6.2 : findings and analysis of the Member States' first assessment of the LPIS QA methodology

This document reports on the JRC activities on and developments of the LPIS quality assurance framework during 2011. It coincided with the implementation of the first LPIS quality assessment by the Member States for the 2010 reporting year. This report summarizes the findings from the assessment reports and inspection observations by the Member States. All Member States produced a quality report on their LPIS quality and a large majority provided also inspection data. It was not yet the objective to arrive at a comparable scores or a definitive verdict on the quality of an individual LPIS implementation, still, this 2010 general rehearsal evidenced that the LPIS QA is a very powerful instrument for the quality self-assessment by the LPIS authorities. Further actions will be required for the LPIS QA framework to produce common, pan-European scores. JRC examined the correct application of the inspection methodology through screening of the inspection records which led to two important outcomes; individual Member State feedback on their performance and improvements in measures, methodology and guidance. A major simplification of the methodology resulted. The report concludes with two strategic choices that will determine the future of the LPIS QA framework.