§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what procedures are in place within the Medicines Control Agency to monitor the technical competence of staff. [20933]
§ Mr. MaloneThe Medicines Control Agency ensures that its staff have appropriate professional and technical qualifications to perform effectively through its stringent recruitment and selection procedures; all new staff undergo a probationary period of one year upon joining. The technical competence of staff is maintained through appropriate training and is monitored through annual appraisal of their ability to meet defined objectives; this is subject to sign-off by a senior member of staff.
The agency is also involved in the development of continuing further education programmes to ensure that all staff remain abreast of developments within their field.