Guidance for developing a One Stop Shop Tool

Ineffective communication has been highlighted as an area that contributes both directly and indirectly to many bottlenecks and issues found in the current aquaculture licencing process in member states. Poor communication has been identified with, within and between decision makers, and is exacerbated by fragmentation and the multiple agencies involved. A proposed method for improving the coordination of agencies and administrative authorities is the creation of a ‘one-stop-shops’ that centralises, coordinates and processes all the permits, licences and reports to do with the licencing process. This One Stop Shop (OSS) would incorporate all agencies and authorities that have responsibilities for aquaculture, allowing the OSS to act as the sole authority. It would provide all services required by the applicant to complete a successful application in a defined time period.
The aim of this tool is to provide an overview of the requirements for a One Stop Shop. By setting out the steps required, decision makers can identify the requirement for a streamlined process for applicants. By adopting a One Stop Shop approach decision makers can formalise their efforts to prevent inefficiencies, duplication or unnecessary complexities of the current systems. Efforts can be focused on streamlining the process for the applicant and themselves. To achieve this objective this guidance document sets out key elements and steps to be taken in implementing the One Stop Shop approach with a view to achieving best practice.