Office for Environmental Protection Framework
This Framework Document sets out the governance and accountability arrangements for the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP), agreed between Defra, DAERA and the OEP.
It explains how the organisations work together in practice, including their respective roles, responsibilities and oversight arrangements, while safeguarding the OEP’s independence. The document also outlines the OEP’s statutory functions under the Environment Act 2021, including its role in monitoring environmental progress, advising on environmental law, and holding public authorities to account, supported by clear arrangements for financial management, reporting and corporate governance.