myndighetsinstruktioner

Myndighetsinstruktioner are formal directives issued by a government to a public authority that define the authority’s mandate, powers and operating framework. They describe the agency’s purpose, the tasks it is responsible for, its decision-making authority, and the rules governing its internal organization and procedures. The instruktions are part of the administrative framework that ensures the agency acts within the bounds of law and policy.

A typical myndighetsinstruktion covers the agency’s assigned tasks and limits on its powers, reporting lines to the relevant ministry, requirements for transparency and accountability, handling of personal data, financial management, and oversight mechanisms. It may also set policy priorities, procedural standards, and routines that guide daily operations and long-term planning.

In Sweden, myndighetsinstruktioner are often complemented by regleringsbrev, the annual letters from the government that set objectives and resource allocations for ministries and their agencies. Together with laws and regulations, instruktions shape how public authorities operate while ensuring political direction and policy coherence. The exact form and content can vary, but the core aim is to promote uniform administration and predictable implementation of policy.

Preparation and revision usually involve the relevant ministry and the agency, with changes subject to political oversight. Public accountability is reinforced through parliamentary oversight, audits, and, where applicable, judicial review. While the term and practice differ across contexts, myndighetsinstruktioner share the common function of defining an agency’s mandate, clarifying authority, and guiding the implementation of public policy within the legal framework.