översyn

Översyn is a process of examining and reassessing policies, programs, laws, practices, or organizations to determine their relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance. It involves systematic analysis aimed at informing decisions about continuation, modification, expansion, or termination. The term is used across Swedish public administration, healthcare, education, and the private sector, and often encompasses both policy review and program evaluation.

The concept is distinct from granskning (auditing or inspection) and revision (often implying a formal financial audit). Översyn is broader and more diagnostic, focused on policy relevance and performance rather than financial reporting alone. It can be conducted internally or by external bodies, such as parliamentary committees, inspectorates, or consulting firms.

Contexts and processes: In public administration, översyn may examine the objectives, efficiency, costs, outcomes, and legal compliance of a program or regulation. The process typically includes planning, data collection, stakeholder consultation, analysis against predefined criteria, reporting of findings, and recommendations, followed by monitoring of implemented changes. In corporate settings, it may relate to governance reviews, risk management, or quality assurance cycles.

Outcomes can include policy adjustments, repurposing or scaling programs, budget reallocations, or legislative reform. Översyn cycles may be scheduled (annual or periodic) or triggered by events such as budget reviews, new regulations, or performance concerns.

See also: evaluation, policy review, audit, oversight, governance.