United Kingdom · guide · 17 September 2026
Desktop assessment vs site inspection on a CAR — reading the assessment type
Every Compliance Assessment Report (CAR) states how the Environment Agency assessed compliance — site inspection, audit, desktop review of monitoring data, or a combination. The assessment type changes which sub-criteria were marked “assessed” on the form and what evidence the EA relied on. This guide reads the printed labels only. Source: EA assessing and scoring guidance (OGL v3.0).
Where assessment type appears on the CAR
Near the header of the form, look for:
- Date of assessment
- Type of assessment — inspection, audit, desktop, or mixed
- Assessing officer and permit reference
Sub-criteria rows are marked A (assessed), N (not assessed), NA (not applicable), or O (ongoing). A desktop CAR may show many infrastructure sub-criteria as N because no physical visit occurred.
Site inspection — typical CAR signals
- Assessment type states inspection or site visit
- Infrastructure, amenity, and on-site management sub-criteria marked A
- Photo or observation references in non-compliance narratives
- Inspector sign-off with visit date
Non-compliances may cite physical conditions (storage, bunding, odour, litter) observed on site.
Desktop assessment — typical CAR signals
- Assessment type states desktop, remote, or review of monitoring returns / annual returns
- Emphasis on records, monitoring data, and submitted reports rather than physical observations
- Many on-site sub-criteria marked N (not assessed this visit)
- May follow up a previous inspection — read the CAR narrative for context
Desktop findings can still score CCS points (C1, C2, C3) where records show non-compliance with permit conditions.
Audit — third pattern
Some CARs record an audit — a structured review that may combine document checks with limited site access. Read the stated scope on your form; do not assume audit equals full inspection.
Why the type line matters for reading
| Type | What to check on the CAR |
|---|---|
| Site inspection | Which physical sub-criteria were assessed; do findings cite conditions you can locate on the permit? |
| Desktop | Which records period was reviewed; are deadlines in the CAR about submitting data vs physical works? |
| Mixed / audit | Split assessed vs not assessed rows — do not treat N as Pass |
CARBrief extracts assessment type, assessed areas, and scored non-compliances with page references. We do not advise whether a desktop CAR can be challenged or what to prepare for the next visit.
Questions
What is a desktop assessment CAR?
A desktop assessment CAR records an Environment Agency compliance review based on submitted records, monitoring data, or returns — without a full site inspection. The form states the assessment type and marks which sub-criteria were assessed.
Can a desktop CAR include C1 or C2 scores?
Yes. CCS points attach to scored non-compliances however the assessment was conducted. Read the risk category on each row — see what CCS scores mean.
Does CARBrief distinguish desktop from inspection CARs?
Yes. CARBrief extracts and cites the assessment type line from the published CAR alongside non-compliances and deadlines.
Informational only. Not legal advice. Last reviewed September 2026.