Department for Business, Innovation and Skills
Printable version E-mail this to a friend

Principles of scientific advice to government published

Principles of scientific advice to government published

News Release issued by the COI News Distribution Service on 24 March 2010

Principles of Scientific Advice to Government to govern the relationship between Government and its advisors were published today by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

The Principles of Scientific Advice set out the rules of engagement between Government and those who provide independent scientific and engineering advice. They offer a foundation on which independent scientific advisers and government departments should base their operations and interactions.

The Principles set out roles and responsibilities and cover independence, transparency and openness.

Lord Drayson, Science & Innovation Minister, has led the efforts to draw up the Principles. These final Principles were redrafted following a consultation on an earlier draft as well as input from Scientific Advisory Committees, Learned Societies, representatives of the science media and Sense about Science. The principles aim to clarify the relationship between advice and policy, as well as strengthen the public and scientists’ trust in the process.

Lord Drayson said:

"Government needs the best scientific advice it can get to inform policy and so our relationship with our advisors is crucial. They need to know their advice will be duly considered and their academic freedom will be respected when they volunteer to work with Government.

"These principles, which are now Government policy, clearly state the roles and responsibilities of advisors and ministers and enshrine respect for academic freedom."

John Beddington, the Government Chief Scientific Adviser, said:

"As we face major global challenges, there has never been a time when there has been a greater need to for science and engineering advice to contribute to good policy making.

These principles, together with the Guidelines on scientific analysis in policy making and Code of practice for scientific advisory committees set out a solid framework for future engagement between Government and its Independent Scientific Advisers which in turn will help protect and enhance the UK’s long term competitiveness based on the excellence of UK science."

Notes to Editors

1. For more information contact Laure Thomas, BIS Press Office, on 020 7215 5080.

2. Principles of Scientific Advice to Government

The Principles of Scientific Advice set out the rules of engagement between Government and those who provide independent scientific and engineering advice. They provide a foundation on which independent scientific advisers and government departments should base their operations and interactions.

The Principles apply to Ministers and Government departments, all members of Scientific Advisory Committees and Councils (the membership of which often includes statisticians, social researchers and lay members) and other independent scientific and engineering advice to Government. They do not apply to employed advisers, departmental Chief Scientific Advisers or other civil servants who provide scientific or analytical advice, as other codes of professional conduct apply.

Clear roles and responsibilities

Government should respect and value the academic freedom, professional status and expertise of its independent scientific advisers.Scientific advisers should respect the democratic mandate of the Government to take decisions based on a wide range of factors and recognise that science is only part of the evidence that Government must consider in developing policy.Government and its scientific advisers should not act to undermine mutual trust.Chairs of Scientific Advisory Committees and Councils have a particular responsibility to maintain open lines of communication with their sponsor department and its Ministers.

Independence

Scientific advisers should be free from political interference with their work.Scientific advisers are free to publish and present their research.Scientific advisers are free to communicate publicly their advice to Government, subject to normal confidentiality restrictions, including when it appears to be inconsistent with Government policy. Scientific advisers have the right to engage with the media and public independently of the Government and should seek independent media advice on substantive pieces of work.Scientific advisers should make clear in what capacity they are communicating.

Transparency and openness

Scientific advice to Government should be made publicly available unless there are over-riding reasons, such as national security or the facilitation of a crime, for not doing so.

· Any requirement for independent advisers to sign non-disclosure agreements, for example for reasons of national security, should be publicly acknowledged and regularly reviewed.

· The timing of the publication of independent scientific advice is a matter for the advisory body but should be discussed with the Government beforehand.

Government should not prejudge the advice of independent advisers, nor should it criticise advice or reject it before its publication.The timing of the Government’s response to scientific advice should demonstrably allow for proper consideration of that advice.Government should publicly explain the reasons for policy decisions, particularly when the decision is not consistent with scientific advice and in doing so, should accurately represent the evidence. If Government is minded not to accept the advice of a Scientific Advisory Committee or Council the relevant minister should normally meet with the Chair to discuss the issue before a final decision is made, particularly on matters of significant public interest.

Applying the Principles

Scientific Advisory Committees, Councils and government departments should consider the extent to which the Principles in this document are reflected in their operation and to make changes as necessary. Issues relating to the function and working of scientific advisory bodies that are not reflected in these high-level Principles are discussed in more detailed guidance such as the Code of practice for Scientific Advisory Committees or the Guidelines on scientific analysis in policy-making.

Government departments and their independent scientific advisers should raise issues of concern over the application of the Principles, or other guidance, with the relevant departmental Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA). If the matter of concern cannot be effectively resolved or is especially serious CSAs should approach the Government Chief Scientific Adviser (GCSA) and Ministers should approach the GCSA and the Minister for Science. The matter will be examined against a clear set of criteria, which include a breach of the Principles or CoPSAC.

Department for Business, Innovation & Skills

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is building a dynamic and competitive UK economy by: creating the conditions for business success; promoting innovation, enterprise and science; and giving everyone the skills and opportunities to succeed. To achieve this it will foster world-class universities and promote an open global economy. BIS - Investing in our future.

Contacts:

BIS Press Office
NDS.BIS@coi.gsi.gov.uk

Laure Thomas
Phone: 020 7215 5938
Laure.Thomas@bis.gsi.gov.uk

Spotlight on women at Serco – Anita’s story