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