High-level
Principles on scientific advice to Government to ensure effective
engagement between the Government and those who provide
independent science and engineering advice, were published today
by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
The Principles cover trust, respect, independence, transparency
and openness. Lord Drayson, Science & Innovation Minister,
has led the efforts to draw up the principles. They were agreed
after a series of informal meetings, with 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 public trust in the process.
Lord Drayson said:
"Ministers rely on scientific advice to develop sound
Government policy. The relationship between ministers and advisers
is an important one.
"These principles, which now go out for consultation,
are designed to strengthen that relationship further. They
emphasise the importance of academic freedom, and the
responsibilities of both scientists and ministers."
The Government welcomes views on these Principles, and on wider
issues relating to the use of science and engineering advice by
Government, as part of the consultation on the GCSA’s Guidelines
for the Use of Scientific Analysis in Policy Making (which runs
until 9 February 2010).
Notes to Editors
1. The Government Office for Science’s consultation was launched
on 17 Nov 2009.
2. Details of the consultation and how to contribute are
available at http://www.berr.gov.uk/consultations/page53603.html
3. The statement of principles are below. For more information
contact Adrian Bradley, Senior press officer, on 020 7215 5080.
Principles of Scientific Advice to Government
The purpose of the high level Principles below is to
ensure continued effective engagement between the Government and
those who provide independent science and engineering advice.
Following these Principles will not only result in a strengthening
of the relationship between these parties and the public, but also
of the policy-making process.
The Principles primarily address issues relating to Scientific
Advisory Committees and Councils, several of which have members
with expertise outside of the sciences. They should also be
understood to apply to other independent scientific advice
commissioned by the government, but not to departmental Chief
Scientific Advisers, or other civil servants that provide
scientific advice.
Issues relating to the function and working of scientific
advisory bodies that are not reflected in these high-level
Principles are or will be discussed in more detailed guidance such
as CoPSAC or the Guidelines on scientific analysis in
policy-making (to be updated in 2010).
Trust and respect
The Government should respect and value the 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. The Government and its scientific
advisers should work together to reach a shared position, and
neither should act to undermine mutual trust.
Independence
Scientific advisers to the Government are free to communicate in
a professional capacity within their field of expertise, subject
to normal confidentiality restrictions. Scientific advisers to the
Government are free to communicate relevant evidence and analysis,
including when it is at odds with Government policy.Scientific
advisers to the Government must be free from political
interference with their work.Scientific Advisory Committees and
Councils have the right to engage with the media and public
independently of the Government and are free to seek independent
media advice.Scientific advisers to the Government should make
clear in what capacity they are communicating, for example at
conferences or in published papers.
Transparency and openness
Scientific advice to the Government will be published unless
there are over-riding reasons (such as national security) for not
doing so.The timing of the publication of independent scientific
advice is normally a matter for the advisory body but should be
discussed with the Government beforehand.The timing of the
Government’s response to scientific advice will demonstrably allow
for proper consideration of that advice.The Government and its
scientific advisers should make it clear whether they are
communicating scientific evidence and analysis or conclusions and
advice.Scientific advisers should indicate their level of
confidence in the evidence base underpinning their advice by
making explicit levels of uncertainty, ambiguity and ignorance.The
Government will explain the reasons for policy decisions,
particularly when the decision appears to be at odds with
scientific advice.If Government is minded not to accept the advice
of a scientific advisory committee or council particularly on
matters of significant public interest, the relevant minister will
normally meet with the chair to discuss the issue before a final
decision is made.
Applying the Principles
The Government invites Scientific Advisory Committees (SACs),
Councils and government departments to consider the extent to
which the Principles in this document are reflected in their
operation and to make changes as necessary. The Code of Practice
for Scientific Advisory Committees (CoPSAC) provides further
detail on good practice for SAC functions and working.
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. If the matter of concern cannot be
effectively resolved or is especially serious CSA’s should
approach the Government Chief Scientific Adviser (GCSA), and
Ministers should approach the Minister for Science to escalate the
issue to ED(SI).
The Government welcomes views on these Principles, and on wider
issues relating to the use of science and engineering advice by
Government, as part of the consultation on the GCSA’s Guidelines
for the Use of Scientific Analysis in Policy Making (which runs
until 9 February 2010). Views can be offered here.
The Government will take forward work to address specific issues
which emerged in consulting stakeholders (below). Following
completion of the consultation on the Guidelines the Government
will consider whether to initiate an early consultation on further
amendments to CoPSAC.
· SAC and Government working: the Government will take steps to
strengthen relationships between government departments and SACs.
Departmental Chief Scientific Advisers (CSAs) will meet regularly
the Chairs of the SACs sponsored by their department. The GCSA
will meet annually with SAC Chairs across government.
· Role of Chair: the Government will consider whether additional
guidance relating to SAC Chairs is necessary.
· Media Support for SACs: the Code of Practice for Scientific
Advisory Committees (CoPSAC) provides for the use of independent
media support to SACs. Government will work to ensure SACs are
aware of this right, and consider any related practical issues.
· Media training for SAC members: the Government will consider
how best to ensure that SAC members are equipped to engage with
the media, to ensure that SACs are in a position to decide whether
a media strategy is necessary before publishing advice.
· Appropriate use of Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs): there are
circumstances in which SACs are unable to publish the advice
provided (because of national security, for example). The
Government will consider whether guidance on the use of NDAs is necessary.
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