Science Minister launches
consultation on Code of Practice for Scientific Advisory Committees
News Release issued by
the COI News Distribution Service on 17 September 2010
A consultation on
updating the Code of Practice for Scientific Advisory
Committees (CoPSAC) was launched today by the Minister for
Universities and Science David Willetts and the Government Chief
Scientific Adviser Professor Sir John Beddington.
The importance of maintaining strong relationships between
independent advisers and government, promoting the highest levels
of openness and transparency and the need to effectively engage
the scientific community are at the heart of the Government’s
consultation.
Today’s launch follows the publication of the Government’s
revised Guidelines on the use of scientific and engineering
advice in policy making and Principles of Scientific Advice
to Government. These Principles are now reflected in the
Ministerial Code.
Both of these documents highlight important steps that have been
made recently in embedding good practice for the management and
use of scientific advice. And it is hoped that updating CoPSAC
will, in parallel, underline developments in good practice for the
operation of Scientific Advisory Committees.
Mr Willetts said:
“Getting expert scientific advice is fundamental to ensuring that
policy is credible and sustainable. This consultation on the
Code of Practice for Scientific Advisory Committees
demonstrates the Government’s continued commitment to
promoting scientific advice of the highest quality.
“I hope that the scientific community takes this opportunity to
have their say on how these important guidelines should be
updated.”
Sir John Beddington, who leads on the provision of scientific
advice to government, said:
“It is critical that the Government has access to high quality,
independent science and engineering advice to inform policy
development. The role of Scientific Advisory Committees is
invaluable in providing this advice.
“We are updating CoPSAC to ensure that our guidance on how to
maintain the systems that support the provision of this expert
advice are sufficiently robust and, crucially, relevant to today’s world.”
Responses are welcome from individuals and organisations
providing scientific advice to government, the broader scientific
community and the public.
The Code of Practice for Scientific Advisory Committees
provides practical advice on the operation of Scientific
Advisory Committees, covering topics such as good practice on
communicating with the public and the rights and responsibilities
of committee members.
Notes to editors
1. For media queries, contact Rachel Clarke, BIS press office,
Tel: 18002 020 7215 5945 or email: rachel.clarke@bis.gsi.gov.uk
2. The Code of Practice for Scientific Advisory Committees
(CoPSAC) was first published in 2001. It was reviewed and
revised most recently in late 2007 following a public consultation.
3. A public commitment to consult on CoPSAC was made prior to the
publication of the final ‘Principles of Scientific Advice to
Government’, to ensure that those key messages were reflected in
this practical guidance.
4. CoPSAC contains practical guidance on the operation of
Scientific Advisory Committees.
5. All Scientific Advisory Committees – whether or not formal Non
Departmental Public Bodies – are covered by this guidance.
6. BIS' online newsroom contains the latest press
notices, speeches, as well as video and images for download. It
also features an up to date list of BIS press office contacts. See
http://www.bis.gov.uk/newsroom for more information.
Contacts:
BIS Press Office
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Rachel Clarke
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