CHAPTER 1
Status, aims and objectives of RCEP
Status
1.1 The Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution (RCEP) is an independent standing body established by Royal Warrant in 1970 to provide advice on environmental issues.
1.2 The Chairman and Members of the Commission are appointed by Her Majesty The Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister. They are supported by a small full-time Secretariat.
1.3 RCEP functions relate to all parts of the United Kingdom. It therefore advises both on matters which are the responsibility of the UK Government and on matters which are the responsibility of the devolved administrations. It is funded by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) on behalf of the UK Government.
Terms of Reference
1.4 RCEP's terms of reference as set out in the Royal Warrant are:
'To advise on matters, both national and international, concerning the pollution of the environment; on the adequacy of research in this field; and the future possibilities of danger to the environment'.
The Commission has always given a broad interpretation to the term 'pollution'.
1.5 The Chairman and Members are authorised by the Queen:
'To enquire into any such matters referred to you by one of our Secretaries of State or by one of our Ministers, or any such matters on which you yourselves shall deem it expedient to advise'.
1.6 The full text of the Royal Warrant is at Annex A.
Aim, objectives and tasks
1.7 The primary aim of RCEP is to contribute to policy development in the longer term by providing an authoritative factual basis for policy-making and debate, and setting new policy agendas and priorities. In reaching its conclusions, the Commission seeks to take account of the wider implications for society of any measures proposed. This involves consideration of the economic, social and ethical aspects of issues as well as the scientific and technological aspects.
1.8 RCEP's direction, priorities and goals are set out in its Corporate Plan (see section 3.1 below).
1.9 The way RCEP sets about tasks is described in Guidelines for the Conduct of Commission Studies. These are available on the RCEP website www.rcep.org.uk. RCEP keeps the guidelines under review and revises them from time to time in the light of experience.
Published 26 February 2001
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