Defra Science Advisory Council
Background
On 3rd February 2004 Ministers announced the establishment of the Science Advisory Council (SAC) to provide Defra with expert and independent advice on science policy and strategy.
SAC, and its predecessor the Science Advisory Group (SAG), have been established in response to recommendations including: the Anderson "Lessons Learned" report about foot-and-mouth disease (partic. recommendation 34, p.31); the Phillips report about BSE (which called for robust and external challenge, plus greater openness and engagement with the scientific community about the quality and direction of Defra science); the Office of Science & Technology's (OST) Guidelines 2000; and the Cross Cutting Review of Science (SR 2002).
SAC is an independent non-departmental public body (NDPB), established in accordance with the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA) Code of Practice and in line with guidance provided in the Nolan Principles of Public Life. SAC follows the Office of Science and Technology’s (OST) Code of Practice for Scientific Advisory Committees.
Purpose
As stated in Defra's Science
& Innovation Strategy 2003-06, and the Strategy's follow up "Our Approach to E&I" (October 2006) (
186Kb), the department spends approximately £330 million a year on science (including research, monitoring,
surveillance and evaluation) underpinning a broad range of policies including
environmental protection, farming and food, animal and plant health, and
sustainable energy.
SAC helps guide Defra's scientific priorities and work across the complete range of the Department's policy activities, including horizon-scanning and long-range planning as well as dealing with immediate risks and opportunities.
SAC is the senior Non-departmental public body (NDPB) offering scientific advice to Defra's Chief Scientific Adviser.
If you would like to comment or be added to the Science Advisory Council's stakeholder mailing list please email: science.advisory.council@defra.gsi.gov.uk
Page
last modified: 5 November 2007
Page published: 5 November 2007