Department for Business, Innovation and Skills
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Supporting Science and Engineering in Government – updating guidelines on scientific analysis in policy making
Guidelines to ensure robust scientific and engineering advice to Government are the subject of a consultation launched today by the Government Office for Science. The Government Chief Scientific Advisor Professor John Beddington is launching the long-planned consultation in parallel to the exercise Science Minister Lord Drayson will be carrying out to deliver a clear set of rules of engagement around the provision of scientific advice to Government.
The consultation provides an opportunity for scientists, academics and members of the public to help revise the guidelines, last updated in 2005. These will set out the way Government departments obtain and use scientific advice and underpin the Government’s commitment to evidence-based policy making.
Alongside this formal consultation, Lord Drayson will lead work with scientific advisors, the learned societies, scientists, science journalists and Government colleagues over the coming weeks to outline principles for independent scientific advice which will underpin the relationship between Government and scientists. These will be published before the end of the year and will feed into the guidelines consultation.
Science and Innovation Minister Lord Drayson said:
“I firmly believe this Government has been good to and good for science. Good science and scientific advice is essential for the government and the economy. We are working to clarify the rules for engagement between policy-makers and scientists to ensure that the right framework is in place so the best advice keeps coming through.”
Government Chief Scientific Adviser Professor John Beddington said:
“The provision of expert scientific advice to government is critical to ensuring that Ministerial policy decisions are made in the context of the best possible science and engineering evidence.
It is vitally important that the independence of scientific advice is preserved and the work announced today will help reinforce this.”
The guidelines address how evidence should be sought and applied to enhance the ability of government decision makers to make better informed decisions. They are there to ensure that departments, and the individual policy makers within them, should:
think ahead and identify early the issues on which they need scientific advice and early public engagement, and where the current evidence base is weak and should be strengthened;get a wide range of advice from the best sources, particularly when there is uncertainty;publish the evidence and analysis and all relevant papers
Notes to editors
The consultation will remain open until 9 February 2009 and details are available at www.berr.gov.uk/files/file53585.pdf. The guidelines were first introduced in 1997 by former government chief scientific advisor Lord May. The current guidelines and code of practice are available at http://www.dius.gov.uk/office_for_science/science_in_government/strategy_and_guidance/looking_further
Lord Drayson and Professor Beddington will publish a statement setting out the principles of scientific advice to Government before the end of the year. The public and other interested stakeholders will be able to comment on this statement in the New Year as part of the consultation on the guidelines.
The Government Office for Science (GO-Science) is headed by the Government Chief Scientific Adviser (GCSA), Professor John Beddington. It exists to ensure that Government policy and decision-making is underpinned by robust scientific evidence and long-term thinking. Professor Beddington reports to the Prime Minister and Cabinet and works with all Government departments. He also heads the science and engineering profession in government.
For more information please contact Adrian Bradley, Senior Press Officer, on 020 7215 5080.
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
