Animals in Science Regulation Governance Board: terms of reference
Terms of reference for the Animals in Science Regulation Governance Board.
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The role of the governance board is to support the Head of the Animals in Science Regulation Unit (ASRU) in delivering ASRU’s responsibilities under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA). The board provides independent advice and challenge to support the effective delivery of ASRU’s regulatory functions, including its performance, strategy, risk management and stakeholder engagement, complementing the oversight provided by the Home Office Science Director. The board supports ASRU in maintaining high standards of regulation and animal protection, including in upholding compliance with the legal principles of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement).
The board operates in line with recognised principles of effective regulation, including the National Audit Office’s principles of effective regulation and the 2014 Regulators’ Code, and helps provide assurance to the Home Office, ministers and the public on the effective delivery of ASRU’s role.
Members are expected to abide by the code of conduct for board members of public bodies. Members should also uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life.
It is within the board’s responsibilities to:
- provide independent scrutiny and advice on ASRU’s performance in delivering its statutory responsibilities
- review and advise on ASRU’s strategic direction and business planning
- consider significant risks and ASRU’s approach to managing them
- support prioritisation of activities and the effective use of resources
- advise on stakeholder engagement, including with the regulated sector and the public
- review ASRU’s annual report to support transparency, clarity and accessibility
The board has an advisory role and does not make regulatory decisions. It is not involved in the consideration of individual licence applications or other casework.
The governance board is distinct from the Animals in Science Committee (ASC), which is a statutory advisory body established under ASPA. The ASC provides independent advice to ministers on policy and wider issues relating to the use of animals in science. The governance board, by contrast, focuses on ASRU’s operational performance, delivery and effectiveness as a regulator.
Members are appointed for a period of 3 years. Appointments are subject to regular performance appraisals and may be renewed, subject to satisfactory performance.
Members are expected to contribute to the board’s aims by attending meetings and providing independent advice and challenge. The board will meet 3 times each year.
Members are appointed through fair and open competition following the Civil Service Recruitment Principles. Conflict of interest is carefully considered during the recruitment process and members are required to complete conflict of interest declarations with clear mitigations for any potential conflicts of interest.
Board members are not employees of the Home Office and the role is unremunerated. Members may claim reasonable expenses incurred in connection with their attendance at board meetings.