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Refining the scope for commissioned advice: letter to Lord Hanson (accessible)

Updated 23 July 2025

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The A S C
Animals in Science Committee
Dr Sally Robinson, Chair of the Animals in Science Committee
5th Floor, 2 Ruskin Square
Broad Green
Croydon
CR0 2WF

Email: asc.secretariat@homeoffice.gov.uk

8 July 2025

Dear Lord Hanson,

Animals in Science Committee: refining the scope for commissioned advice

In my letter of 27 June 2025, I requested the opportunity to engage with your officials to further refine the scope of the commission on strengthening the functioning of Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Bodies (AWERBs) and the Named Information Officer (NIO)[footnote 1]. I have since met with policy officials to clarify requirements, and I set out below the proposed adjustments to improve the delivery and impact of the Committee’s forthcoming advice.

As this commission currently stands, advice is being sought in the following areas:

  1. Best practice guidance for AWERBs, particularly relating to their duties regarding the 3Rs (replacement, refinement, and reduction) and training;
  2. The questions that AWERBs should ask project applicants to check that replacement methodologies have been fully considered;
  3. A review of the ASC AWERB network model to assure dissemination of leading practice; and
  4. Leading practice to ensure that the NIO role functions effectively at establishments, where required.

Following our discussions, the Committee is now considering a revised approach. Specifically, we are proposing to divide the work into two separate commissions to ensure focused advice.

The first commission would focus on development of standards of effectiveness and governance for AWERBs, including a framework to support audit and evaluation. The focus would be on overall governance but may also encompass the full range of AWERB duties, including responsibilities under the 3Rs, and consideration of the ASC AWERB Hub model.

This would be followed by a dedicated commission on the named roles. I expect that this advice would primarily focus on the effective functioning of NIOs, given the findings of the recent report on review and regulatory approvals processes, which specifically highlights the need to better define and resource the role of the NIO[footnote 2]. However, the Committee would welcome the opportunity to consider all named roles in their review.

We believe this approach would support the effective delivery of high-quality, independent scientific advice to the Home Office. I would be grateful for your response agreeing these proposals, or if required, the opportunity to meet with you or your officials to discuss further.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Sally Robinson

Chair of the Animals in Science Committee

  1. Commission on AWERBs and Named Information Officer - GOV.UK ↩

  2. The role of review and regulatory approvals processes for animal research in supporting implementation of the 3Rs (2023) - NC3Rs ↩

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