Add new comment

This is my last blog before heading off for a two-week summer break. I've handed over the keys to a couple of colleagues who may well post in my absence. But before I sign off, I wanted to update you about yesterday's FSA open Board meeting in Cardiff. 

I reported back to the Board on the openness and  transparency of the eight scientific advisory committees (SACs) that  currently provide the Agency with independent  scientific advice. This was an opportunity to update the Board on progress since the Agency reported on the Scientific Advisory Committees in 2002, and to see how the SACs compare with The Government's Chief Scientific Advisers Code of Practice on Openness.
 
The work of the SACs is vital to the Agency's reputation for scientific quality and integrity. My work with the SACs identified the need for a more consistent approach to holding regular open meetings, and I'm pleased to say that I was able to report that this is now happening.

These changes demonstrate the commitment of the SAC Chairs and members to winning public trust by keeping them at the forefront of open and transparent operation.

Through this report I also clarified those exceptional circumstances when these independent committees find it necessary for issues to be discussed in private.
 
The Board welcomed this progress but nonetheless felt more could be done and that we mustn't rest on our laurels.

Members wanted to be confident that the SACs are leading the way in open and transparent operation as well as scientific excellence and integrity.

The Board advised that when SACs have to decide whether to handle any business in private, they should always ask themselves whether the public interest is best served by not disclosing the discussion.
 
I am confident that public interest is always in the forefront of the SAC discussions and I will be working with the Chairs to ensure that this is clear and that committees continue to operate in the most open and transparent manner possible.