GCSA: Guidelines on scientific analysis in policy making

01 August 2005

This consultation by the Chief Scientific Advisor, Sir David King FRS, concerns the update to the Guidelines on Scientific Analysis in Policy Making which address the way in which Government departments obtain and use analysis and advice in policy making. The update is intended to reflect the developments in best practice in policy making since the Guidelines were last revised in 2000. 

In its response the Society highlights that all scientific research or evidence being used by Government departments should be exposed to rigorous independent peer review, and that publication and transparency are vital. It also recommends that Government departments access to independent advice in science and engineering should be based on having a panel of independent experts available to each department to support their use of science. These panels should, for example, be used to advise on the scientific questions which experts will be asked to address and to identify trends and issues that may impact upon departments.