Overview

Animal in Science Committee (ASC) members

Location - Central London (once per quarter) and virtual meetings

Time commitment - 20 day(s) per annum

Remuneration - The role is unremunerated, but members will be reimbursed for travel expenses incurred whilst carrying out business on behalf of the Animals in Science Committee ((ASC)

Length of term - The appointment will be for a fixed period of three years

The Animals in Science Committee (ASC) was established in January 2013 as a reformation of the Animal Procedures Committee. The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA) requires the creation of a Committee for the Protection of Animals used for Scientific Purposes. This committee is known as the Animals in Science Committee (ASC). The ASC is an independent, non-executive advisory Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) sponsored by the Home Office.

The ASC is made up of both experts and lay members, where expert members have experience relevant to the use of animals in science and lay members do not. As such, experience relevant to the use of animals in science is not required.

The role of the Committee is to advise the Secretary of State on all matters concerning the acquisition, breeding, accommodation, care and use of protected animals in scientific procedures, and to advise animal welfare ethical review bodies on sharing best practice within the UK.

The Committee will also work closely with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to support delivery of Section 20B of ASPA (development and validation of alternative strategies to using animals) and in line with the government manifesto commitment to partner with scientists, industry and civil society as we work towards the phasing out of animal testing.

The appointment of its Members will be in a personal capacity based on their skills, expertise and experience. They will not be appointed to represent any organisation by which they are employed, or any particular interest group, or any other organisation with which they have significant contacts. Members shall be expected to consider issues on merit and provide independent advice acting in the public interest at all times.

• A demonstrable ability to understand the breadth and depth of ethical issues in relation to the use of animals in science.
• The ability to think logically and objectively to analyse complex information from diverse sources, identify key issues and make effective impartial and balanced decisions.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with committee members and stakeholders and to actively and constructively contribute to discussions, negotiating between conflicting opinions and values and generating options to reach consensus.
• The confidence to deal with difficult situations sensitively, and to take and be accountable for decisions.
• An appreciation of equality and diversity and a willingness to champion difference.
• An awareness of how the views of the scientific community and the public are changing politically and socially.

Responsibilities

• The scope includes advising on ethical issues in relation to the use of animals in science and contributing to best-practice sharing within the UK.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable understanding of ethical issues in relation to the use of animals in science.
• Ability to analyse complex information and make impartial, balanced decisions.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills.

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