Updated guidelines on scientific advice

The role of engineering advice and horizon-scanning are highlighted in the updated Guidelines on the use of Scientific and Engineering Advice within government, published by Government Chief Scientific Advisor (GCSA) Professor Sir John Beddington. The Guidelines address how scientific and engineering advice should be sought and applied to enable government policy makers to make better informed decisions. This is the third update of the guidelines and followed a public consultation.

The key messages are that departments, and policy makers within them should:

• identify early the issues which need scientific and engineering advice and where public engagement is appropriate;
• draw on a wide range of expert advice sources, particularly when there is uncertainty;
• adopt an open and transparent approach to the scientific advisory process and publish the evidence and analysis as soon as possible;
• explain publicly the reasons for policy decisions, particularly when the decision appears to be inconsistent with scientific advice; and
• work collectively to ensure a joined-up approach throughout government to integrating scientific and engineering evidence and advice into policy making.

The updated guidelines reflect feedback from consultation on the need to highlight:

• the role and importance of engineering advice;
• the benefits of horizon-scanning;
• the value of engaging with the scientific community's representative bodies; and
• the importance of using international sources of advice.

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