Food Standards Agency draft science strategy 2005-2010

Often we can gain access to this science through published peer-reviewed literature or by consulting scientific experts. However, in areas where scientific evidence is unavailable or is uncertain, we have developed research and survey programmes to generate the information and data needed. We also fund some science to fulfil legal obligations or to strengthen our negotiating position in the EC and other international fora. We usually spend about a quarter of our annual budget on research, surveys and associated studies and advice, including the communication of the outcomes to stakeholders.

Our science strategy is concerned with the use of both natural and social sciences to support our policy aims and objectives, whether through accessing established information or sources of expertise and advice, or through generating new information by funding specific studies. It is intended to support and inform both our Strategic Plan 2005-2010 and our wider corporate plan, and to implement recent central Government guidelines and requirements for departmental science and innovation strategies.

The first main section of the science strategy takes a forward look over the next five years to identify the Agency�s research and survey drivers, existing and emerging issues and the scientific evidence we will need to address those issues.

The second main section sets out the strategic aims of the science strategy, how the Agency will achieve them and indicators that might be used in five years' time to establish if the strategic aims have been achieved successfully.

The Agency�s independent Advisory Committee on Research (ACR) has overseen the drafting of the science strategy with the aid of its Science Strategy Steering Group (SSSG). The draft strategy has undergone widespread discussion within the Agency and we believe that the outcome is a document that will be of great help to us in how we use and manage science in support of our work over the next five years. However, we would like to hear your views. In particular, we would welcome comments in response to the following questions:

1. In the Forward Look section of the document, we have set out the main drivers behind the research and survey work we propose to carry out in each strategic theme. Do you agree with these drivers and what others, if any, would you wish to see included in the strategy?

2. In the Forward Look we have also identified, in each strategic theme, existing and emerging issues that we believe are likely to be particularly important over the next five years. What other existing or emerging issues do you think are important?

3. We have summarised some of the scientific evidence we will need to address issues that we believe are likely to be important over the next five years. Bearing in mind that the science strategy is a high-level document and does not go into fine details, what other scientific evidence might we require to address the issues outlined in the strategy or any additional issues you have identified in answer to question 2?

4. The last section on achieving the aims of the Agency�s science strategy also sets out five main strategic aims. Do you agree with these aims and what others, if any, would you wish to see included?

5. The last section of the science strategy also sets out initiatives that we intend to take over the next five years. These will supplement our current initiatives and aid us in achieving the strategy�s five main strategic aims. Do you have any comments on these initiatives and are there any other initiatives that you think we should be taking?

6. The strategy lists indicators that might be used in five years' time to establish if we have successfully achieved the strategic aims. Do you have any comments on these indicators of success and what others, if any, might we include in the strategy?

7. We have tried to produce a balanced science strategy that will support and inform both our Strategic Plan 2005-2010 and our wider corporate plan. Are there any parts of the strategy where we have put too much or too little emphasis, or omitted anything important?

This consultation has been prepared in accordance with the Better Regulation Executive's Code of Practice on Consultation, which states that a consultation must follow better regulation best practice, including carrying out an Impact Assessment (Regulatory Impact Assessment in Scotland). The assessment is included in the consultation documents.

We are interested in what you thought of this consultation and would therefore welcome your general feedback on both the consultation package and overall consultation process. If you would like to assist us to improve the quality of future consultations, please feel free to share your thoughts with us by using the Consultation Feedback Questionnaire.

Consultation feedback questionnaire (Word)

Consultation feedback questionnaire (pdf)

In accordance with the FSA principle of openness our Information Centre at Aviation House will hold a copy of the completed consultation. Responses will be open to public access upon request. The FSA will also publish a summary of responses, which may include personal data, such as your full name and contact address details. If you do not want this information to be released, please complete and return the Publication of Personal Data Form. Return of this form does not mean that we will treat your response to the consultation as confidential, just your personal data.

Data protection form (Word)

Data protection form (pdf)

Within three months of a consultation ending we aim to publish a summary of responses received and provide a link to it from this page.

If, after three months, the summary is still not showing, please contact the person who was responsible for the original consultation. Alternatively, you can contact Chris Harvey, the FSA Consultation Co-ordinator, on 020 7276 8630.
Email: chris.harvey@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk