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Wildlife & Countryside

Zoos Forum

The Zoos Forum is an independent advisory body on zoo licensing matters. The members of the Forum represent a broad range of expertise and experience in the world of animal welfare and conservation, from scientists and veterinary surgeons to educators and directors of animal conservation institutions.

On 1 June 2009 four new members were appointed to the Forum: Dr Ros Clubb, Amanda Ewington, Timothy Nevard and Dr Jake Veasey. Further details can be seen at the following link: www.defra.gov.uk/news/2009/index.htm

The Zoos Forum publishes an annual report updating on progress in encouraging the role of zoos in conservation, education and scientific research.

On this page:

Terms of Reference

The Forum's Terms of Reference are:

  • to encourage the role of zoos in conservation, education and scientific research; to keep under review the operation and implementation of the zoo licensing system in the UK and to advise or make recommendations to Ministers of any legislative or other changes that may be necessary.

The Forum can:

  • investigate any specific aspects of zoo policy and practice falling within its remit;
  • consider any animal-related issue where there is a specific zoo interest and offer advice on animal welfare where no other more suitable body exists through which these views could be more appropriately put;
  • seek and obtain detailed advice or assistance from other persons or organisations with knowledge or experience appearing to the Forum to be relevant to its work;
  • assess the evolving role of zoos in society; and foster a fuller understanding of that role;
  • communicate freely with outside bodies, the European Commission and the public; and
  • publish its advice independently.

Current Membership

The recruitment of the Chair and members of the Forum was carried out in accordance with the Nolan Committee procedures on public appointments. The Chair and members are not paid. To avoid all members coming to the end of their terms at the same time, the length of these appointments varies from 2-3 years.

For the full explanation of the rules of the Code of Conduct that members must adhere to please read the full Zoos Forum Code of Conduct, agreed at the first meeting held in May 1999.

There is also a Code of Openness.

The membership of the Forum is:

  • Dr James Kirkwood (Chair)
  • Dr Brian Bertram
  • Alastair Grant
  • Anna Meredith (Vice-Chair)
  • Stephen P Woollard
  • Dr John Eddison
  • David Field
  • Dr David Price
  • Sharon Redrobe
  • Dr Ros Clubb
  • Amanda Ewington
  • Timothy Nevard
  • Dr Jake Veasey

Meetings

Next meeting: 02 September 2009

The last meeting of the Zoos' Forum took place on 13 May 2009. Draft minutes of this meeting are available below:

Open meeting

The Zoos Forum held its annual open meeting on 20 January 2009 in London. Members of the public were invited to attend this meeting and were able to observe the Forum at work in the morning, and in the afternoon the Forum answered questions from the floor. Agreed minutes of this meeting are available below.

Contact us

The Zoos Forum Secretariat is co-ordinated by Defra.

All correspondence to the Forum should be clearly addressed or marked as being for the attention of the Zoos Forum.

Zoos Branch
Wildlife Species Conservation
Defra
Zone 1/11, Temple Quay House
2, The Square
Temple Quay
Bristol BS1 6EB
Tel: 0117 372 8385
Email: zoos.branch@defra.gsi.gov.uk

Page last modified: 29 June 2009
Page published: 23 October 2008

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs