Note: this section has largely been done using a desk research approach, looking at what is available to the public via web sites, prior to involving a wide spectrum of organisations.
Education
This group provide varied and specific activities aimed at increasing education of all target groups, but mainly children, young people, teachers, young professionals and own members. The majority of organisations, especially companies, provide tailored educational resources, programmes and educational initiatives such as Chemical Industry Educational Centre and AstraZeneca's Science Teaching Trust. Sector Skills Councils also work with government in development of courses, such as 14-19 Diplomas.
Public engagement
For children, young people and professionals the usual activities such as conferences, roadshows, industry days are common. However the majority of engagement is with media, government and opinion formers as representative of their sector.
Public confidence
Specific groups do not appear to be targeted. Most of the companies and organisations have company policy commitments for Health and Safety matters, environmental protection policies, environmental performance and impact assessments, while the Bioscience and Pharmaceutical industry have their code of practice, information centre on Animals in Medicine Research. Examples include: ABPI are members of Ministerial Industry Strategy Group on New Technologies; The BioIndustry Association (BIA) have a strategy of communicating benefits of innovative bioscience technologies; and AstraZeneca have in place a bioethics policy in their research and clinical trials.
Science workforce
There are a number of general and specific activities for children, young people, teachers and young professionals, from career advice, resources, prizes, scholarships, campaigns etc. Industry bodies and companies produce material for the media, policy makers, MPs etc, though much of this is of a lobbying nature.
Increasing diversity
Sector Skills Councils manage a Women in Work Programme. E-Skills run Computer Clubs for girls. For other organisations, it is not clear from the web sites whether there is any specific activity in this area but there are likely to be policies and programmes within organisations and companies to support diversity.
