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Write to:
Science Secretariat
3rd Floor
Seacole Building (SW)
2 Marsham Street
London, SW1P 4DF
Tel: 020 7035 3325
The secretariat is made up of scientists and generalists, and has three primary functions:
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managing the secretariat for the three science advisory committees
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developing and implementing the Home Office's science strategy
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providing liaison and support for Home Office and cross-governmental science issues, including offering support for the chief scientific advisor and ministers
One of the ways in which the Home Office acquires expert scientific advice is through the independent advisory groups listed below.
Home Office Science Advisory Committee (HOSAC)
HOSAC was established in 2003 (originally as the Science and Technology Reference Group). Chaired by the Permanent Secretary, the group comprises five independent members nominated by the learned societies most relevant to the science and technology carried out by the Home Office, as well as representatives of other key scientific advisory committees across the Department.
The key function of the group is to provide the Permanent Secretary with independent advice in the context of improving the quality of Home Office science and research that informs strategic delivery and policy development.
Find out more about HOSAC
Animal Procedures Committee
The Animal Procedures Committee (APC) is an independent body set up under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 to advise the Home Secretary, and the relevant
Visit the APC
Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs
The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, also known as ACMD or the Advisory Council, is an independent expert body that advises Government on drug related issues in the UK. The Advisory Council was established under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. The current Chair of the Advisory Council is Professor Sir Michael Rawlins.
Visit the ACMD
Biometrics Assurance Group
The Biometrics Assurance Group (BAG) was formed in 2005 following a recommendation of the Home Affairs Select Committee and provides a degree of oversight and review of the Biometrics elements of Government programmes in order to offer advice and assurance that they are making effective use of the technology. The group works as an external panel to provide peer review of the work on biometrics of the projects set up to deliver the National Identity Scheme.
