DEFRA are looking for Scientific Expert Members to join the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE). The closing date is 19th April 2023.
ACRE is a non-departmental public body (NDPB) composed of leading scientists. It is sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs. ACRE provides statutory advice to the UK Government, and the Devolved Administrations of Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland on the potential risks to human health and the environment from the release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for research or marketing purposes. ACRE also has a role in evaluating new research findings and any science-based GM matter, as well as providing advice on releasing non-native animals and plants into the environment as bio-control agents.
The aims, and responsibilities of the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment are to:
- advise the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Scottish and Welsh Ministers, and other bodies as appropriate, on the exercise of powers under Part VI of the Environmental Protection Act 1990;
- advise Ministers, and other bodies as appropriate, on releases into the environment of Great Britain of animals and plants covered by sections 14 and 16 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981;
- advise the Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs, (Northern Ireland) on releases of genetically modified organisms into the Northern Ireland environment for the purposes of the Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1994;
- provide as requested by Ministers, scientific advice on GMOs, including advice to the Health and Safety Executive in respect of the human health aspects of releases to the environment;
- advise Ministers, and other bodies as appropriate, on research needs.
A non-departmental public body has a role in the processes of national government, but is not a government department, or part of one. NDPBs operate, to a greater or lesser extent, independently from Government Ministers.
NDPBs have different roles. ACRE’s role as an NDPB is to advise Ministers, and other bodies that carry out regulatory functions. ACRE works within the strategic framework set by Ministers, and in accordance with appropriate legislation.
As a member, you will contribute to ACRE’s overall effectiveness, and support the Committee as a whole in fulfilling its statutory functions and conducting its affairs with probity. You will take personal responsibility for helping ACRE deliver its objectives, achieve value for money, and deliver high standards of regularity and propriety.
As a member you will be responsible for:
- contributing to a cohesive and focused Committee and work collaboratively with industry, Government, delivery bodies and researchers, among others;
- meeting statutory duties and deadlines;
- taking proper account of evidence in reaching decisions; delivering high standards of propriety, contributing efficiently and effectively and conduct ACRE business in an open and transparent manner.
The successful candidate must abide by the Nolan principles of public service and the Code of Conduct for Board members.
For more information, see Role details – Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment – Scientific Expert Member – Apply for a public appointment