The Office of Science and Innovation have launched a consultation on the updated Code of Practice for Scientific Advisory Committees (SACs). The Code promotes good practice in the relationships between Scientific Advisory Committees and Government and was last revised in December 2001. The OSI would like to update the Code to:

• include lay members and co-opt experts on to SACs
• monitor the implementation of the Code and clarify what SACs need to follow the Code
• reflect changes since it was first published in 2001 (e.g. Freedom of Information Act)

The Government has committed to update the Code by the end of 2007. Updating the Code was recommended by the Science and Technology Select Committee in its report on Scientific Advice.

The consultation closes on 16 September 2007. The BES is responding.