How does science inform the UK parliament?
Abstract
The British Ecological Society (BES) is committed to making the best ecological evidence accessible to decision-makers. Policymaking processes are rarely straightforward, however, and understanding how best to share their expertise with decision-makers can be challenging for scientists. The Policy Guides will provide an information resource for BES members, focusing on the policymaking process in the UK and the various avenues through which scientific evidence can be used to inform policy. The aim is to improve communication between members and policymakers, increase the impact of ecological research and support evidence-informed policymaking. This second guide focuses on the structure, function and purpose of the UK Parliament, highlighting the different channels through which science can inform its work. It discusses four main routes: Select Committees, the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, All-Party Parliamentary Groups, and the House of Commons and Lords libraries.