Expert evidence review group

Tender description

Defra is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world-leading food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. More information about Defra is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs/about including the Defra strategy (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/defras-strategy-to-2020-creating-a-great-place-for-living) Research and analysis provides evidence for decision-making, ensuring Defra’s polices are based on a sound, comprehensive understanding of current evidence. Defra accesses evidence in many ways including through commissioning research and analysis, in-house analysis or synthesis and working with a range of science committees and groups to provide and advice, challenge and review. Further information about research at Defra can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs/about/research Defra has around 30 very diverse expert evidence groups. The review aims to: 1) ensure they are best delivering what Defra needs as the department changes and evolves, 2) be confident they are providing good value for money and, 3) enable Defra to better access the wider research community in the future. The initial stage of the review of expert evidence groups involved the Defra Science Advisory Council (SAC) producing a high level strategic report on Defra’s Expert Evidence Advisory Committee structures. Their report is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/science-advisory-council-review-of-defras-expert-evidence-advisory-committee-structure.