The Government Office for Science review published today commends the Department of Health on good practice in the way it commissions, manages and uses science. The report highlighted examples of good practice including the 'Best Research for Best Health' strategy in setting direction for NHS research and development, the role of the Policy Liaison Officers in the Policy Research Programme to support evidence based policy, and the role of the Scientific Advisory Committees in providing advice.
However, the GO-Science Review also found that given the importance of science to the Department of Health policies there could be more consistency in the effective management of science, joint working (both across disciplines and with stakeholder groups), developing mechanisms to share and manage knowledge effectively, and the use of external scientific advice and expertise.
A key element in achieving this will be the Department's ability to ensure that it monitors and retains sufficient levels of experienced scientists, clinicians and analysts who are able to communicate and commission the science required and to understand and interpret science policy issues.
The review also recommended the establishment of an independent scientific advisory council, similar to that already in existence in departments such as the Home Office, Defra and the Ministry of Defence. A Scientific Advisory Council would provide independent challenge function and advice to support the Chief Scientific Adviser, with oversight on the strategic direction of science sponsored by the Department.
The Government's Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor John Beddington, said: "The Department is taking action and making progress to ensure that all relevant science and evidence is considered in informing strategic departmental decisions. The planned update of the Department's science strategy will be key to further improving the use of science across the Department and the agencies it sponsors."
To achieve this, the report recommended attention should focus on continuing to map out the role of science and evidence in achieving the corporate goals; horizon scan to prepare the challenges and opportunities in the future; understand the root causes of problems; commission short and long term research to fill the gaps; and use the full evidence base effectively in determining strategy. Decisions on the appropriate balance of science effort among clinical care, public health and social care sectors - taking account of consequential impact on other Departmental priorities - will be critical, the report found.
Professor Beddington added:
"An independent science advisory council would be a valuable addition to the Department of Health. As a Department it has an extremely broad remit and therefore requires a range of advice across many scientific disciplines. Any new advisory council should have diverse membership and make the most of individual members' expertise."
The Government Office for Science carries out Science Reviews to assure the quality, management and use of science by individual Government Departments. They inform and support the Government Chief Scientific Adviser in his role of advising the Prime Minister and the Cabinet on the overall health of science and scientific research funded by Government Departments.
