Social Science Research Committee (Triennial Review)

Thursday 3rd April 2014 Written Statements

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health (Jane Ellison)]

I am today announcing the publication by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) of the findings of the triennial review of the Social Science Research Committee (SSRC). Triennial reviews of non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) are part of the Government’s commitment to ensuring, and improving, the accountability and effectiveness of public bodies.

The SSRC is an advisory NDPB that provides the FSA with independent expert advice on the use of social science evidence.

The review concluded that the functions performed by the SSRC are still required and that it should be retained as an advisory NDPB. It also identified a number of areas of good practice and made 13 recommendations to improve the efficiency and impact of the committee’s work and to ensure it continues to meet the highest standards of governance.

The review was carried out with the participation of a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including the committee’s chair and members and the FSA chief scientist. The FSA is grateful to everyone who contributed to the review.

“Triennial Review of the Social Science Research Committee” has been placed in the Library. Copies are available to hon. Members from the Vote Office and to noble Lords from the Printed Paper Office. It is also available at: http://www.food.gov.uk/news-updates/news/2014/apr/triennial-review-ssrc