BU Research Blog

The EPSRC has recently commissioned an independent review of its strategic advisory routes. The review will focus on how the EPSRC obtains and utilises strategic advice at the Council and Theme levels and both the mechanisms and sources for obtaining such advice and how this influences strategic decision-making. Initial areas covered as part of the review are:

• Nature of advice – who decides what advice is sought and needed;
• Structures – to review the adequacy and effectiveness of the structures in place for obtaining strategic advice;
• Credibility of Advisory Sources – assurance over the extent to which the individuals and bodies providing advice are credible sources;
• Roles and responsibilities – to review the effectiveness, and clarity, of roles and responsibilities of those involved in commissioning, and those providing, strategic advice in EPSRC;
• Provision and utilisation of advice – to review the effectiveness of the advice provided (e.g. its robustness and the degree to which it is free from bias or vested interest), and its value (e.g. its relevance and timeliness) in informing EPSRC’s strategic planning and decision making.
• Transparency – to review the clarity and transparency of the strategic advisory processes to EPSRC’s wider stakeholder community;
• Cost-effectiveness of the mechanisms and processes used. .

BU has been invited to submit evidence to assist in this review and I am collating responses. Please take a couple of minutes to complete this short survey; all responses will remain confidential. The deadline for completing the survey is 10am Tuesday 23^rd April.