How does HSE assure its Science and Engineering?
The Chief Scientific Adviser is assisted by an external science assurance group, the Science Quality Assurance Group (SQAG) whose members are aligned to the science needs for HSE’s strategy. SQAG reports directly to the Chair of HSE.
SQAG supersedes the external review process (archived external reviews 2007-2012).
What is the remit of the Workplace Health Expert Committee (WHEC)?
There is further information on WHEC and its remit in the committee section regarding Workplace Health Expert Committee (WHEC).
How does HSE keep pace with future change?
HSE uses futures approaches to build a picture of how the world of work is changing and what this could mean for HSE as a forward-looking regulator. This is underpinned by recognised good practice including Futures, Foresight and Emerging Technologies - GOV.UK, to identify new and emerging health and safety risks and opportunities. HSE's futures capability combined with applied Insight Research helps HSE navigate future uncertainty.
Who does HSE work with?
HSE's science and evidence procurement policy is to ensure that science and evidence is contracted efficiently and effectively to maximise value for money, ensure financial probity and further our health and safety interests. Wherever possible, HSE aims to commission science and evidence in partnership with relevant industries and stakeholders, and collaborates with national, international and EU programmes. HSE science is primarily carried out by our specialists at our Buxton laboratory, Bootle headquarters, and our Chemicals Regulations Division, (CRD) in York, as well as by contractors from private industry, consultants, government laboratories and universities.
Funding comes from HSE's grant in aid from government, shared research and commercial sources. HSE does not award research grants.
Further information on research procurement can be found at Contract opportunities.
How does HSE Science and policy work together?
HSE has developed a statement for the implementation of the Government Chief Scientific Adviser's 'Guidelines on the use of scientific and engineering advice in policy making.
What is HSE's open access policy for publishing?
HSE is committed to providing open access to peer-reviewed papers describing research we have funded.
From 1st January 2014, we have made ALL HSE-led research published as scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals and comparable conference proceedings open access, wherever the publisher gives this option. This policy implements, for HSE, the UK Government's commitment to improving access to publicly funded research.
The majority of publications authored by HSE are subject to ©Crown Copyright. Their access, download and re-use are governed by the terms of the Open Government Licence (OGL) which can be viewed at: nationalarchives.gov.uk/. Open access articles are distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Licence.
A full list of publications can be found on the HSL website. We publish lists of peer-reviewed publications resulting from research we have fully, or jointly, funded, in the Annual Science Review.