Source · Select Committees · Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
Recommendation 6
6
Not Addressed
SAGE has been activated for the longest continual period since its inception, which brings to...
Recommendation
SAGE has been activated for the longest continual period since its inception, which brings to question how sustainably the group can maintain its current level of high activity. We acknowledge senior scientists’ comments of frequent working round the clock, and we pay tribute to their continued service to the public throughout this emergency. It is also important to be clear that it is not just the participants of SAGE, and its sub-groups, who are managing this workload—it is shared by the colleagues, junior researchers and technicians who support them, too, as well as Government officials, among others. The Cabinet Office and the Government Office for Science should commit to update SAGE guidance to consider what support might be required for independent advisers in long-term emergency scenarios, within six months of SAGE being deactivated. The Government should identify a way to formally recognise and celebrate all those who have contributed to the UK scientific response to the pandemic. (Paragraph 51) Transparency and communication
Government response summary AI-generated
The government states it will consider revisions to SAGE guidance as part of a future review, focusing on participant identity publication and security risks, but does not specifically commit to updating guidance for adviser support in long-term emergencies or to formally recognise contributors.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government · verbatim extract
Not Addressed
The Government and the Government Chief Scientific Adviser (GCSA) are deeply appreciative of the significant contributions made, and hard work undertaken by the many independent scientists and experts working in support of the country’s response to the pandemic. The continuing demand for Covid-19 science advice from the Government has placed an exceptional burden on many experts participating in SAGE and its subgroups. In response, GO-Science has offered a range of support to these experts, including on matters such as personal security and wellbeing, as well as sending personalised letters of thanks to a number of University Vice Chancellors to recognise the contribution to SAGE of named academics linked to their respective institutions. In addition, the Government recognises that a burden has also been placed on universities – the employers of many SAGE participants – particularly during the academic year. To ease this, the Government has identified funding in support of those universities most affected which will be used to provide cover for the academic’s duties such as teaching. Furthermore, activities in support of SAGE are covered by the Research Excellence Framework, the UK system for assessing the quality of research in higher education institutions.2 Papers submitted to support and inform SAGE meetings provide excellent examples of work that may be used as a submission to the Research Excellence Framework. The Government agrees that we should come together to celebrate and recognise the work of all those involved in the unprecedented response to the pandemic. The Government will set out details of how it will take this forward in due course.
Read the full response on Parliament ↗