Recommendation 121

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS).272 Its main purpose is to “invest in and facilitate research and innovation activities across the United Kingdom, and, through Research England, directly support higher education providers in England to carry out research and knowledge exchange activities.”273 Its funding decisions are “made independently from Government” and are made “through independent evaluation by experts, based on the quality and likely impact of that research”.274 The Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy is however “accountable to Parliament for UKRI business and retains the publicly accountable role for overarching policy”.275 In terms of governance: • The UKRI Board is its “primary governing body”.276 It has general oversight of UKRI’s activities and is responsible for achieving UKRI’s strategic objective and vision. The Board is made up of UKRI’s Chair, Chief Executive and Chief Finance Officer, as well as between 9 and 12 independent members drawn from higher education, industry and commerce, policy, and charities and other non- governmental organisations.277 Board members are appointed by the Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy.278 270 “Cuts to ODA funding undermines UK’s “Global Britain” agenda”, Universities Scotland, 26 March 2021 271 House of Commons Library, ‘Spending Review: Reducing the 0.7% aid commitment’, accessed 19 April 2021 272 Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, UKRI Framework Document, May 2018, p 6 273 Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, UKRI Framework Document, May 2018, p 6 274 UKRI, ‘Our relationship with the government’, accessed 20 April 2021 275 Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, UKRI Framework Document, May 2018, p 16 276 UKRI, ‘UKRI Board’, accessed 20 April 2021 277 UKRI, ‘UKRI Board’, accessed 20 April 2021 27