DTI issues new scientific policy-making guidelines (link)

London, 19 October 2005

Guidelines on Scientific Analysis in Policy Making

A new version of the Chief Scientific Adviser's guidelines on Scientific Analysis in Policy Making goes live today.

The guidelines provide a practical, principle-based approach to the use of evidence in policy-making.

They are consistent with the current better policy-making guidelines, and aim to further highlight the important role the use of evidence should play in decision-making. The guidelines highlight how best to seek good quality evidence from the most credible sources at the most appropriate time.

The guidelines address how evidence should be sought and applied to enhance the ability of government decision-makers to make better-informed decisions.

It is a high-level document addressing the way in which Government departments obtain and use analysis and advice in policy-making.

The document also seeks to further highlight the need for analysts and policy-makers to be explicit about the level of uncertainty surrounding the evidence they intend to present.