Role of the Scientific Advisory Committee

The role of the SAC is to provide scientific advice and expertise to the SNH Board, Local Advisers and staff.  The remit of the SAC is as follows:

• Advice: to provide necessary advice to the SNH Board and, as appropriate, to Local Advisers and staff on scientific matters, to contribute to SNH's Research and Development Strategy within the context of the Corporate Plan and on request, to advise on novel and contentious projects proposed by the JNCC Support Unit.
• Peer Review: to review the quality, timeliness and relevance of SNH internal and commissioned research and, in consultation with the Director of Policy and Advice, to report its findings to the Committee and to senior staff.
• Review: to review the scientific basis for the notification of an SSSI, and any consents, when requested to do so, including all cases which might qualify for referral to the independent Advisory Committee on SSSIs (ACSSSI) and to advise the SNH Board and Local Advisers as appropriate.
• Other contributions: to contribute in the light of individual member's specialist knowledge, to in-depth investigations of particular topics as required by the SNH Board or when requested by the Local Advisers or staff.