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Animal (Scientific Procedures) Division

Head of unit: Dr Jon Richmond

Contact us

Our work involves:

• the provision of a professional Inspectorate
• advice and support to Ministers on casework, policy, Parliamentary business and related correspondence

Areas of responsibility

Animal Procedures Licensing Section

Operation of the licensing system on behalf of the Secretary of State, processing applications for new licences and certificates and for amendments to existing authorities and revoking licences, as necessary. Licensing work is carried out at five regional offices located at Cambridge, Dundee, London, Shrewsbury and Swindon.

Animal Procedures Policy Development Section

Policy support to Home Office Ministers, including the preparation of responses to Parliamentary Questions, letters from Members of Parliament seeking advice on matters raised by their constituents (Ministers' Cases) and public correspondence relating to the use of animals in scientific procedures.

Animals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate

Provision of professional medical, veterinary and scientific advice to the Home Secretary in connection with his functions under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and to the Animal Procedures Licensing and Policy Sections. Inspection of facilities where work under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 is carried out.

Animal Procedures Committee Secretariat

The Sciend Research Group Secretariat provides support to the Animal Procedures Committee, a statutory Non-Departmental Public Body set up under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 to advise the Home Secretary and the Department of Health, Social Security and Public Safety Northern Ireland Minister on matters concerned with the 1986 Act and their functions under it.