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HGC 'exceptional value for money'

9 May 2008

The findings of an independent review of the Human Genetics Commission, which concluded that the Commission is a highly valuable source of independent policy advice and represents exceptional value for money, were endorsed by Government Ministers today.

The review, commissioned jointly by the Department of Health and the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (then the DTI), was carried out by independent consultants Ian Hammond Consulting Ltd.  The reviewers spent the latter half of 2007 examining the Commission’s past work and the context in which it operates, and observing the Commission in action.  They also collected views from over seventy stakeholders in government, public bodies, business, industry, the NHS, research councils, charities, patient groups and the media, both throughout the UK and abroad.  The reviewers concluded:

“There is a need for advice for Government and the public on future developments in human genetics and the HGC is best placed to provide that advice.

“Our broad conclusion is that the HGC is well regarded both nationally and internationally as an asset to governance in the UK… There is signicant evidence that it has punched above its weight in terms of influencing public policy.” 

The report continues:

“Based on our long experience of working with other organisations, the HGC also represents exceptional value for money and obviates the need for the creation of a number of different ad hoc expert panels.”

In an open letter to Sir John Sulston, who chairs the HGC, Public Health Minister Dawn Primarolo said that the Government fully endorsed the report’s main conclusions and expressed gratitude for the Commission’s past advice and achievements.  She noted that the rapid pace of developments in human genetics, and the ethical, legal and social implications to which they gave rise, meant that there was a continuing need for the HGC’s advice.  This view was endorsed by Science Minister Ian Pearson and Ministers in the devolved adminstrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The review recognised that both the landscape and the horizon of genetics had changed since the HGC was established in 1999 and proposed amending its terms of reference to fit the Commission for its renewed purpose.

Responding to the Minister’s letter, Sir John Sulston said:

“The review process was a positive and constructive experience for the Commission, and we are pleased with the outcome.  We now intend to set out a programme of work that takes full advantage of our new terms of reference and implements the review’s recommendations.”

The full report and Government response are available on the Department of Health’s website.

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