How NERC is governed

NERC advisory boards, committees and groups

We share some information about how we’re governed and structured with UKRI.

NERC Council

NERC Council is responsible for providing independent scrutiny, challenge and support to the Natural Environment Research Council’s (NERC) Executive Chair to ensure the effective delivery of NERC’s mission.

Science Committee

The Science Committee brings broad strategic perspective and expertise to support the development and delivery of the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and NERC strategic priorities, investments and policies.

NERC Future Leaders Council

This is a new body within the NERC governance structure. The Future Leaders Council has a specific remit to advise NERC on the following areas:

digital
sustainability
public engagement
diversity and inclusion

NERC Assurance Board

The Assurance Board provides a focus for assurance within NERC, supporting the Executive Chair in fulfilling their responsibilities.

NERC Executive Team

The NERC Executive Team (NET) is responsible for overseeing NERC’s compliance with its mission and aims, and with UKRI policy and assurance requirements. It advises the Executive Chair on strategic and operational matters.

NERC Senior Performance Related Pay Moderation Panel

The purpose of the moderation panel is to consider the performance-related pay element for senior UKRI staff employed within NERC prior to submission to the UKRI committee for final approval.

The committee is chaired by the Senior Independent Member of NERC Council and includes two Council members and the Executive Chair, with representation from the UKRI human resources team. It usually meets annually in the margins of the June Council meeting.

Strategic Relationship and Assurance Meetings (SRAM)

SRAM are bilateral meetings between NERC and each research centre. The purpose of the meetings is to provide assurance to NERC on their governance, management, financial sustainability and delivery of national capability activities.

It is also an opportunity to discuss the strategic relationship between NERC and the centre, the landscape in which it operates, and to identify future opportunities, threats and actions.

NERC-BAS Operations and Safety Assurance and Advisory Group (NBOSAAG)

The NBOSAAG group was set up in early 2016 to:

provide the NERC Executive Chair with independent advice and assurance on Antarctic operations and safety
provide the NERC-owned British Antarctic Survey (BAS) with independent advice and support on Antarctic operations and safety matters