1. www.sciencecouncil.org The Science Council and Sustainability

2. www.sciencecouncil.org The Science Council The Science Council is a representative membership organisation for professional and learned organisations across the spectrum of science and its applications Our main aims are to: promote the advancement and dissemination of knowledge of and education in, science, pure and applied, for the public benefit provide a collective voice for science and scientists maintain standards across scientific disciplines through the designation Chartered Scientist, Chartered Science Teacher promote the members’ collective knowledge, resources and achievements provide a reliable and credible single point of contact

3. www.sciencecouncil.org Member Organisations Association for Clinical Biochemists Association of Science Education British Computer Society British Psychological Society Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management Energy Institute Geological Society of London Institute of Biology Institute of Biomedical Science Institution of Chemical Engineers Institute of Corrosion Institution of Environmental Sciences Institute of Food, Science and Technology Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining Institute of Mathematics and its Applications Institute of Physics Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine Institute of Professional Soil Scientists London Mathematical Society Mineralogical Society Oil and Colour Chemists Association Royal Aeronautical Society Royal Astronomical Society Royal Geographical Society Royal Meteorological Society Royal Society of Chemistry Royal Statistical Society Society for General Microbiology Society of Dyers and Colourists

4. www.sciencecouncil.org Key organisational values for success Representative by nature – listen, hear, represent the views of members (not replace them) Inclusive – every member is valued – talk up the tail, don’t speak for the few Strength comes from breadth = mandate Modus operandi is key - dialogue, consensus, collaboration and partnership Engagement and key – mechanisms must inform and involve all members appropriately The centre serves the members – leads responsively and sensitively

5. www.sciencecouncil.org Credibility depends upon being authoritative about the concerns and activities of members being clear about the SC interest in the issue (and getting the issue and timing right) involving members in developing the policy or activity and being seen to have done so being aware of the negative perceptions and being prepared for them being able to explain the landscape, especially when members don’t all agree having the active and explicit support of member organisations only getting it right, never getting it wrong

6. www.sciencecouncil.org Drivers on sustainability activities Internal stakeholders – a desire to put the science back into sustainability from members and staff Government – local, national, international Public - a key expectation of professionalism in the 21 st century Lead from within – understand our own environment Science Council – trusted to bring different perspectives together Foster collaboration, sharing best practice, learning environment

7. www.sciencecouncil.org Sustainability and Sustainable Development The Science Council believes that: –science and scientists can and must play a key role in achieving sustainability –science and scientific methods of study and evaluation increase our understanding of all aspects of the inter-related challenges facing the world through climate change, declining resources, increasing poverty and social injustice –the use of sound science will enable us to identify, develop and implement sustainable development To progress towards sustainability scientists across all disciplines and professions will need to be aware of the principles of sustainable development and their application in their areas of practice.

8. www.sciencecouncil.org Working with members The Science Council therefore urges member organisations, in the context of their own disciplines, professions and industries, to: establish their commitment to the principles of sustainable development and to provide leadership encourage, value, support and develop awareness and understanding of the principles of sustainable development at all levels within their professions and disciplines; enable scientists within their professions to develop and use their skills, knowledge and experience to integrate the principles of sustainable development into the practice of their science; ensure that the principles of sustainable development are integrated into their professional standards and underpin lifelong learning and behaviours; identify an organisational champion to pursue the sustainability agenda

9. www.sciencecouncil.org Some key areas of work encourage and support member organisations through the provision of workshops, seminars and forums to facilitate shared learning and the development of best practice; introduce within the requirements for Chartered Scientist and Chartered Science Teacher a benchmark specification related to the commitment to aspire to the understanding and use of sustainable development principles; work with and support licensed bodies with regard to implementation of sustainability requirements in their professional specifications and requirements for CPD; work with Government to foster cross-disciplinary and cross-professional approaches to sustainability in horizon scanning and policy development work to increase awareness of the contribution that scientific method and the science professions can make to addressing sustainability; encourage and support interdisciplinary and multi-disciplinary approaches to sustainability