AWERB tasks

Generally, the AWERB should:
 
  • Provide forum for discussion and development of ethical advice to the establishment licence holder on all matters relating to animal welfare, care and use at the establishment.
  • promote awareness of animal welfare and the 3Rs
  • support the 'named people', and other staff dealing with animals, on animal welfare and ethical issues
  • help to promote a 'Culture of Care'
More specific tasks are to:
 
  • provide advice to staff on welfare of animals relating to their acquisition, care and use.
  • advise on the application of the 3Rs
  • advise the establishment licence holder whether to support project proposals primarily from a local perspective, bringing local knowledge and expertise to bear on the harms and benefits and practical, scientific and ethical issues
  • establish and review management and operational processes for monitoring, reporting and follow up in relation to animal welfare
  • follow the development and outcome (retrospective review) of projects and assist with the retrospective assessment of relevant projects required by law
  • advise on rehoming laboratory animals
  • respond to enquiries and consider advice from the Animals in Science Committee

Points to consider

  • Do your AWERB’s Terms of Reference adequately address all these tasks?
  • Does the AWERB set clear objectives for each task, for example annually? Does it regularly assess whether and how effectively these are achieved?
  • Can your AWERB access all the expertise and perspectives it needs to fulfil all functions?

Other resources

Download page as a pdf