Independent report

Independent review of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI): terms of reference

Updated 20 July 2022

Launched in April 2018, UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). UKRI brings together:

• the 7 disciplinary research councils
• Research England, which is responsible for supporting research and knowledge exchange at higher education institutions in England
• the UK’s innovation agency, Innovate UK

UKRI has been in operation for close to 4 years and so it is right that an independent assessment is made of how the organisation is performing, to provide assurance and to offer fresh challenge.

Departmental reviews of public bodies have generally followed the Cabinet Office Tailored Review process, however this review is part of a pilot of an adaption of that process as an independent review of UKRI.

Goals

The review of UKRI will provide scrutiny of performance, assurance that UKRI is achieving the core objectives that led to its creation and an assessment of its readiness to contribute to the UK government’s ambitions for the future of research and innovation.

Purpose and scope

The review will consider the aims of UKRI – especially its strategic objectives - set out in the 2018 Framework Document. Following Tailored Review guidelines the review will address efficacy, efficiency, accountability and governance.

Addressing efficacy, the review will consider whether:

• UKRI has the right structure and delivery model for the functions it performs
• UKRI contributes effectively to the delivery of wider government objectives and is prepared to contribute to future ambitions
• the balance between accountability and independence is correct
• UKRI delivers effective outcomes for all citizens and stakeholders
• the Board, Sponsoring Department and Ministers have the right data to inform decisions
• performance metrics are clear and accurate

Addressing efficiency, the review will consider whether:

• goals on efficiency from UKRI’s creation have been met or are on track to be met
• there are plans and capacity to deliver more efficiently and effectively
• UKRI measures of performance compare well with benchmark organisations
• management organisation and processes are efficient
• IT infrastructure is fit for purpose and delivers efficiencies
• the organisation has plans and capacity/capability to invest further in IT infrastructure
• across all functions, UKRI has the skills it needs for the future

Addressing accountability and governance, the review will address whether:

• lines of accountability are clear and effective between UKRI and its sponsoring department (BEIS)
• strategy and policy responsibilities are clear between these organisations and with wider government departments
• accountability and governance are effective within UKRI and its constituent organisations
• the Board of UKRI is effective in leading the organisation

The review will address other avenues pertaining to the themes above as they emerge.

Timing

We envisage that the review will publish a final report by Summer 2022.

Governance

The review will report to the Minister for Science, Research and Innovation.

The review will be led by Sir David Grant, supported by a secretariat within BEIS.

The review will consult widely, including advice from devolved administrations.

The review recognises that other related reviews are in progress and will consult with those reviews.

In conducting investigations and making recommendations, the review will take account of the requirements of the Public Sector Equality Duty.