Nominate someone for a named animal care and welfare officer role
This guide describes how establishments should apply to nominate someone for a named animal care and welfare officer (NACWO) role.
General
This guide describes how establishments should apply to nominate someone for a named animal care and welfare officer (NACWO) role.
Inspectors in the Animals in Science Regulation Unit (ASRU) will assess the application and make a decision based on the person’s suitability.
The named animal care and welfare officer role
Every establishment using protected animals in procedures needs to appoint a NACWO. This person will:
- oversee the day-to-day husbandry, care and welfare of protected animals held at their establishment
- oversee the work of others taking care of animals
- give independent advice on welfare and care to minimise suffering and optimise the welfare of animals
For a full NACWO role description, read section 8.8.2 in the Guidance on the operation of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA).
Before you apply
Establishments must ensure the following before nominating someone for a NACWO role:
- they have agreed to be nominated
- they meet all the mandatory training requirements, or they have grounds for exemption
- the named training and competency officer (NTCO) has endorsed their training and exemptions:
- the nominee has discussed their training and exemptions with the NTCO
- the NTCO has checked their mandatory training certificates
- the NTCO has checked any certificates and evidence to support exemption requests, and emailed them to ASRU Licensing: asrulicensing@homeoffice.gov.uk
- you have added the nominee as a user on the Animals in Science Procedures e-licensing system (ASPeL)
- they have updated their training and exemptions in their training record in ASPeL
- the establishment licence (PEL) holder supports the nomination and is confident that the nominee:
- has the recommended skills and experience
- has no significant conflict of interest, and their declaration form is held on record at the establishment
Ensuring mandatory training requirements are met
Nominees must have completed all the mandatory training in the last 5 years before starting the role, unless:
- there is an unavoidable delay, in which case they must complete any missing modules as soon as possible
- they have grounds for an exemption - which means they have equivalent training or professional experience which makes the training unnecessary
Nominees who completed their mandatory training more than 5 years ago and still use their skills do not need to retake all of the training. For example, an active personal licence (PILA) holder will not need to retake any of the modules required for a PILA licence. They should ask for an exemption.
The inspector will consider each case individually.
If all training is complete
Nominees should update their ASPeL training record with the:
- certificate number
- institution name
- certification date
You do not need to email the mandatory training certificates to ASRU.
If there is an unavoidable delay in completing training
In the application, establishments must include a reason for the delay and the date they will attend the course.
All mandatory training must be completed and added to their training record as soon as possible.
Nominees should not ask for an exemption for delayed training as they still need to complete it.
If the nominee is asking for an exemption
Nominees can ask for an exemption if they have equivalent training or professional experience which makes the training unnecessary. Examples of grounds for exemption are set out under each module in Mandatory training modules and exemptions.
Nominees should make exemption requests in their ASPeL training record stating:
- the grounds for the exemption
- the animal species covered
The NTCO will need to provide additional information to support exemption requests.
Additional information to support exemption requests
The NTCO should provide evidence to show that the nominee has met the learning outcomes for the modules, with the species they’ll be working with. Examples of relevant evidence could include:
- digital copies (images or PDFs) of certificates of overseas accredited training
- a list of the species used, and the techniques undertaken, preferably shown in training and competence records
- a summary of in vivo work performed, and the species used, including specific successes and failures
- a certificate of competence or letter of endorsement from previous employers or trainers (preferably vets), to verify all of the following:
- the nominee’s in vivo experience (including species used)
- their competence in relation to their work with animals
- their suitability to continue the work
The NTCO should email the relevant certificates and supporting evidence for an exemption to ASRU Licensing: asrulicensing@homeoffice.gov.uk
Mandatory training modules and exemptions
This section sets out the mandatory training modules required for a NACWO role, along with examples of grounds for exemption.
You should refer to the module learning outcomes in Annex A of Guidance for training and continuous professional development under ASPA. Guidance section references are included for each module part below.
L and E1
- Legislation (section 1)
- Ethics, animal welfare and the 3Rs (section 2)
They can ask for an exemption if in the last 5 years, they have, for example:
- held a project licence (PPL) or personal licence (PIL)
- been a NACWO or NVS
- met the same learning outcomes through higher level training in animal technology or equivalent training outside the UK
PILA (theory) - this must be specific to the species they’ll be working with
- basic and appropriate biology (section 3.1)
- animal care, health and management (section 4)
- recognition of pain, suffering and distress (section 5)
- minimally invasive procedures without anaesthesia (section 7)
PILA (skills) - this must be specific to the species they’ll be working with
- basic and appropriate biology (section 3.2)
- minimally invasive procedures without anaesthesia (section 8)
They can ask for an exemption for PIL theory and skills if in the last 5 years, they have, for example:
- held a PIL working with the same species as for the NACWO role
- used the same skills working with the same species - for example, as a vet, senior animal technician, experienced stock person, lab scientist or researcher
- met the same learning outcomes with the same species through higher level training in animal technology or equivalent training outside the UK
K (theory) - local or accredited training
- humane methods of killing (section 6.1)
They can ask for an exemption if in the last 5 years, they have, for example:
- held a PPL or a PIL
- been a NACWO or NVS
- met the same learning outcomes through higher level training in animal technology
E2
- Ethics, animal welfare and the 3Rs (section 9)
They can ask for an exemption if in the last 5 years, they have, for example:
- held a PPL
- been a NACWO or NVS
- met the same learning outcomes through higher level training in animal technology or equivalent training outside the UK
Module NACWO
- higher level animal husbandry, care and enrichment practices (section 23)
They can ask for an exemption if they have been a NACWO in the last 5 years.
Mandatory training if working in areas where anaesthesia and surgery is carried out
PILB
- Anaesthesia for minor procedures (section 20)
They can ask for an exemption if in the last 5 years, they have, for example:
- been a NACWO, working in areas where anaesthesia and surgery is carried out
- held a PILA or PILB
- used the same skills while working as a vet
- met the same learning outcomes through higher level training in animal technology or equivalent training outside the UK
PILC
- anaesthesia advanced, for example for surgical procedures (section 21)
- principles of surgery (section 22)
They can ask for an exemption if in the last 5 years, they have, for example:
- been a NACWO, working in areas where anaesthesia and surgery is carried out
- held a PILA, PILB or PILC
- used the same skills while working as a vet
- met the same learning outcomes through equivalent training inside or outside the UK
Recommended training modules
K (skills) - if working in areas where euthanasia is carried out
- humane methods of killing (section 6.2)
Project licence (PPL)
- experimental design (section 10)
- design and management of procedures and projects (section 11)
Module Local - establishment-specific
- introduction to the local environment (section 50)
Skills and experience
In the application, establishments will need to confirm, on behalf of the PEL holder, that the nominee has the following skills and experience:
- suitable expertise and training to minimise suffering and optimise the welfare of animals they are responsible for (covered by mandatory training modules PILA, L and E1)
- appropriate personal and managerial authority to promote high standards - for example, they are managing a service, area or team of animal technicians
- good communication and diplomacy skills to champion a culture of care among both scientific and husbandry staff
Conflict of interest declaration
Any person working under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA) should avoid conflicts of interest that may affect their judgement. This is particularly important for the NACWO, being responsible for animal welfare.
Before starting their role, all nominees must complete a declaration form and submit it to the PEL holder (or named person responsible for compliance). You can find an example declaration form on GOV.UK.
In the named person application, establishments will be asked to confirm that the declaration form has been completed and a record kept at the establishment.
You do not need to send the declaration form to ASRU.
Make a conflict of interest declaration
How to apply
Establishments must submit the application in ASPeL.
ASRU will contact you with their decision or if they need more information.
Contact ASRU
If you have any questions contact asrulicensing@homeoffice.gov.uk