To advise the UK Government on scientific matters relating to the health response to an influenza pandemic.

In addition to their work on the Group, members will be called upon to provide advice on matters arising on which the member's particular expertise may be of assistance to the public service. It is recognised that in a pandemic situation, such requests will need to be made at short notice and that deadlines are likely to be very short.

The Group will play a critical role in ensuring that the UK Government is provided with a high standard of scientific advice to support the response to a pandemic in the UK and is kept informed of any new developments in science and research. Members of the Group will:

• bring relevant experience to the Group;
• contribute to the provision of high quality and considered advice to UK Ministers;
• be expected to make a full and considered contribution to the work of the Group and any sub-groups they participate in, and to contribute fully to the debate and to the decision making processes of the Group and any sub-groups they participate in;
• provide expert guidance when an issue which falls within their particular area of expertise is under discussion;
• contribute to the debate in the capacity of a well-informed professional where the issue does not fall within their expertise;
• be prepared, as requested by the Secretariat, to provide expert advice on relevant issues outside Group meetings;
• be prepared to participate in subject-specific sub-groups that will advise on specific topics.
  

The SPI is an extension of the Scientific Advisory Group (SAG), set up in 2005, whose original terms of reference were:

To advise the UK Government on scientific matters relating to the health response to an influenza pandemic.

The Group's advice will be provided to the UK Government, and will contribute to the work of the UK National Influenza Pandemic Committee which will incorporate this advice in its reports to the Secretaries of State.

In addition to their work on the Group, members may be called upon to attend the UK National Influenza Pandemic Committee or to provide advice on matters arising on which the member's particular expertise may be of assistance to the public service. It is recognised that in a pandemic situation, such requests will need to be made at short notice and that deadlines are likely to be very short.

The Group will play a critical role in ensuring that the UK National Influenza Pandemic Committee and Ministers are provided with a high standard of scientific advice to support the health response in the UK and are kept informed of any new developments in science and research. Members of the Group will:

• bring relevant experience to the Group;
• contribute to the provision of high quality and considered advice to UK Ministers of health;
• be expected to make a full and considered contribution to the work of the Group and to contribute fully to the debate and to the decision making processes of the Group;
• provide expert guidance when an issue which falls within their particular area of expertise is under discussion;
• contribute to the debate in the capacity of a well-informed professional where the issue does not fall within their expertise;
• be prepared, as requested by the Secretariat, to provide occasionally expert advice on relevant issues outside Group meetings;
• be prepared to attend as required and contribute to the deliberations of the UK National Influenza Pandemic Committee or other appropriate committee.
  

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