Governance
Cefas was created on 1 April 1997 from the former Directorate of Fisheries Research under the government's Next Steps programme. As an executive agency of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) we are fully accountable to Parliament through ministers.
Huw Irranca-Davies MP - the Minister for Marine and Natural Environment - has been empowered to act on behalf of Defra's Secretary of State on all ownership matters relating to Cefas. Among his other duties he
- sets our annual performance (ministerial) targets
- agrees the corporate and annual business plans
- nominates a Defra "Corporate Owner" to discharge his ownership responsibilities.
The Corporate Owner takes into account Cefas' strategic fit with that of Defra's own plans, agrees any Defra-funded investment decisions, and ensures that our risk profile is acceptable to the department.
Through a "Statement on Internal Control", the Defra Management Board remain collectively responsible and are accountable to ministers for Cefas' delivery.
Cefas management
Our Chief Executive and Accounting Officer is Dr Richard Judge. The Cefas Management Board (CMB) support his governance of the agency.
Besides Cefas directors, the CMB comprises external non-executive advisory directors, and is advised by internal and external auditors. The composition of the CMB was revised in June 2007 to improve governance, clarity of accountabilities and efficiency. It oversees the operational management by the Senior Management Team. See the Structure section for more about our management structure.
The Audit and Risk Committee is a formally constituted committee of the CMB. It is chaired by an external independent member and includes two further external independent members. Internal and external auditors and executives attend the meetings, with others attending as required by the Committee. It provides advice on:
- internal control and risk management
- internal and external audit
- financial reporting.
The Cefas Science Advisory Committee is a formal sub-committee of the CMB. It has an illustrious external membership with a remit to challenge and advise on science, and in particular on our science and technology quality.
Defining and supporting our actions
- Cefas framework document: This defines our role and responsibilities in delivering key aspects of Defra's and wider government's objectives. It also outlines our work and constitution as a specialist science agency within the Defra family. It provides a definitive guide for managers and staff within Cefas, and for all who interact with us.
- Statement on Internal Control: Found within our Annual Report and Accounts, this presents a commentary on our systems for effective management, including risk assessment and management, auditing practice, performance management and reviews of effectiveness.
- Cefas service charter: This details the service standards we provide.
- Plans and policies: A range of plans, policies and codes of practice support our actions (see the Working standards section).
