The Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body – what is it, and what does it do?

 In the University of Dundee, this is often the case in the Schools of Medicine and Life Sciences.  In 2024, 18,590 regulated procedures were conducted in animals; 98% of the animals used in our research were mice with the remainder being rats or frogs (1% each, Animal Research statistics). As a signatory to the Concordat on openness on animal research in the UK, we wish to be open about this type of work. 

We spoke to Professor Colin Henderson, Convenor of the University of Dundee ‘Welfare and Ethical use of animals Committee’ (WEC) to learn more about animal research and what happens in Dundee. He has held Home Office Personal & Project Licences and worked with animals in research for more than 35 years. He has previously been a scientific member of the WEC for more than a decade. 

Can any scientist use animals in their research?

No, such work is tightly regulated. In the UK, any research is carried out under the auspices of the Home Office and the Animal (Scientific Procedures) Act (1986) (ASPA). This legislation requires an establishment such as the University to be licenced. In Dundee, the establishment licence is held by a senior member of University management. Those who do the work with animals must hold a Personal licence (the person conducting the regulated work) and work under a Project licence (the project authorising the work to answer the scientific hypothesis, led by a Principal Investigator/Head of the Laboratory). Personal and Project licence holders are both of required to do training and have regular reviews of their competency. All research at an institution involving animals, or samples obtained from animals, is required by the Home Office to be overseen by an Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB). 

What is an Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB)?

This group is responsible for overseeing all aspects of work involving animals at an institution, including: 

• justification for the use of animals in research
• consideration for the welfare of the animals involved
• where the ‘3Rs’ (replacement, reduction and refinement) can be best applied 

It is important to note that animals or samples obtained from animals used in teaching, or in collaborative or commercial work with other institutions also falls under the oversight of the AWERB. At Dundee our AWERB is termed the ‘Welfare & Ethical use of animals Committee’ (WEC) and is a committee of the University Court. 

Who are the members of the Welfare and Ethical use of animals Committee (WEC)?

The strength of the WEC lies in the diversity of its members. The composition of the WEC will change as members rotate on and off. Currently, our committee is comprised of a number of ‘Named People’ (see below – these include staff representatives covering animal welfare and training, and the University Veterinary Surgeon), several scientists who may or may not hold a licence, a number of lay members, as well as the Director of Biological Services, a member of the University Court and a student representative. Although the input from all members is valued – the commitment is in addition to their day jobs - that of lay members can be particularly helpful, providing as they do an external ‘non-specialist’ perspective on the animal work. WEC meets quarterly, although a significant amount of business is carried out online between meetings. 

Who are the Named People and other staff who care for the animals?

People in named person roles are responsible for specific activities under the establishment licence (PEL). There are 5 Named roles within an establishment:

• Named Person Responsible for Compliance (NPRC): typically, the Establishment Licence holder. The role is to ensure that the requirements of ASPA and the conditions of the establishment licence are complied with
• Named Animal Care and Welfare Officer (NACWO): oversees the care and welfare of animals
• Named Veterinary Surgeon (NVS): provides advice on the health, welfare and treatment of animals within the establishment
• Named Training and Competency Officer (NTCO): ensures that anyone working with animals is trained and competent to perform their work
• Named Information Officer (NIO) supports people involved with animals being used in research by disseminating information, advances in replacement technologies and updates on the species used at the establishment
• There are numerous other key staff who care for the animals and provide clean cages who understand the legal and ethical requirements for working with animals in research

What does the WEC do?

Key functions of the committee include:

• providing a forum for discussion and development of ethical advice to the establishment licence holder on all matters relating to animal welfare, care and use of animals at the establishment
• consideration of new or renewing Project Licence applications
• promotion of the 3Rs
• supporting named people and other staff who care for animals
• promoting a Culture of Care

What happens when a scientist wants to get or renew a Project Licence?

New or renewing Project Licence applications are typically reviewed by a sub-committee, the composition of which will vary to spread the workload for WEC members. This sub-committee may also meet with the applicant. A summary report is then given to the WEC, where the applicant is invited to attend and discuss their application with the full committee. This approach allows an open dialogue between the committee and applicant. This strengthens not only the understanding as to what is involved in the work but also the associated responsibilities in carrying it out in a manner that generates high quality science while maximising animal welfare. Additionally, there are often amendments required during the lifetime of existing licences, and these are usually dealt with via email and video conferences. The Committee also receives updates on training undertaken by those who hold Project or Personal Licences at Dundee and supports annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Can you explain more about the promotion of the 3Rs?

The committee regularly reviews how the University is faring with regard to promotion of the 3Rs. We look at ways to replace the use of animals in research with non-animal methods, reduce the number of animals used, and refine the techniques involved (See NC3Rs website). In the past year a group of ‘3Rs champions’ has been established at the University. They meet regularly together, and with other institutions, to discuss new methods of implementing the 3Rs. This group recently won the top welfare poster prize at the Institute of Animal Technicians Congress meeting for their work in this area.

What is a Culture of Care?

Another important function of the WEC is to promote a Culture of Care. This is a commitment from everyone within an organisation to: 

• the welfare of animals and people within the research community
• an appreciation of the balance between the need for care of animals with the requirement for the best scientific outcomes possible
• a willingness to self-evaluate
• be open
• promote good practice
• accept challenge in order to improve

More information

If you are interested in learning more about the AWERB, or if you have a specific question, please contact [email protected] . We are particularly looking for new lay members – if you feel you can contribute, we’d love to hear from you!

More information can also be found at: 

• Animal research
• RSPCA - AWERB functions and tasks
• Gov.uk - Animal testing and research: guidance for the regulated community