Ethics and Law Advisory Group

Terms of reference

1. Constitution

The Authority hereby resolves to establish a group to be known as the Ethics & Law Advisory Group ("the group"). The function of the group is to review the social, ethical and legal aspects of the work of the HFEA, and to provide advice as appropriate to the Authority.

2. Membership

• The group shall be appointed by the Chair from amongst the members of the Authority and shall consist of not less than 5 members. A quorum shall not be less than 50% of the total membership.
• Members are appointed for a term of three years, and membership will subject to regular review.
• The group shall include the Chair of the Scientific and Clinical Advances Group and members with scientific and clinical expertise and a patient representative.
• Non-Authority members may be co-opted on to the group, subject to ratification by the Authority.

3. Attendance

• The Chief Executive will appoint a Secretariat to support the group; and may require other members of the Executive staff to attend as s/he deems necessary.
• The HFEA Chair may attend at his/her discretion.

4. Frequency

Formal meetings shall be held no fewer than four times a year, but the group will be required to provide specific advice as and when necessary.

5. Duties

• To keep under review the social, ethical and legal issues arising from, or affecting, activities in which the Authority has an interest, including matters referred to the group by the Authority.
• To inform the Authority's discussions and advise on policy formulation.
• To work with the Scientific & Clinical Advances group to consider the social, ethical and legal implications of potential new scientific and clinical developments.
• To advise on the social, ethical and legal issues arising in licensing and regulation, advising the Authority, the Regulation Committee and Licence Committees as required.
• To draw to the attention of the Strategy Committee such matters identified as having potential strategic significance for the Authority.

6. General Duties

• To conduct the business of the group in accordance with Standing Orders.
• To ensure members of the group comply with the Code of Conduct in relation to declaration of interests.
• To ensure that the work of the group reflects and implements the objectives of the Corporate and Business Plans agreed by the Authority.
• To submit to the Authority an annual report on the work of the group, in time to contribute to the Authority's Annual Report, and regular informal reports as necessary.

 7.   These Terms of Reference were agreed on 9th May 2007, and will be reviewed annually.