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Biosciences Sector Strategy Group

Author: Sue Ferns, Created 21/11/2005 15:30:53

SEMTA’s Biosciences Sector Strategy Group (SSG) met for the first time on 3 October. It is chaired by Carolyn Mason of GlaxoSmithKline. Other industry representatives are from Celtic Pharma, the BioIndustry Association and the Association of British Pharmaceutical Industries. I am currently the only trade union representative on the SSG. Government’s interest is covered by representatives from the DTI and DFES. The likelihood is that the SSG will be expanded in 2006, so I would welcome suggestions about potential new members.

SEMTA’s Sector Skills Agreement to date does not cover the biosciences sector. So, working towards a biosciences SSA will be a key focus for the Group’s work over the coming months. The intention is that this should cover the research based pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector. My own union’s interest is mainly in the biotechnology side of this work and we will be pressing to ensure that biotechnology research undertaken by the public sector is properly reflected. However, I am acutely conscious that in occupying the seat on the SSG I need to take account of the views of all the unions involved. Also, I am clear that the real expertise and experience of developments at company and workplace level and the knowledge of needs and priorities going forward will come from union representatives working in this sector. I would therefore really welcome input from all parts of the biosciences sector. At this stage it would be helpful simply to know that you are interested, though further information would be a welcome bonus.

SEMTA should soon be in a position to strengthen its own staff resource on biosciences, and I strongly welcome this. My own view though, is that we also need to ensure SEMTA effectively addresses the cross-disciplinary and cross-sectoral work that underpins the UK’s strong scientific performance. In time therefore, I would like to see a broader focus for SEMTA’s work on science. I’d be interested to know whether you share this view and if you think that in widening the scope of this work there are particular priorities that need to be addressed.

The Biosciences SSG meets again on 23 November and then in mid-January. The process of developing the SSA should move on significantly during this period, but it is essential that it does so in consultation with all stakeholders – not least the industry’s unions. I will keep you updated and would ask that you do the same.

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