The Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB) provides ethical advice to the Establishment licence holder on Project licence applications. In most establishments, the AWERB has a membership that includes the NACWO, NVS, one or more Project and Personal licence holders, and one or more lay members. Most AWERBs also involve the NTCO, NIO and HOLC in their work. In addition to considering Project licence applications before they are submitted to the Home Office, the AWERB should also:
- Give support to the Named Persons and advice to licensees on animal welfare and ethical issues;
- Provide advice on staff training with respect to animal use;
- Have oversight of standards of animal care, accommodation and welfare;
- Foster a culture of care within the establishment and encourage the development and application of the “3Rs” with respect to animal use.
The majority of AWERBs also conduct a retrospective review of Project licences, advise on rehoming schemes, and promote the development of best practice and a “Culture of Care” in relation to all uses of animals in the establishment.
A detailed description of what is considered current best practice for AWERBs is given in: Guiding principles on good practice for Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Bodies – 3rd Edition, September 2015, RSPCA/LASA .