About us
Animals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate
The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate (ASPI) provides scientific advice to the Home Secretary and to the Animals in Scientific Procedures Division (ASPD) officials who operate the licensing system and provide policy advice to Ministers.
Carrying out inspections
The inspectors maintain a programme of inspections of facilities where work under the Act is carried out. The Inspectorate is composed of registered medical and veterinary practitioners who usually have first hand experience of biomedical research, and possess higher scientific or clinical postgraduate qualifications.
There are currently 27 inspectors based in offices at Cambridge, Dundee, London, Shrewsbury and Swindon.
Being effective
The Inspectorate's effectiveness depends upon its ability to gain the respect and co-operation of the scientific community. To function, inspectors must have access to the current and future plans of scientists.
Annual Reports
The Inspectorate produces an annual report which contributes to the Government's commitment to openness by giving more information on the work of the Inspectorate than has previously been available.
Read the 2006 Annual report.
