National Capability Advisory Group

Terms of reference

(Approved January 2008)

The terms of reference for the National Capability Advisory Group (NCAG) are to:

maintain an overview of NERC's portfolio of National Capability (NC) and its fitness for purpose (using existing performance information and commissioning strategic evaluations as necessary);
horizon-scan future NC needs and opportunities, taking into account national and international collaboration;
provide advice to SISB on:
- NC investment needs, ensuring that investments link closely to NERC's science challenges, strategic needs and priorities;
- balancing the NC needed for current strategic research programmes (as identified by Theme Leaders through theme action plans), for long term strategic needs, and for other stakeholders and public good services;
- providing flexible and responsive infrastructure that can adapt to changing science priorities; and
- supporting longer-term planning and greater predictability for NC funding;
produce an annually refreshed plan of options for growth and reduction of the NC portfolio as requested by SISB (including capital investment planning); and
report annually, and additionally as appropriate, to the Science & Innovation Strategy Board.