Terms of Reference
Initiative to develop a Code of Conduct for businesses involved in nanotechnologies
Objectives and scope of the Code
This initiative aims to develop a voluntary, principles-based Code of Conduct (‘Code’) that may be adopted by businesses involved in developing, manufacturing and retailing products using nanotechnologies.
The Code will be designed to establish a consensus of what constitutes good practice in businesses across the nanotechnology value chain (i.e. from research and development to manufacturing, distribution and retailing) so that businesses can align their processes with emerging good practice and form the foundation for the development of indicators of compliance.
The Code will be a voluntary code. Like other principles-based codes, it will illustrate expected behaviours and processes, not standards of performance. Indicators of compliance could be developed at a later stage. The Code is not intended, however, to be an auditable standard, it will not detail levels of performance expected of companies, nor will it give guidance on definitions, characterisation and measurement.
It is not intended that this Code supersedes or replaces the development of future legislation and regulation for nanotechnologies; however, given the absence of comprehensive appropriate legislation at present, it aims to provide clear guidance about the expected behaviour of companies in relation to their nanotechnology activities. It is hoped that the Code and the process of its development might assist with the evolution of such legislation by clarifying the principles which may underpin more detailed, verifiable, standards.
Companies will be encouraged to demonstrate their adherence to the principles of the code on a ‘comply or explain’ basis. Codes adopting this approach lay down rules or guidance and companies are encouraged to publicly explain how they either comply with them or why they do not, usually through statements in their annual or social reports.
It is the intention to develop a code, which has relevance internationally. The Working Group for the initiative, however, will comprise mainly organisations based in Europe or European representatives of US or non-European organisations, for practical reasons. Through an international consultation process, we aim to provide the opportunity for many representative organisation and individuals worldwide to comment and input to the code.
Background
In November 2006, The Royal Society, Insight Investment and the Nanotechnology Industries Association, worked in partnership to organise a workshop to engage businesses in discussion on the technical, social and commercial uncertainties relating to nanotechnologies. Following the success of the workshop, they agreed to take forward one of the key recommendations that emerged from the discussions: the development of a voluntary code of conduct for businesses involved in nanotechnologies.
Follow this link download the full Workshop Report.
The three organisations were joined by the Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network – an initiative sponsored by the UK government’s Department of Trade and Industry. These four organisations are now referred to as the ‘Founding Partners’.
Funding
When considering funding, the Founding Partners sought to achieve a balance of funding sources and ensure independence from business and other specific influences. It was therefore agreed that three organisations, The Royal Society, Insight Investment and the Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network would fund the initiative.
The Founding Partners then approached Lord Selborne to Chair the Working Group and appointed an independent organisation, Responsible Futures,