The Responsible NanoCode Working Group
In creating the Working Group to develop this Code of Conduct, the Founding Partners sought to involve experts from a range of stakeholders, including representatives from businesses, non-governmental organisations and academics. The Working Group members were selected to try to achieve representation from diverse business areas in which nanotechnologies are being developed or applied, whilst maintaining a group size that is able to develop a workable code in a realistic, though ambitious, timeframe.
In addition, a small number of non-governmental organisations are currently involved in the area, some of whom had to decline an invitation to joint the Working Group, because of conflict with their campaigning objectives. In order to ensure that the perspectives of these and other non-business organisations are reflected in the content of the Code and final report, the Working Group will seek to actively engage with all those whose perspective is important to the drafting and ultimately adoption of the Code. This engagement will be conducted in the form of an open public consultation on the draft Code, during which all comments from organisations and individuals are welcome, while others will be targeted directly to seek particular feedback.
Role of the Chair
The Chair will facilitate an appropriate strategic direction for the group; he will oversee process efficiency and integrity, and ensure that all participants’ perspectives are heard and appropriately reflected in the outcome. He will supervise the adoption of good governance principles, act as a focus for conflict resolution and ensure there is an appropriate voice for all participants in the consultation process.
It is the earnest desire of the Chair and Founding partners that this process will create a consensus view of the content of the Code and the report.
The Chair of the Working Group is the Earl of Selborne KBE FRS.
Role of the Founding Partners
The role of the Founding Partners was primarily to initiate the development of the process and its funding. In addition it convened the Working Group and appointed the Chair and Secretariat. Going forward, the Founding Partners will also participate in the Working Group and will continue to ensure that the Code development process runs smoothly. It will also ensure that the Secretariat delivers on the objectives and timetables agreed.
The Founding Partners are The Royal Society, Insight Investment, the Nanotechnology Industries Association, and the Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network.
Role of the Working Group
The role of the Working Group is to define the direction and content of the Code of Conduct and final report. It will direct the Secretariat and approve the work plan, draft code, consultation strategy and process, the final draft of the Code and accompanying report.
All Working Group participants are encouraged to engage in the process in a constructive and open way and are free to leave the initiative at any time. Individuals and organisations participating in the Working Group are not required to publicly endorse or subscribe to the Code once it is complete as a condition of their participation. Follow this link to view a full list of Working Group members.
Role of Secretariat
The Secretariat will assist in the facilitation of the process; provide support to the Chair and the Founding Partners; support the work and meetings of the Working Group; help draft the Code and provide additional timely and appropriate support materials to participants. The Secretariat is held by Responsible Futures.