Scottish independence: The 200 bodies 'needed post-independence'

The UK government has published this list of 200 organisations it claims may need to be replicated in an independent Scotland.

The list, which was compiled by the Scotland Office, includes government departments such as the Foreign Office and the Ministry of Defence and extends to bodies such as the BBC and Met Office.

The Scottish government, which will hold a referendum on Scottish independence next year, said the list showed a "cluttered" UK public sector and that many functions could be taken into existing Scottish organisations.

Source: Names and descriptions provided by the Scotland Office

What are the 200 organisations?

Cabinet Office (CO) - The Cabinet Office sits at the very centre of government, with an overarching purpose of making government work better. Its responsibilities include: supporting collective government; supporting the National Security Council and the Joint Intelligence Organisation, coordinating the government's response to crises and managing the UK's cyber security; promoting efficiency and reform across government through innovation, better procurement and project management; promoting the release of government data, and making the way government works more transparent; creating an exceptional Civil Service, improving its capability and effectiveness; and growing the social investment market; political and constitutional reform.

Department for Business Innovation & Skills (BIS) - The Department for Business, Innovation & Skills is the department for economic growth. The department invests in skills and education to promote trade and boost innovation. BIS also protects consumers and reduces the impact of regulation. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills' vision is to achieve strong, sustainable and balanced growth, evenly shared across the UK and between industries.

Department for Culture Media & Sport (DCMS) - DCMS works to make sure the communications, creative, media, cultural, tourism, sport and leisure economies have the framework to grow and have real impact on people's lives and also contains the Government Equalities Office which supports the Minister for Women and Equalities in promoting equality of opportunity and equal treatment. Through DCMS, the public funds: our cultural heritage, free access to world-class cultural institutions, art that challenges and provokes and the Government's Equality Strategy.

Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) - Defra is the UK government department responsible for policy and regulations on environmental, food and rural issues. Defra's priorities are to grow the rural economy, improve the environment and safeguard animal and plant health. Defra is responsible for policy and regulations on: the natural environment, biodiversity, plants and animals; sustainable development and the green economy; food, farming and fisheries; animal health and welfare; environmental protection and pollution control; and rural communities and issues. Defra works closely with the devolved administrations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and generally leads on negotiations in the EU and internationally. As well as the functions for England only, Defra, with the agreement of the Devolved Administrations, is the UK-wide Competent Authority which delegates control functions to accredited and approved organic Control Bodies.

Department for International Development (DFID) - DFID leads the UK government's fight against world poverty. It supports long-term programmes to help tackle the underlying causes of poverty and responds to humanitarian emergencies.

Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) - The Department for Work and Pensions is responsible for welfare and pension policy and is a key player in tackling child poverty. It is the biggest public service delivery department in the UK and serves over 20 million customers.

Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC) - The Department of Energy & Climate Change works to make sure the UK has secure, clean, affordable energy supplies and to promote international action to mitigate climate change.

Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) - The UK has one of the world's most extensive diplomatic networks, which provides a formidable platform from which to support and lobby for UK interests. This benefits the people of Scotland in terms of prosperity, security, and assistance when abroad.

HM Treasury (HMT) - HM Treasury is the United Kingdom's economics and finance ministry.

Home Office (HO) - The Home Office leads on immigration and passports, drugs policy, crime policy and counter-terrorism.

Ministry of Defence (MOD) - The Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces exist to protect the UK and provide the ultimate guarantee of its security and independence, as well as helping to project its values and interests abroad.

UK Export Finance (UKEF) - UK Export Finance is the UK's export credit agency, helping exporters and investors by providing credit insurance policies, political risk insurance on overseas investments and guarantees on bank loans. UK Export Finance is the operating name for the Export Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD).

Food Standards Agency (FSA) - The Food Standards Agency was set up in April 2000 under the Food Standards Act 1999. Its main aim is to protect people's health and the interest of the consumer in relation to food. The Agency is a UK wide non-ministerial government department operating at arm's length from Ministers. It also has statutory powers to publish its own independent advice. The Scottish Government carried out a consultation, which closed on 22 May 13, on the establishment of a new food body that will take on the FSA's functions in Scotland.

Forestry Commission (FC) Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs - Forestry is largely a devolved matter, and there is a Forestry Commission Scotland that reports to Scottish Ministers. The Commission does, however, have reserved functions in a number of areas, for example in plant health. Through one of its executive agencies, Forest Research, the Commission also provides scientific expertise, research and evidence for Scotland, England and Wales, and the Commission has responsibility in international matters.

Government Actuary's Department (GAD) - GAD provides pensions consultancy services to many of the UK public service schemes and to a number of funded pension schemes; actuarial advice to the UK Department for Work and Pensions on government policy affecting occupational pension schemes; advice to public sector organisations on transfers of employment; and advises the UK government, devolved administrations and a range of other countries and jurisdictions throughout the world, on their social security and insurance arrangements. GAD also provides advice in a variety of other actuarial and statistical areas, including statistical analysis, healthcare financing and actuarial training.

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - HMRC is responsible for making sure that the money is available to fund the UK's public services and for helping families and individuals with targeted financial support.

NS&I - National Savings and Investments is a Government Department and became an Executive Agency of the Chancellor of the Exchequer in 1996. As part of the Government's debt management arrangements, NS&I is responsible for providing cost-effective financing by issuing and selling savings and investment products to the public. NS&I is one of the largest savings organisations in the UK, with £102 billion of investors' money at the end of March 2012 (representing 8% of the National Debt and 7% of the cash based deposit market) and annual cash flows in excess of £18 billion. Its mission is to help reduce the cost to the taxpayer of Government borrowing now and in the future. To achieve this, its single strategic objective is to provide retail funding for Government that is cost-effective in relation to funds raised on the wholesale market.

Office of Fair Trading (OFT) - As an independent professional organisation, the OFT plays a leading role in promoting and protecting consumer interests throughout the UK, while ensuring that businesses are fair and competitive. Tools to carry out this work are the powers granted to the OFT under consumer and competition legislation. The OFT works under a structure that is arranged by markets, rather than legislation. This enables it to look more easily at whole markets and to use all the tools available to it to improve them if they are not operating effectively. OFT will use consumer and competition enforcement, market studies and references, education and communication in whatever combination is appropriate.

Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) - The Office of Rail Regulation was established on 5 July 2004 under the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003. It replaced the Office of the Rail Regulator. On 1 April 2006, ORR assumed new responsibilities as a combined safety and economic regulator under The Railways Act 2005. It also has concurrent jurisdiction with the Office of Fair Trading under the Competition Act 1998 as the competition authority for the Railways.

As the railway industry's independent health and safety and economic regulator, the Office's principal functions are to: ensure that Network Rail manages the national network efficiently and in a way that meets the needs of its users; encourage continuous health and safety performance; secure compliance with relevant health and safety law, including taking enforcement action as necessary; develop policy and enhance relevant railway health and safety legislation; and licence operators of railway assets, setting the terms for access by operators to the network and other railway facilities, and enforces competition law in the rail sector.

Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) - Ofgem regulates the gas and electricity industries in Great Britain. Ofgem's aim is to bring choice and value to all gas and electricity customers by promoting competition and regulating monopolies.

Commissioners for the Reduction of the National Debt (CRND) - With origins dating back to 1786, the statutory functions of the CRND are carried out within the UK Debt Management Office. CRND's main function is the investment and management of government funds.

Public Works Loan Board (PWLB) - The Public Works Loan Board, which dates in its present form from 1875, lends from the National Loans Fund to local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales. Scottish local authorities currently have approximately £8.6bn debt with the PWLB. Part of the UK Debt Management Office.

Royal Mint (RM) - The Royal Mint is responsible for the production of coins for the United Kingdom and for overseas customers; also military and civil decorations and medals; commemorative medals and royal and official seals.

Supreme Court of the United Kingdom - In October 2009, The UK Supreme Court replaced the Appellate Committee of the House of Lords as the highest court in the United Kingdom. The 12 Justices of the UK Supreme Court are now explicitly separate from both Government and Parliament. The Court hears appeals on arguable points of law of the greatest public importance, for the whole of the United Kingdom in civil cases, and for England, Wales and Northern Ireland in criminal cases. Additionally, it hears cases on devolution matters under the Scotland Act 1998, the Northern Ireland Act 1988 and the Government of Wales Act 2006. This jurisdiction was transferred to the Supreme Court from the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. The Supreme Court also decides devolution issues, that is issues about whether the devolved executive and legislative authorities in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have acted or propose to act within their powers or have failed to comply with any other duty imposed on them.

The Crown Estate (CE) - The Crown Estate is a portfolio of buildings, shoreline, seabed, forestry, agriculture and common land that generates valuable revenue for the treasury every year. The Crown Estate Act 1961 requires that returns are maintained and enhanced, with due regard to good management and stewardship.

UK Statistics Authority (UKSA) - The UK Statistics Authority is an independent body operating at arm's length from government as a non-ministerial department, directly accountable to Parliament. It was established on 1 April 2008 by the Statistics and Registration Service Act 2007. The UK Statistics Authority's overall objective is to promote and safeguard the quality and comprehensiveness of official statistics that serve the public good. The Authority is also required to promote good practice in relation to official statistics. The Authority has three main functions: oversight of the Office for National Statistics (ONS) - its executive office; monitoring and reporting on all official statistics, wherever produced; and independent assessment of official statistics.

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) - UK Trade & Investment is the government organisation that provides integrated support services for UK companies engaged in overseas trade and foreign businesses focused on the UK as an inward investment location. It brings together the work of teams in British Embassies and FCO posts overseas and government departments. UK Trade & Investment services are delivered locally through a network of International Trade Teams typically located in Chambers of Commerce. The devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own arrangements for local delivery of services. The concurrent powers for HMG and the DAs on trade and investment are set out in the Devolution Memorandum of Understanding.

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) - The BBC is the world's leading public service broadcaster. Its mission is to enrich people's lives with programmes that inform, educate and entertain. Established by a Royal Charter, and with an accompanying Framework Agreement between it and the Government, the BBC is funded by the licence fee paid by UK households. Within the framework of the Charter and Agreement, the BBC is editorially and operationally independent of Government and there is no provision for the Government to intervene in the BBC's day-to-day activities.

BBC World Service - The BBC World Service broadcasts and distributes accurate, impartial and independent news and content in a range of genres aimed primarily at users outside the UK. The World Service provides services in 28 languages around the world across a range of platforms, including radio, television and digital media. The World Service will be funded by the licence fee from April 2014.

Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) - GCHQ is one of the three UK Intelligence Agencies and forms a crucial part of the UK's National Intelligence and Security machinery.

Ofcom - Ofcom is the independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industries. It regulates the TV and radio sectors, fixed line telecoms, mobiles, postal services, plus the airwaves over which wireless devices operate. Ofcom is funded by fees from industry for regulating broadcasting and communications networks, and grant-in-aid from the Government. It is independent from Government, but accountable to the UK Parliament.

Office for Judicial Complaints (OJC) - The Office for Judicial Complaints deals with complaints about the personal conduct of judges.

Privy Council Office (PCO) - The Privy Council is how interdepartmental agreement is reached on items of government business which, for historical or other reasons, fall to ministers as privy counsellors rather than as departmental ministers. The Privy Council Office provides secretariat services for the Council, including the arrangements leading to the making of all Royal Proclamations and Orders in Council.

Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) - The Secret Intelligence Service, often known as MI6, collects the UK's foreign intelligence. SIS provides Her Majesty's Government with a global covert capability to promote and defend the national security and economic well-being of the United Kingdom.

The Security Service (MI5) - Since 1909 MI5 have been responsible for countering covertly organised threats to national security. MI5 also provide security advice to a range of other organisations, helping them reduce their vulnerability to the threats.

UK Financial Investments Limited (UKFI) - UKFI is a Companies Act Company with HM Treasury as its sole shareholder. UK Financial Investments was created in November 2008 as part of the UK's response to the financial crisis. UKFI is responsible for managing the Government's shareholdings in The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc and Lloyds Banking Group plc. UKFI is also responsible for managing the Government's 100% shareholding and loans in UK Asset Resolution Ltd ("UKAR") and its subsidiaries.

UK Green Investment Bank (GIB) - The UK Green Investment Bank is the world's first investment bank dedicated to greening the economy. With government funding of £3 billion, the GIB invests in innovative, environmentally-friendly areas for which there is a lack of support from private markets. This includes offshore wind power generation, waste-handling plants, energy efficiency measures, biofuels, biomass, carbon capture and storage, marine energy and renewable heat generation.

Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) - It is the Government's executive agency primarily responsible for ensuring that farmed animals in England, Scotland and Wales are healthy, disease-free and well looked after. The Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency have responsibility for managing outbreaks of notifiable animal diseases, and in this way support the farming industry, helping it compete successfully worldwide and protect the welfare of farmed animals. The Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency safeguard public and animal health through world class veterinary research and surveillance of farmed livestock and wildlife.

Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) - The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science provides scientific and technical support, consultancy and advice, to Defra and other customers, in the fields of fisheries' science and management, environmental assessment, aquaculture and fish health. It carries out limited work in Scotland, mainly on contract to FSA regarding shellfish safety, and meteorological-ocean services and advice on impact of renewables for the commercial sector in Scottish waters.

Companies House (CH) - Companies House incorporates and dissolves companies, registers the information they are required to supply under companies and related legislation and makes that information available to the public.

Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) - The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory provides independent, high quality scientific and technical research and advice to the MOD and Government, principally in those areas not suitable for the private sector.

Defence Support Group (DSG) - The Defence Support Group brings together under one organisation the merged the Army Base Repair Organisation (ABRO) and the Defence Aviation Repair Agency (DARA) business units. DSG will provide a flexible, responsive, operationally excellent service delivering cost competitive in-house maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade capability to support the air and land systems of the UK Armed Forces.

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) - DVLA's primary responsibilities include the licensing and registration of vehicles in the UK and the licensing of drivers in Great Britain. Through these activities DVLA, directly supports Road Safety, the collection of Vehicle Excise Duty, law enforcement and environmental initiatives.

Driving Standards Agency (DSA) - The Driving Standards Agency's aim is to promote road safety in Great Britain by improving driving standards. The Agency's responsibilities include the delivery and conduct of theory and practical driving tests for learner motorcycle riders and drivers of cars, lorries and buses. The Agency maintains the Register of Approved Driving Instructors (car). It also authorises approved training bodies and their instructors to conduct Compulsory Basic Training for learner motorcycle riders and deliver Direct Access Scheme training for riders of large motorcycles. The Agency sets the national standards for safe and responsible driving and continues to develop and review the published Driving/Riding Standards and the Driver/Rider Training Standards. DSA also administers the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) arrangements in Great Britain; approving Driver CPC centres and courses. The Agency manages the delivery of dangerous goods safety advisor and dangerous goods driver training and testing and is responsible for introducing a new approvals and assurance process for drink driver rehabilitation scheme courses.

FCO Services - With approximately 1100 staff in the UK and overseas, FCO Services delivers a combination of secure ICT and logistics services as well as services designed to maintain a secure working environment. In addition to the FCO, existing customers include other government departments, non-governmental bodies and foreign governments.

Government Procurement Service (GPS) - Government Procurement Service's overall priority is to provide procurement savings for the UK Public Sector as a whole and specifically to deliver centralised procurement for Central Government Departments. It provides value for money, commercial procurement solutions across core commodity categories to over 14500 organisations in Central Government, Health, Local Government, Devolved Administrations, Education and the Not for Profit sector.

HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMTS) - Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service was created on 1 April 2011. It brings together Her Majesty's Courts Service and the Tribunals Service into one integrated agency providing support for the administration of justice in courts and tribunals. The agency is responsible for the administration of the criminal, civil and family courts and tribunals in England and Wales and non-devolved tribunals in Scotland and Northern Ireland. It provides for a fair, efficient and effective justice system delivered by an independent judiciary.

Her Majesty's Passport Office (HMPO) - Her Majesty's Passport Office is responsible for issuing passports to British citizens within the United Kingdom and abroad.

Intellectual Property Office (IPO) - The UK Intellectual Property Office became an operating name of The Patent Office on 2 April 2007. The UK IPO is responsible for the granting of intellectual Property (IP) rights which include Patents, Trade Marks, Designs and Copyright. The Office promotes innovation by providing a clear, accessible and widely understood IP system, which enables the economy and society to benefit from knowledge and ideas.

Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) - Maritime emergency response capability though Her Majesty's Coastguard including search and rescue and responding to pollution from ships, regulatory inspections of ships, registration of UK Ships and Seafarers, development and implementation of the UK Government's maritime safety policies.

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHPRA) - Government agency which is responsible for ensuring that medicines and medical devices work, and are acceptably safe. The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health. MHRA protects and promotes public health and patient safety by ensuring that medicines, healthcare products and medical equipment meet appropriate standards of safety, quality, performance and effectiveness and are used safely. Department of Health Ministers account to Parliament on all matters concerning regulation of human medicines.

Met Office - The Met Office provides weather and climate related services to the Armed Forces, Government Departments, the public, civil aviation, shipping, industry, agriculture, commerce and others.

National Measurement Office (NMO) - NMO is responsible for all aspects of the UK's National Measurement System (NMS), including support to Ministers on policy matters relating to scientific and industrial measurement and on legislation on Weights & Measures, Hallmarking and gas & electricity meters. It provides the funding for investment in the NMS and administers the contracts under which the National Physical Laboratory is operated. It offers calibration and certification services for measuring instruments on both a statutory and a commercial basis. Finally NMO acts as a national enforcement authority on behalf of Defra and BIS for a range of EU-based environmental legislation.

Ordnance Survey (OS) - Ordnance Survey is the national mapping agency of Great Britain. It carries out official surveying and definitive mapping, and provides the underpinning geographical reference framework for Great Britain.

Public Health England (PHE) - Public Health England has been established to protect and improve health and wellbeing, and to reduce inequalities. These responsibilities relate chiefly to England. However, it also has some responsibilities in relation to Scotland (for example, it is the UK coordinating point under the International Health Regulations, and has some responsibilities in relation to radiation protection in Scotland).

Rural Payments Agency (RPA) - RPA is the UK Funding Body responsible for funding the CAP schemes administered by all the UK paying agencies and has responsibility for the receipt and administration of monies from the Guarantee Section of the European Agriculture Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) and provision of operational advice. The Agency will make a limited number of payments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on behalf of the devolved administrations and runs the British Cattle Movement Service.

The Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA) - The Food and Environment Research Agency's overarching purpose is to support and develop a sustainable food chain, a healthy natural environment, and to protect the global community from biological and chemical risks. Its role within that is to provide robust evidence, rigorous analysis and professional advice to Government, international organisations and the private sector.

The National Archives (NA) - The National Archives brings together the Public Record Office, the Historical Manuscripts Commission, Her Majesty's Stationery Office and the Office of Public Sector Information. It is responsible for managing the government record from creation, storage and selection to preservation, access and re-use, and has a leadership and advocacy role for the wider archive sector working closely with the National Records of Scotland. The National Archives also manages Crown Copyright, publishes all UK legislation, and has responsibility for official publishing. The National Archives leads on negotiations in Brussels on behalf of the UK in relation to public sector information. The National Archives provides the official UK online legislation service.

UK Debt Management Office (DMO) - Two of the main aims of the DMO are: (i) to carry out the Government's debt management policy of minimising its financing costs over the long term, taking account of risk, and (ii) to contribute to achieving the Government's cash management objective by minimising the cost of offsetting the Government's net cash flows over time, while operating to a risk appetite approved by Ministers.

UK Hydrographic Office - The UK Hydrographic Office produces charts and navigational publications for the Royal Navy and other customers at home and abroad.

UK Space Agency - The UK Space Agency is responsible for ensuring that the UK retains and grows a strategic capability in the space-based systems, technologies, science and applications. The UK Space Agency therefore leads the UK's civil space programme in order to win sustainable economic growth, secure new scientific knowledge and provide benefits to all citizens.

Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) - The VOSA ensures compliance with road safety legislation for operators and drivers of lorries, buses, and coaches, such as vehicle condition, drivers' hours and operator licensing conditions by conducting routine and targeted checks. Statutory annual roadworthiness inspections of heavy commercial and certain private vehicles plus specialist inspections of vehicles undertaken either at VOSA or privately owned sites. Supervision of MOT testing, ensuring standards are maintained at circa 21,200 MOT garages throughout GB. Collision inspections, monitoring products on the market for manufacturing or design defects, and monitoring of vehicle safety recalls. Administrative and investigative support for the independent Traffic Commissioners in considering and processing applications for licences to operate commercial vehicles as well as vocational licence and bus registration applications.

Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) - The Vehicle Certification Agency is the designated UK national authority for approving new road vehicles, agricultural tractors, off-road vehicles and components as well as a leading certification body offering management systems certification to various international standards.

Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) - The Veterinary Medicines Directorate is responsible for protecting public health, animal health, the environment and promoting animal welfare by assuring the safety, quality and efficacy of veterinary medicines in the United Kingdom. Certain enforcement and food safety matters devolved to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Wilton Park (WP) - Wilton Park's principal objective is to support the delivery of the FCO's foreign policy priorities. It works to analyse, understand, and advance the UK's international agenda, fulfil UK public diplomacy strategies, and to inform the policy-making of HMG and the international community. Wilton Park arranges and runs conferences on international affairs for politicians, officials, academics and others from around the world. It also runs a limited number of conferences for private sector customers.

Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) - AAIB is responsible for the investigation of civil aircraft accidents and serious incidents within the UK.

Airports Commission (AC) - The Airport Commission examines the scale and timing of any requirement for additional capacity to maintain the UK's position as Europe's most important aviation hub, and it will identify and evaluate how any need for additional capacity should be met in the short, medium and long term. It maintains a UK-wide perspective, taking appropriate account of the national, regional and local implications of any proposals.

Certification Office (CERTOFF) - The Certification Office maintains a list of trade unions and employers' associations.

Chevening scholarships - Chevening Scholarships are the UK government's global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organisations. The programme makes awards to outstanding scholars with leadership potential from around the world to study postgraduate courses at universities in the UK.

Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration (ICIBI) - The Independent Chief Inspector provides independent scrutiny of the border and immigration functions performed by the Home Office, except in relation to detention.

Defence, Press and Broadcasting Advisory Committee (DPBAC) - The Defence, Press and Broadcasting Advisory Committee oversees a voluntary code which operates between the government departments which have responsibility for national security and the media. It uses the Defence Advisory Notice system as its vehicle. It is independent of the MOD.

Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) - Contribute to safety at sea by determining the causes and circumstances of marine accidents and working with others to reduce the likelihood of such accidents recurring in the future.

Office of Manpower Economics (OME) - The Office of Manpower Economics offers independent advice on public sector pay and conditions to the 6 Pay Review Bodies and the Police Negotiating and Police Advisory (England & Wales) Boards. Together these make recommendations affecting some 2.5 million public sector workers with an aggregate pay bill of around £95 billion.

Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) - UK's independent body for investigating accidents and incidents occurring on the railways of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and tramways in England and Wales.

Service Prosecuting Authority (SPA) - The Service Prosecuting Authority initiates and conducts prosecutions in criminal cases involving alleged offences contrary to military discipline. It works in the service courts of first instance and the service appellate courts.

Financial Reporting Council (FRC) - The FRC sets the framework of codes and standards for the accounting, auditing, actuarial and investor communities and oversees the conduct of the professionals involved. It is the UK's lead audit regulator.

Pension Protection Fund (PPF) - The Pension Protection Fund was established to pay compensation to members of eligible defined benefit pension schemes, when there is a qualifying insolvency event in relation to the employer and where there are insufficient assets in the pension scheme to cover Pension Protection Fund levels of compensation.

Architects Registration Board (ARB) - The Architects Registration Board regulates the architects' profession in the UK to ensure that good standards of conduct and practice are consistently maintained.

Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) - The Civil Aviation Authority is a public corporation established by Parliament in 1972 as an independent specialist aviation regulator and provider of air traffic services.

NHS Blood and Transplant - Manages the national voluntary donation system for blood, tissues, organs and stem cells turning these precious donations into products that can be used safely to the benefit of the patient. It has responsibilities across the United Kingdom for organ donation and transplantation.

Oil and Pipelines Agency (OPA) - The Oil and Pipelines Agency is responsible for management and operation of the Government Pipeline and Storage System and the MOD's UK Naval Oil Fuel Depots. It oversees all aspects of the facilities' operation and maintenance, ensuring that UK military requirements for aviation and marine fuels are met.

NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) - The NHS Business Services Authority provides central services to NHS bodies, patients and the public, such as issuing European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC).

Health Research Authority (HRA) - Established on 01 December 2011 as a Special Health Authority. The purpose of the HRA is to protect and promote the interests of patients and the public in health research. Operates in Scotland under an agreement made under the Income Generation Powers of Special Health Authorities Directions 2005, as well as by way of an agency arrangement.

Service Complaints Commissioner (SCC) - The Service Complaints Commissioner was created by the Armed Forces Act 2006, following the deaths of four soldiers at Princess Royal Barracks, Deepcut. It aims to ensure all service men and women and their families have confidence in the complaints system and are treated properly.

Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) - The aim of Acas is to improve organisations and working life through better employment relations. Acas mediates in industrial disputes between employers and employee representatives. Acas was set up under the Employment Protection Act 1975 and applies to Great Britain.

Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) - Functions defined in AHDB Order 2008. Funded in the main by the agriculture industry through statutory levies with the purpose to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the industries which fund it.

Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) - AHRC promotes and supports research and postgraduate training in the arts and humanities. It encourages the wider application of, and raise the profile of, arts and humanities research. AHRC is part of Research Councils UK (RCUK).

Big Lottery Fund (BLF) - The Big Lottery Fund distributes its share of Lottery good causes money throughout the UK to bring real improvements to communities and the lives of people most in need.

Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) - The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council is the UK funding agency for research in the life sciences. BBSRC carries out its mission by funding research, providing training in the biosciences and fostering opportunities for knowledge. BBSRC is part of Research Councils UK (RCUK).

British Council (BC) - To create international opportunities for the people of the UK and other countries and build trust between them worldwide. The British Council receives FCO Grant in Aid funding (£171m in 2012/13 and £162m in 2013/14) representing around 20% of its total turnover (the remainder is generated through the Council's full cost recovery work). The British Council currently operates in 110 countries and territories. The British Council uses the English language, the arts, education and society to build trust in the people of the UK around the world. It has offices in Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, London and Manchester. It serves the whole of the UK.

British Film Institute (BFI) - The BFI is the lead organisation for film in the UK. It uses Lottery funds to support film production, distribution, education and audience development. Since 1933 it has cared for the BFI National Archive and celebrated the best of British and international filmmaking through festivals, film restoration, DVD releases and cinema programming.

British Hallmarking Council (BHC) - The British Hallmarking Council supervises UK hallmarking and is totally funded by the four UK Assay Offices (London, Birmingham, Sheffield and Edinburgh) who split the costs between them.

British Library (BL) - The National Library of the UK. The British Library Board is responsible for managing the library as a national centre for reference, study, bibliographical and information services, in relation to both scientific and technological matters and the humanities. It provides services across the UK, including services to business such as the Business and Intellectual Property Centre.

British Transport Police Authority (BTPA) - BTPA is the independent body responsible for ensuring an efficient and effective British Transport Police force for rail operators, their staff and passengers.

Capital for Enterprise Limited (CfEL) - Capital for Enterprise Ltd is the principal centre of expertise within Government on the provision of Small and Medium Enterprise financial interventions. CfEL delivers a number of programmes which are available across the UK and others which are not.

Civil Nuclear Police Authority (CNPA) - CNPA has oversight of, and employs, the Civil Nuclear Constabulary, a dedicated armed response capability for designated civil nuclear sites and designated nuclear material. The Energy Act 2004 sets out that the CNPA extends to England, Scotland and Wales.

Civil Service Commission (CSC) - Regulates recruitment to the Civil Service, which is reserved for England, Wales and Scotland and therefore includes civil servants working in the Scottish Government.

Coal Authority (CA) - The Coal Authority works to protect the public and the environment in coal mining areas under the Coal Industry Act 1994. It manages the effects of past coal mining in order to promote public safety and safeguard the landscape now and for future generations.

Committee on Climate Change (CCC) - The CCC was established under the Climate Change Act 2008 to advise the UK Government and Devolved Administrations on emissions targets and to report to Parliament on progress made in reducing greenhouse gasses.

Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) - The Commission is responsible for managing the UK's contribution to the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan; an international programme under which member governments offer scholarships and fellowships to citizens of other Commonwealth countries. The CSC supports over 800 awards annually. Awards are funded by the Department for International Development (for developing Commonwealth countries), and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Scottish Government (for developed Commonwealth countries), in conjunction with UK universities. The CSC also nominates UK citizens for scholarships to study in other Commonwealth countries under the CSFP.

Competition Commission (CC) - To investigate and report on matters referred to it relating to mergers, markets, anti-competitive practices and the regulation of utilities in the UK. The Competition Commission will become the Competition and Markets Authority, taking on some functions of the Office of Fair Trading.

Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) - To ensure the quantity and quality of training provision is adequate to meet the current and future skills needs of the industry. The CITB operates across Great Britain and has a statutory levy.

Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) - A government organisation that can pay compensation to people who have been physically or mentally injured because they were the blameless victim of a violent crime. CICA is the government body responsible for administering the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme in England, Scotland and Wales. CICA is part of the Ministry of Justice and also provide a service on behalf of the Scottish Government. CICA oversee a GB wide scheme but are answerable to both the UK Government and Scottish Government.

Directly Operated Railways Ltd (DOR) - DOR fulfils the Secretary of State for Transport's requirements under the Railways Act to secure the continued provision of passenger railway services should an existing franchise not be able to complete its full term. (At present DOR has one operating subsidiary: The East Coast Main Line Company Ltd).

Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) - The ESRC funds research into the big social and economic questions facing society today. ESRC also develops and trains the UK's future social scientists. ESRC's research informs public policies and helps make businesses, voluntary bodies and other organisations more effective. Part of Research Councils UK (RCUK).

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) - The main UK government agency for funding research and training in engineering and the physical sciences, investing more than £800 million a year.

Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) - The ECITB is the statutory organisation, national training provider and awarding body with responsibility for the training and development of the UK's engineering construction workforce, to ensure the quantity and quality of training provision is adequate to meet the current and future skills needs of the industry. It operates across Great Britain and has a statutory levy.

Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) - The EHRC promotes equality and tackles discrimination in relation to the characteristics protected under the Equality Act 2010; promote good relations between groups; and provide institutional support for human rights across Great Britain. The European equal treatment legislation requires Member States to set up an equality body (http://www.equineteurope.org/-Equality-bodies-) to conduct independent surveys, publish independent reports and make recommendations (including to Government) on any issue relating to discrimination, and provide independent assistance to victims of discrimination. The EHRC is Great Britain's designated body.

Gambling Commission (GC) - Independent regulator for all commercial gambling in Great Britain (except spread betting). Its core objectives as a regulator are to keep crime out of gambling, to ensure that gambling is conducted fairly and openly and to protect children and other vulnerable people. The Commission is also responsible for issuing codes of practice to the industry, industry guidance to local authorities and advising the Secretary of State on issues related to gambling.

Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) - The GLA operates a licensing scheme for businesses which supply labour to the farming, food processing & packaging and shellfish gathering sectors. It also enforces the criminal offences in the Gangmasters Licensing Act 2004 on behalf of Defra.

Great Britain China Centre (GBCC) - GBCC facilitates effective dialogue with the Chinese Government, society and business to provide direct delivery of HMG policy objectives. GBCC promotes mutual understanding between the UK and China and aims to build long-term connections between the decision-makers in the two countries.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) - The HSE work to prevent death, injury and ill health to those at work and those affected by work activities. HSE has approximately 270 staff in Scotland based in offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness. Approximately 170 are frontline inspectors, which include about 80 general and construction inspectors, as well as chemicals industry and offshore inspectors and specialists who work across the border too. Policy and administrative staff are also based in Scotland working in HSE's sectors, corporate support and Director's Office (for example, dealing with Scottish Government liaison, partnership management and official correspondence).

High Speed 2 Ltd (HS2 Ltd) - The Secretary of State's remit letter of January 2012 to HS2 Ltd asks the company to (i) undertake work to enable the DfT to deposit a hybrid Bill with Parliament in respect of the London to West Midlands line and, subject to Parliamentary approval, secure powers for the scheme; and (ii) continue to develop proposals to link the West Midlands to Leeds and Manchester and for a Heathrow spur. It also has a remit to undertake strategic work on the longer term options for serving Scotland and the North East.

Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) - The Horserace Betting Levy Board assesses and collects from bookmakers a levy on bets on British horseracing and to distribute it for the benefit of horseracing.

Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) - Licensing and inspection of fertility clinics and projects involving human embryos. Holder and provider of information for the public, patients, donor conceived people and donors. Sets policy framework for fertility issues across the UK.

Human Tissue Authority (HTA) - Aims to maintain confidence by ensuring human tissue is used safely and ethically, with proper consent. Regulate organisations that remove, store and use human tissue for research, medical treatment, post-mortem examination, teaching and display in public. Approve organ and bone marrow donations from living people. The HTA regulates living donation, in compliance with Scottish legislation, on behalf of the Scottish Government.

Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) - The ICO is the UK's independent authority set up to uphold information rights in the public interest, promoting openness by public bodies and data privacy for individuals. Data protection is reserved to the UK, and therefore the main focus of the Scotland office is data protection, for which the ICO is the sole regulatory body in Scotland (the Scottish Information Commissioner regulates the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act). The Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations are also reserved to the UK as a European initiative on use of 'cookies' on websites, for example.

Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) - JNCC is the public body that advises the UK Government and devolved administrations on UK-wide and international nature conservation.

Marine Management Organisation (MMO) - A range of responsibilities, including implementing a new marine planning system and licensing regime; managing UK fishing fleet capacity and UK fisheries quotas; working with Natural England and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee to manage a network of marine protected areas; responding to marine emergencies alongside other agencies.

Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission (MACC) - Set up by Marshall Aid Commission Act 1953 to oversee Marshall Scholarships; which are postgraduate Scholarships in the United Kingdom for American students with the potential to excel in their chosen fields of study and future careers.

Medical Research Council (MRC) - The MRC is dedicated to improving human health. It supports research across the spectrum of medical sciences, in universities and hospitals, in its own units and institutes in the UK, and in units in Africa. The MRC receives annual 'grant-in-aid' funding from Parliament through the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. Although government-funded, the MRC is independent in its choice of which research to support. However, it works closely with the Health Departments (in each of the devolved administrations and the UK), the other UK research councils, industry and other stakeholders to identify and respond to the UK's health needs.

National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) - NEST runs, and acts as the Trustee of, the NEST Pension Scheme. Employers can use NEST to meet their legal duties to enrol workers into a workplace pension. It is designed for a target market of low to moderate earners that is largely new to pensions saving.

National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF) - The organisation makes grants to the heritage industry from both Government and Lottery funding.

Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) Department for Business, Innovation and Skills - The UK's main agency for funding and managing research, training and knowledge exchange in the environmental sciences, covering atmospheric, Earth, biological, terrestrial and aquatic science, from the deep oceans to the upper atmosphere and from the poles to the equator.

Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) - NLB has various powers and responsibilities in connection with the provision, maintenance, alteration, inspection and control of lighthouses, buoys and beacons. It operates around Scotland and the Isle of Man. It is covered by the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, which is reserved to the UK.

Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) - The NDA's mission is to ensure that the historic civil public sector nuclear legacy sites are decommissioned safely, securely, cost effectively and in ways that protect the environment.

Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) - OISC regulates those who provide immigration advice and services; investigating complaints and, where appropriate, prosecuting those who offer such services illegally; and promoting good practice throughout the sector. The OISC does not regulate persons who are the subject of regulation by another body, e.g. solicitors.

Passenger Focus/Passengers' Council - Passenger Focus (officially the Passengers' Council) is the independent Passenger Watchdog, whose mission is to get the best deal for passengers. Passenger Focus represents rail passengers in England, Scotland and Wales, bus and tram passengers in England (outside London) and passengers on scheduled domestic coach services in England.

Pensions Advisory Service (PAS) - The Pensions Advisory Service provides a high quality, independent and free information service to members of the public who have either a general or specific query or complaint on a pensions matter

Pensions Regulator (PR) - The Pensions Regulator protects the members of work based pensions scheme and reduces the risk of situations arising that may lead to claims for compensation from the Pension Protection Fund. Also, under the Pensions Act 2008, it maximises employer compliance with duties and safeguards.

Remploy Ltd. - Remploy's mission is to transform the lives of disabled people and those experiencing complex barriers to work by providing sustainable employment opportunities

Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) - The Council operates world class, large scale research facilities and provides strategic advice to the UK government on their development. It also manages the UK interests in major international collaborations such as CERN. The STFC also directs, coordinates and funds research, education and training. Part of Research Councils UK (RCUK).

Sea Fish Industry Authority (SFIA) - Supports all sectors of the seafood industry for a sustainable, profitable future and aims to support and improve the environmental sustainability, efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the industry, as well as promoting sustainably-sourced seafood. Seafish is funded by a levy on the first sale of seafood landed and imported in the UK.

Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) - The OBR provides independent and authoritative analysis of the UK's public finances. The main duty of the OBR is to examine and report on the sustainability of the public finances. In carrying out this duty, the OBR has four main responsibilities: the production of the fiscal and economic forecasts, including independent scrutiny of the impact of policy measures; an assessment of whether the Government's fiscal mandate is being met; an assessment on the accuracy of the previous fiscal and economic forecasts; and an analysis of the sustainability of the public finances.

Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) - SOCA prevents and detects serious organised crime, contributes to its reduction in other ways and mitigates its consequences. SOCA gathers, stores, analyses and disseminates information on crime. It will be absorbed into the National Crime Agency by the end of 2013.

Student Loans Company (SLC) - The SLC is a non-profit making government-owned organisation set up to provide loans & grants to students in universities & colleges in the UK. The SLC, which is owned by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills, Scottish Ministers, the Welsh Assembly Government and the Department for Employment and Learning in Northern Ireland is entirely Government-funded and non-profit making.

Technology Strategy Board (TSB) - Carries out research into, and the development and exploitation of, science, technology and new ideas for the benefit of those engaged in business activities with the aim of increasing economic growth and improving quality of life. The activities of the Technology Strategy Board are jointly supported and funded by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and other government departments, the devolved administrations and research councils.

UK Anti Doping - The UK's National Anti-Doping Organisation, as defined in the World Anti-Doping Code. UK Anti-Doping protects the right of athletes to compete in doping-free sport.

UK Atomic Energy Authority (AEA) - The UK Atomic Energy Authority carries out research into nuclear fusion and related topics e.g. advanced materials for fusion and fission. It manages the Joint European Torus project on behalf of the European Community. It manages historical liabilities, including the Authority Pension Schemes.

UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) - UKCES provides strategic leadership on skills and employment issues. Led by Commissioners (including a Commissioner appointed by the Scottish Government) from large and small employers, trade unions, the voluntary sector, they aim to raise skill levels to help drive enterprise, create more and better jobs and economic growth.

UK Sport - UK Sport is responsible for working in partnership with sports councils and other agencies to lead the UK to world class success.

Visit Britain - Visit Britain promotes the British tourism industry overseas, exploiting the tourism legacy potential of 2012 and other major sporting and cultural events.

Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) - WFD's work focuses on strengthening Parliaments and Political Parties in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East. It works with Parliaments, and with all the Westminster parties to build capacity of their counterparts overseas.

Administration of Radioactive Substances Advisory Committee (ARSAC) - The ARSAC which mostly comprises medical practitioners, was set up to advise the Department of Health on matters relating to the granting of certificates to practice nuclear medicine in the UK, and other related scientific and radiological safety issues. The Medicines (Administration of Radioactive Substances) Regulations 1978 prohibit the administration to human beings of radioactive products except by, or under the supervision of, a doctor or dentist holding an ARSAC certificate. The regulations apply throughout the UK to the use of unsealed radioactive sources in nuclear medicine and of sealed radioactive sources in brachytherapy, for diagnosis, therapy or research.

Advisory Committee on Animal Feeding stuffs (ACAF) - Advises on the safety and use of animal feeds and feeding practices, with particular emphasis on protecting human health, and with reference to new technical developments.

Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (ACBA) - The Committee provides independent advice when a senior civil servant or former Minister leaves government and wants to take up a new job. All Crown servants, including Scottish Government ministers and civil servants, are subject to the Business Appointments Rules.

Advisory Committee on Conscientious Objectors (ACCO) - The Committee is responsible for advising the Secretary of State for Defence on all claims to conscientious objection to further service in the Armed Forces made by officers and other ranks of the Armed Forces whose application for permission to retire or resign their commissions or for discharge have been refused by the Service authorities.

Advisory Committee on Consumer Engagement (ACCE) - The Advisory Committee on Consumer Engagement reviews and assesses the Food Standards Agency consumer engagement work and provides external assurance to the Food Standards Agency Board that they continue to "put the consumer first" and that engagement is following good practice.

Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP) - Advises the Food Standards Agency on any matters relating to novel foods (including genetically modified foods) and novel processes (including food irradiation).

Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE) - The Committee advises UK and devolved governments on the risks to human health and the environment from the release of genetically modified organisms.

Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food - The Committee provides expert advice to Government on questions relating to microbiological issues and food.

Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) - The ACMD is an independent expert body that advises UK government on drug-related issues in the UK. The advisory council makes recommendations to government on the control of dangerous or otherwise harmful drugs, including classification and scheduling under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and its regulations. It considers any substance which is being or appears to be misused and of which is having or appears to be capable of having harmful effects sufficient to cause a social problem. It also carries out in-depth inquiries into aspects of drug use that are causing particular concern in the UK, with the aim of producing considered reports that will be helpful to policy makers and practitioners.

Advisory Group on Military Medicine (AGOMM) - AGOMM is established to provide independent advice to the Secretary of State for Defence on medical issues relating to Medical Force Protection and Clinical Treatments used on operations.

Advisory Panel on Public Sector Information (APPSI) - The Advisory Panel on Public Sector Information advises Ministers on how to encourage and create opportunities in the information industry for greater re-use of public sector information; it advises on changes and opportunities in the information industry; it reviews and consider complaints under the Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2005 (implementing EU directive) and advise on the impact of the complaints procedures under those regulations.

Advisory Council on National Records and Archives (ACNRA) - The Council has statutory responsibility to advise the Lord Chancellor on matters relating to public records, including their selection and preservation and public access to them, and the facilities provided for researchers at The National Archives. It also advises him on major strategic archival policy matters.

Animals in Science Committee (ASC) - The Committee advises the Home Secretary on matters concerned under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (as amended). This relates to any experimental or scientific procedure applied to a protected animal for a qualifying purpose which may have the effect of causing that animal a level of pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm.

Armed Forces Pay Review Body (AFPRB) - The Armed Forces' Pay Review Body is to provide independent advice to the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Defence on the remuneration and charges for members of the Naval, Military and Air Forces of the Crown.

British Pharmacopoeia Commission (BPC) - Provides authoritative official standards for pharmaceutical substances and medicinal products. It makes an important contribution to the role of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency in protecting public health by setting publicly available standards for the quality of medicines. In addition to expanding the numbers of monographs for licensed formulated products, it supports the regulatory work in the fields of herbal and complementary medicines by providing new monographs for traditional herbal medicinal products and for homoeopathic stocks and mother tinctures.

Central Advisory Committee on Pensions and Compensation (CAC) - The CAC acts as a policy advisory and consultative body for all Service pension and compensation issues.

Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) - The Commission advises the Health Ministers and the Licensing Authority (LA) on matters relating to human medicinal products, and considers those applications that lead to LA action as appropriate (i.e. where the LA has a statutory duty to refer or chooses to do so). It advises the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.

Committee on Radioactive Waste Management (CoRWM) - The Committee provides independent scrutiny and advice to UK Government and Devolved Administration Ministers on the long-term management of radioactive waste, including storage and disposal. CoRWM's primary task is to provide independent scrutiny on the Government's and Nuclear Decommissioning Authority's proposals, plans and programmes to deliver geological disposal, together with robust interim storage, as the long-term management option for the UK's higher activity wastes.

Committee on Standards in Public Life (CSPL) - The Committee monitors and examines standards of ethical conduct among public office holders in the UK and makes recommendations which the UK Government and devolved administrations may take on board when considering changes in present arrangements in their areas of responsibility.

Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (CTCFCPE) - Advises the Food Standards Agency, the Department of Health and other Government Departments and Agencies on matters concerning the toxicity of chemicals.

Council for Science and Technology (CST) - The CST advises the Prime Minister on strategic science and technology issues that cut across the responsibilities of individual government departments.

Defence Nuclear Safety Committee (DNSC) - The Defence Nuclear Safety Committee is responsible for providing the Secretary of State for Defence with an independent source of expertise and advice concerning the safety of Ministry of Defence nuclear programmes, facilities and operations.

Defence Scientific Advisory Council (DSAC) - DSAC is established to provide independent advice to the Secretary of State for Defence on all matters of concern to the Department in the fields of non-nuclear science, engineering, technology and analysis.

Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) - DPTAC is an independent body established by the Transport Act 1985 to advise government on the transport needs of disabled people. Advocates the promotion of an accessible transport system to enable disabled people to participate fully within the economy and society. DPTAC's role encompasses reserved transport matters, such as accessibility standards and operation of railways, shipping and aviation.

Equality 2025 - Equality 2025 provides confidential advice to the UK Government on issues that affect disabled people.

Export Guarantees Advisory Council (EGAC) - The EGAC is a statutory body which advises the Secretary of State on UK Export Finance's operations, with a specific duty to provide advice about the provision of reinsurance to the private sector. EGAC primarily provides advice to the Department and its ministers on the policies it applies when doing business including: environmental impacts and human rights; sustainable lending, bribery and corruption: and disclosure (freedom of information).

General Advisory Committee on Science (GACS) - Provides independent advice on the Food Standards Agency's governance and use of science.

Independent Agricultural Appeals Panel (IAAP) - Panel for appeals lodged with the Rural Payments Agency in relation to Common Agricultural Policy funding.

Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) - ICAI is the independent body responsible for scrutinising UK aid. ICAI carries out independent reviews of aid programmes and of issues affecting the delivery of UK aid. ICAI publishes transparent, impartial and objective reports to provide evidence and clear recommendations to support UK Government decision-making and to strengthen the accountability of the aid programme.

Industrial Injuries Advisory Council (IIAC) - To advise DWP Ministers on matters relating to the Industrial Injuries Scheme and its administration. In particular, which diseases and occupations should give entitlement to Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit and advising on any draft regulations relating to the Scheme.

Low Pay Commission (LPC) - The Low Pay Commission advises the Government on the National Minimum Wage under an annual remit.

Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) - The MAC provides independent, evidence based advice to the UK Government on migration, particularly shortages in the labour market where migration can contribute. It provides advice on where shortages exist in skilled occupations that can be filled by workers from overseas. Occupations on this list have priority in the monthly allocation of Certificates of Sponsorship to employers under Tier 2 of the points based immigration system. There are two Shortage Occupation Lists - one for the UK and one for Scotland.

National Employer Advisory Board (NEAB) - NEAB exists to provide informed but independent strategic advice to the Secretary of State for Defence and the MOD about how the MOD can most effectively gain and maintain the support of the employers of Britain's Reserve Forces. The Board shall not exceed 15 members, and include representatives from the CBI, the TUC, the Institute of Directors and the British Chambers of Commerce. The Board should provide wide geographical coverage of the UK and a broad representation between manufacturing and service industries, large and small companies and public sector.

NHS Pay Review Body (NHS PRB) - The NHS Pay Review Body makes recommendations on the remuneration of all staff paid under Agenda for Change and employed in the NHS. Part of the Office of Manpower Economics and advises all Devolved Administrations.

Nuclear Research Advisory Council (NRAC) - The Nuclear Research Advisory Council is charged with reviewing the Atomic Weapons Establishment nuclear warhead capability sustainment programme, including the requirement for above ground experiments and other facilities and techniques necessary to develop and maintain a UK nuclear weapon capability in the absence of underground testing. The Council also examines the Atomic Weapons Establishment's programme of international collaboration.

Police Negotiating Board (PNB) - Negotiates and arbitrates on matters relating to police pay and conditions; provides advice to the Home Secretary on matters related to policing. The PNB negotiates the terms and conditions and pensions of police officers across the UK. It makes recommendations on these matters to the Home Secretary, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, and Scottish Ministers. The PNB covers Scottish issues in a separate standing committee.

Regulatory Policy Committee (RPC) - The strategic purpose of the RPC is to contribute to a cultural change in the Government's approach to regulation and support better and smarter regulation, through improving the use of evidence and analysis in regulatory policy-making. The RPC provides independent scrutiny of the quality of analysis of new regulatory proposals to inform Government decision-making.

Review Board for Government Contracts (RBGC) - Under an agreement between the UK Government and the Confederation of British Industry, first made in 1968, a Government Profit Formula and Associated Arrangements (GPF AA) exists to give contractors engaged on non-competitive government work a fair return. The Board exists to make recommendations in respect of the GPF; to prescribe the Government Accounting Conventions for use in determining overhead costs; to resolve references to the Review Board by either MOD or Industry and to publish Reviews on the GPF.

Review Body on Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration (RBDDR) - The Body makes recommendations on the remuneration of doctors and dentists working in the NHS. Part of the Office of Manpower Economics and advises all Devolved Administrations.

Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art (RCEWA) - The Committee advises on the principles which should govern the control of export of objects of cultural interest under the Export Control system generally; it advises the Secretary of State on all cases where refusal of an export licence for an object of cultural interest is suggested on the grounds of national importance to advise in cases where a special Exchequer grant is needed towards the purchase of an object that would otherwise be exported.

Royal Mint Advisory Committee on the design of coins, medals, seals and decorations - The purpose of the committee is to raise the standard of numismatic and medallic art in Britain and this remains its primary concern, being charged on behalf of HM Treasury and other government departments with the recommendation of all new designs for United Kingdom coins, official medals, seals and decorations.

Science Advisory Committee on the Medical Implications of Less-Lethal Weapons - The Committee provides advice on the biophysical, biomechanical, pathological and clinical aspects of generic classes of less-lethal weapon systems.

Security Vetting Appeals Panel (SCAP) - The Panel hears appeals against the refusal or withdrawal of security clearance and to make recommendations to the appropriate head of department. An independent avenue of appeal for Civil Service staff and contractors whose security clearance has been refused or withdrawn.

Senior Salaries Review Body (SSRB) - The Review Body on Senior Salaries provides independent advice to the Prime Minister, the Lord Chancellor and the Secretary of State for Defence on the remuneration of holders of judicial office; senior civil servants; senior officers of the armed forces; and other such public appointments as may from time to time be specified, including civil servants working in the Scottish Government.

Social Science Research Committee (SSRC) - Provides advice to the Food Standards Agency about how it gathers and uses social science evidence.

Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) - Advises on Social Security and regulations. Responsibility for mandatory scrutiny of secondary legislation made more than 6 months after the relevant act and informal provision of comments on changes to regulations made within 6 months of the relevant act.

Technical Advisory Board (TAB) - The Technical Advisory Board advises the Home Secretary on whether obligations imposed on communications service providers (CSPs) under the terms of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) are reasonable

Tribunal Procedure Committee (TPC) - The Tribunal Procedure Committee was created by paragraph 22 of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 to make rules governing the practice and procedure in the First-tier Tribunal and Upper Tribunal. There are reserved tribunals in operation in Scotland (and Northern Ireland) e.g. on employment, tax, social security etc. So the rules of the TPC will apply in the reserved tribunals in Scotland in the same way as they apply in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Reserved tribunals are staffed by the Scottish courts and tribunals service; on reserved matters they report to HM Courts and Tribunal Service.

Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committees (VAPC) - VAPC play a central role in promoting the interests and welfare of veterans by: raising awareness of schemes administered by Service Personnel and Veterans Agency; Welfare Pathways; advising and signposting veterans; and providing a consultative body able to engage with the MOD.

Veterinary Products Committee (VPC) - Advises the Secretary of State on veterinary medicines, animal feed additives and promotes the collection of information relating to suspected adverse reactions to veterinary medicines. It considers representations by market authorisation holders/applicants in relation to granting, refusal or revocation of a marketing authorisation or animal test certificate.

Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) - The Central Arbitration Committee is responsible for adjudicating on issues around statutory trade union recognition and complaints brought under UK employee's information and consultation laws.

Competition Appeals Tribunal (CAT) - Hearing of appeals in respect of various competition related matters. The Tribunal's jurisdiction extends to the whole of the United Kingdom.

Horserace Betting Levy Appeal Tribunal (HBLAT) - The Horserace Betting Levy Appeal Tribunal hears appeals from bookmakers regarding the amount of levy payable to the Horserace Betting Levy Board.

Insolvency Practitioners Tribunal (IPT) - The Insolvency Practitioners Tribunal hears referrals from individuals and insolvency practitioners authorised to act by the Secretary of State in respect of refusal to grant, or the intention to withdraw, a license to act. Its jurisdiction is UK-wide.

Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) - The Investigatory Powers Tribunal considers proceedings bought under Section 7 of the Human Rights Act 1998 (HRA) against the intelligence services and certain public authorities in respect of their investigatory powers and conduct. It investigates complaints regarding actions by those intelligence services and public authorities who hold powers under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act to ascertain whether they have used those powers lawfully.

Office of Surveillance Commissioners (OSC) - The Office of Surveillance Commissioners keeps under review public authority use of covert techniques under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act, the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Scotland) Act and the Police Act and to approve the use of certain techniques under those Acts.

Pension Protection Fund Ombudsman (PPFO) - The Pensions Protection Fund Ombudsman investigates and decides on complaints about the way cases have been handled by the Board of the Pension Protection Fund. The Pension Protection Fund Ombudsman is due to merge with the Pensions Ombudsman.

Pensions Ombudsman (PO) - The Pensions Ombudsman investigates and decides on complaints and disputes concerning occupational & personal pension schemes. The Ombudsman is completely independent and acts as an impartial adjudicator. The Pensions Ombudsman is due to merge with the Pension Protection Fund Ombudsman.

Police Arbitration Tribunal (PAT) - Provides independent opinion on differences between police negotiating boards, including decisions that affect Scotland.

Traffic Commissioners and Deputies (TCD) - The seven Traffic Commissioners are appointed by the Secretary of State for the Transport. They have responsibility in their area for; the licensing of the operators of Heavy Goods Vehicles and of buses and coaches; the registration of local bus services; granting vocational licences and taking action against drivers of HGVs and PSVs. The Traffic Commissioner for Scotland is also responsible for dealing with appeals against decisions by Scottish local authorities on taxi fares and appeals against charging and removing improperly parked vehicles in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Independent Monitoring Board for the Military Corrective Training Centre (IMB) - The Independent Monitoring Board inspect the Military Corrective Training Centre at least twice a year and reports its findings to Ministers. It inspects, amongst other things, the condition of the premises and the treatment, health and welfare of detainees. The arrangements are very similar to those in place for civilian detention facilities in the UK.