The Government Science and Engineering (GSE) profession has launched its new strategy that sets out what the GSE profession wants to achieve over the next five years. It supports the vision of securing science and engineering at the heart of government decision making, by building pride in the GSE profession, raising its profile, and encouraging fresh talent into it.

An event was held at the Royal Society in London to launch the new document, which draws together ideas from hundreds of civil servants who work in government science and engineering across the UK. The strategy commits to change in areas such as reward and recognition, Chartership and accreditation and flexible career paths.

The GSE strategy will be delivered by Sir Mark Walport, Head of Profession, working closely with the GSE profession board.

Sir Mark said: “In five years I would like the GSE profession to emerge having exceeded all of the expectations in the strategy, with a stronger identity, with a rich portfolio of successes demonstrating the impact of our work and the value we bring in government – proud of who we are and what we do.”

The strategy puts emphasis on policy professionals and scientists and engineers understanding each other’s worlds to drive effective partnerships and deliver a better service for government.

Sir Jeremy Heywood, Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service, added: “I am particularly pleased to see the pledge to become an exemplar for the Civil Service talent action plan. Diversity and inclusion is a top priority for the leadership of the Civil Service and this is a strong reminder that the professions can and must lead in delivering strategic priorities for the Civil Service as a whole.”

More details about the strategy are available here and the full GSE strategy is available to read on the Government Science and Engineering website.

GSE was established in 2008 and supports scientists and engineers working in government. It aims to increase recognition of the profession’s contribution to policy and build a strong community with links between different analytical streams and policy makers. This ensures that government decisions and activities are informed by a high quality, integrated and transparent evidence base. More information is available here: GSE