For immediate release

8 April 2005

Review of administrative and support services

The Institute of Food Research (IFR) and the John Innes Centre (JIC) have each been reviewing their administrative and support service provision. As part of this process, the two Institutes have also started a joint review of their non-science services (April 2005). The review will not only identify ways to share support facilities and personnel, but also advise the Institutes on development of key support activities.

Professor David White (IFR Director) said: “The Institute of Food Research and the John Innes Centre have international reputations for scientific excellence. Sharing support services will maximise the value for money scientists receive and strengthen our ability to contribute to world class science while remaining competitive when competing for research funds”.

Both organisations are sponsored by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) have similar employment terms and conditions and operating procedures, conduct complementary research in some areas and already share some resources. They are located very close to one another on the Norwich Research Park and merging appropriate services will allow efficiency gains and strengthen essential services.

The organisations will aim for a cost saving of around 8-9% of their combined budget of £11M, for their overall administrative and support services costs, from this process. A Project Board has been established to undertake the review, with the support of an independent, external review panel. The Board is expected to report its findings to the JIC and IFR directors by early May 2005.

JIC and IFR management and unions are working closely together to minimise the detrimental impact of this re-structuring on their staff.

….ends….

Notes for editors:

• Please contact Mrs Catherine Reynolds or Dr Reg Wilson for more information in the first instance [direct lines 01603 255217 or 01603 255210] [e-mail catherine.reynolds@ifr.ac.uk or reg.wilson@ifr.ac.uk]
• The mission of the Institute of Food Research [www.ifr.ac.uk] is to carry out independent basic, and strategic research on food safety, quality, nutrition and health. It is a company limited by guarantee, with charitable status, grant aided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council - www.bbsrc.ac.uk
• Issued by IFR Communications [e-mail ifr.communications@ifr.ac.uk]
• John Innes Centre [www.jic.bbsrc.ac.uk]

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