ESRC Council

The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) is a committee of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) created under the Higher Education and Research Act 2017 alongside eight other committees.

The ESRC Council has responsibility for making decisions on scientific, research and innovation matters relevant to administering social science research. This includes, but is not limited to:

the leadership of the social science discipline area, including prioritisation of budgets and the development of delivery plans
ensuring the future supply of skilled researchers and other specialists essential to the sustainability of the UK’s research and innovation capacity
engaging with the community to develop ideas, raise awareness and disseminate strategic outputs
encouraging and facilitating collaborative work across the nine UKRI councils to foster strategic relationships.

Council advises the Executive Chair and UKRI Board on social science activity that contributes to economic growth, advances knowledge and improves the quality of life in the UK and beyond.

Council membership

The ESRC Council consists of the Executive Chair, Stian Westlake, and between five and 12 ordinary members from the academic community, business, civil and the public sector.

Councils may also have civil service attendees in attendance at council meetings, as determined by the Executive Chair and the CEO of UKRI. Sir Christopher Wormald, Permanent Secretary at the Department of Health and Social Care attends ESRC Council.

All members must observe the highest standards of impartiality, integrity and objectivity in relation to the decisions and advice that they provide.

See all members of ESRC Council.

Council meeting minutes

See the minutes of ESRC Council meetings.

Future meetings

16 May 2024
18 July 2024
28 November 2024
27 February 2025
22 May 2025
17 July 2025
20 November 2025

Last updated: 10 May 2024