Scientific Research Council

The Scientific Research Council (SRC) is Jamaica’s principal public sector agency for the fostering and coordination of scientific research, established in 1960 under the Scientific Research Council Act. The SRC serves as a repository of scientific information and facilitates the development, application, transfer, and improvement of research-based technology for the benefit of Jamaica. Through its ISO/IEC accredited laboratories, Climate Innovation Centre, and food pilot plant, the SRC supports the growth of the local food, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, and personal care industries, while providing incubation services, training, and technical assistance to MSMEs and manufacturing sector stakeholders.

Key priorities include supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises through product development, manufacturing, and trade facilitation; advancing Agricultural Research and Development to improve productivity, seed availability, and crop yield; conducting Science Education and Popularization activities to sensitize the public on the role and importance of Science, Technology and Innovation in national development; and facilitating the transfer of available technologies to support innovation, productivity, environmental management, and improved food safety and security.

For the 2026/27 financial year, the GOJ has allocated $963 million to support the general and administrative functions of the SRC.

Indicators	Findings

Board Composition
Board with requisite skills as per the Competency Profile
Chairperson is not sitting more than two consecutive terms
Chairperson that chairs no more than two other public boards
Board with a minimum of 30% male members
Board with a minimum of 30% female members
Current board retained at least 3 members or a third of previous board

Governance Structure
Board Charter (which includes conflict of interest provisions)
Non-Executive Independent Chair
Trained Corporate Secretary
Annual board training (in procurement, risk management, etc.)
Annual board evaluation
Board processes are executed (AGM, Annual Calenders, Meeting Frequency, Filings at Companies Office, etc.)
Board minutes are transmitted to the Permanent Secretary
Information & Disclosure policy

Audit and Internal Control
Internal auditor that reports to board through Audit Committee
Audit Committee with Terms of Reference
Audit Committee with three or more members including a qualified accountant/persons possessing expertise in finance
Audit Committee that does not include the Board Chair
Audit Committee that excludes the Procurement Committee Chair
Procurement Committee that rotates members every three years
Independent Chair of Procurement Committee (not chaired by Finance Director)
Board procedures in place regarding procurement oversight
Trained Procurement Committee
Annual Procurement Plan

Reporting and Compliance
Annual Report to the Responsible Minister submitted within 4 months of the end of the entity's financial year
Annual Board-Approved Corporate Plan in place by Nov 30 (must include strategic objectives, budget and work plan)
Annual Report tabled in Parliament within six (6) months of the entity's financial year
Minister issued Statement of Corporate Expectation to board
Chair and Responsible Minister met at least twice yearly to discuss Agency performance and emerging issues

Ethics and Behaviour
Corporate Social Responsibility Framework (including Donations Policy)
Code of Ethics with conflict-of-interest provisions
Staff that are trained in Code of Ethics
Whistle Blowing Policy
Enterprise Risk Management Policy

Indicators

Findings

Board Composition

Board with requisite skills as per the Competency Profile

Chairperson is not sitting more than two consecutive terms

Chairperson that chairs no more than two other public boards

Board with a minimum of 30% male members

Board with a minimum of 30% female members

Current board retained at least 3 members or a third of previous board

Governance Structure

Board Charter (which includes conflict of interest provisions)

Non-Executive Independent Chair

Trained Corporate Secretary

Annual board training (in procurement, risk management, etc.)

Annual board evaluation

Board processes are executed (AGM, Annual Calenders, Meeting Frequency, Filings at Companies Office, etc.)

Board minutes are transmitted to the Permanent Secretary

Information & Disclosure policy

Audit and Internal Control

Internal auditor that reports to board through Audit Committee

Audit Committee with Terms of Reference

Audit Committee with three or more members including a qualified accountant/persons possessing expertise in finance

Audit Committee that does not include the Board Chair

Audit Committee that excludes the Procurement Committee Chair

Procurement Committee that rotates members every three years

Independent Chair of Procurement Committee (not chaired by Finance Director)

Board procedures in place regarding procurement oversight

Trained Procurement Committee

Annual Procurement Plan

Reporting and Compliance

Annual Report to the Responsible Minister submitted within 4 months of the end of the entity's financial year

Annual Board-Approved Corporate Plan in place by Nov 30 (must include strategic objectives, budget and work plan)

Annual Report tabled in Parliament within six (6) months of the entity's financial year

Minister issued Statement of Corporate Expectation to board

Chair and Responsible Minister met at least twice yearly to discuss Agency performance and emerging issues

Ethics and Behaviour

Corporate Social Responsibility Framework (including Donations Policy)

Code of Ethics with conflict-of-interest provisions

Staff that are trained in Code of Ethics

Whistle Blowing Policy

Enterprise Risk Management Policy

Indicators	Findings
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Indicators

Findings

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Scientific Research Council

Dr. Charah T. Watson

Robert Lawrence

Hon. Daryl Vaz, MP

Kedesha Campbell Rochester

Overview

Key Compliance Results