In the first quarter of 2021 we asked UAR members for feedback on our work and the services that we provide. We also wanted to understand whether our work is still on-mission. UAR’s member organisation span the life-sciences sector, and we received responses from 48 members, representing a wide range of organisations. 

 

UAR’s mission is to help people understand why animals are used in scientific research through engaging the public, sharing ideas and shaping a supportive research environment.

UAR's three strategic aims are described briefly as:

• Engaging the public by providing information and facilitating dialogue
• Sharing ideas by supporting the scientific community to be open in explaining the use of animals
• Shaping a supportive environment for humane animal research in the UK through better policy and regulation 

Survey respondents described UAR as informative (28), evidence-based (25) responsive (21) engaging (20) and accessible (18).

UAR’s Net-promotor score was 79.2 (an increase from the previous survey in 2017 when the Net-promotor score was 52.6).

Relevance of Mission

We asked members how important it is that there is an organisation with UAR’s mission. Two-thirds of respondents told us ‘absolutely’ (10).

“Especially in the UK - a nation of animal lovers - it really helps to have an organisation to turn to for advice on being more open about animal work with the public and showcasing some of the excellent work we do”.

We asked to what extent UAR achieves its mission and three quarters of members scored UAR 8 or higher.

“It is important for the sector to have expertise to turn to for advice and support, and for a 'one stop shop' with a unified voice across the sector to point the public to.”

Overall, respondents rated UAR membership highly, although there are still improvements that can be made. 

We asked respondents to comment on key challenges they saw facing the sector, and the following are a selection of responses. 

 

UAR also received a number of excellent suggestions for additional work areas that we might consider, and noted that a number of our members felt that our time is best spent concentrating on existing work areas.