There are three types of licences that need to be held to conduct research on an animal who is given protection under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. 

These are an Establishment Licence (PEL), a Personal Licence (PIL), and a Project Licence (PPL).  

What’s an establishment licence (PEL)? 

An establishment licence is required for any establishment where regulated procedures are carried out, such as a university that conducts animal research. It also includes establishments that breed and supply laboratory animals.  

Other types of establishments can include: 

• Drug companies 

• Contract research companies 

• Non-profit organisations 

• Government departments 

• Public health organisations 

Under this licence, each establishment must have at least: 

• 1 named veterinary surgeon, who is a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons with expertise in laboratory animal medicine, specifically for the species being used within the establishment.  

• 1 named animal care and welfare officer, who is responsible for the day-to-day care and welfare of the animals within the establishment.  

• 1 named training and competency officer, who is responsible for ensuring that anyone that deals with the animals used within the establishment is adequately educated and trained to undertake their role.  

• 1 named information officer, who is responsible for ensuring that anyone dealing with animals within the establishment has access to any information they require.  

What’s a personal licence?

A personal licence is required by anyone wanting to carry out regulated animal research procedures.  This type of licence is specific to the individual and contains information like: 

• The types of procedures they can conduct 

• The species of animals that can be used 

• The place where procedures can take place (which must hold an establishment licence)  

• Any details of required supervision 

What’s a Project Licence (PPL)?

A project licence is required for any research using regulated procedures. This licence specifies: 

• The work that can be conduct within the project 

• Background information on the study 

• Specific procedures that will be conducted 

• Where the procedures will be conducted  

• The scientific rationale behind why animals must be used 

• The number and species of animals being used 

• Details on how procedures will have the minimum impact possible on the animals 

• Any amendments to the original project licence must also be submitted to the Home Office for review. 

The Home Office provides guidance to support project licence applications. 

Before applications are sent to the Home Office, the establishment’s Animal Welfare Ethical Review Body (AWERB) must scrutinise the project licence to ensure the 3Rs, which are a legal requirement, have been thoroughly applied. 

There is evidence that replacement is not being thoroughly implemented at every stage of the licence review process. That’s why we work to empower scientists to find, develop, and utilise replacements to animal research.