STFC Council yesterday discussed the budget outcome, and endorsed a plan to ensure we balance our budget in 2009-10. I do not expect an impact on staffing numbers, other than the reduction in overall staff numbers arising from the restrictions on external recruitment, and the possible impact of the Particle Physics Grants round.

As I informed you last week, STFC's budget for 2009-10 is £491 million. Council agreed this was a significant investment by Government in our science and technology, especially given the tough economic climate and the severe restrictions being imposed elsewhere in the public sector. But the impact of the global downturn means we must reduce our expectations of the programme we can fund this year, and must examine the balance of our programme from 2010-11 onward. Richard Wade and John Womersley have already commenced discussions with Science Board, PPAN and PALs on our programme for this year, and will continue these later this week and beyond.

Council agreed that we must ensure STFC itself provides significant internal savings, to re-invest into the science programme. Operations Board has already agreed a range of internal savings, including the restrictions on recruitment and travel budgets. We will continue to examine the options for savings, and I will provide regular updates on the budget discussions and outcomes.

Our monthly staff forums will be held next week, and the budget, SSC, Blueprint and the STFC Strategy are on the agenda. I encourage you to attend.

Keith Mason,
Chief Executive.