Jean Coussins
Jean Coussins, former chief executive of The Portman Group was appointed to the Alcohol Education and Research Council in a blaze of controversy, many alcohol researchers and profesionals have slammed the decision to appoint her. THey argue that The Portman Group is a lobby group for the alcohol industry and the research undertaken by the Alcohol Education and Research Council could be undermined by the inclusion of an industry insider onto the board.
Jean Coussins is also a member of the "independent" Better Regulation Commission, which was untill 2006 known as The Better Regulation Task Force. It has a role to ensure that regulation and its enforcement are proportionate, accountable, consistent, transparent and targeted. The body advises the Government on better regulation and the reduction of unnecessary regulatory burdens. Commission's expertise lies in the regulation affecting business, the voluntary and community sector, and in European matters.
Notes
- ^ Susan Mayor, British Medical Journal 10th July 2004“Researcher objects to drinks industry representative sitting on alcohol research body” Accessed March 2007
- ^ Cabinet Office 06/02007Press Release Accessed April 2007
