Sustainable Development Commission

History
The Sustainable Development Commission was launched by the Prime Minister in October 2000, subsuming the UK Round Table on Sustainable Development and the British Government Panel on Sustainable Development. It is an advisory Non-Departmental Public Body, reporting to the Prime Minister and the First Ministers in Scotland and Wales.

Role
The Sustainable Development Commission's role is to promote sustainable development across the UK and all sectors of society, particularly within government and build consensus on the actions needed if further progress is to be achieved. Its role covers:


 * identifying key unsustainable trends which will not be reversed on the basis of current or planned action, and recommending action to reverse the trends;
 * acting as a critical friend to government advising on its progress in delivering sustainable development;
 * acting as a watchdog of government, appraising the effectiveness of the delivery of sustainable development;
 * establishing good working relationships with key parts of government in promoting sustainable development;
 * deepening awareness of the concept of sustainable development within key sectors, increasing awareness of the issues it raises, and building agreement on how to address them;
 * encouraging, stimulating and sharing good practice between all the UK administrations.

Reference

 * Defra news release