Before any work involving animals can be carried out the establishment, researcher and unit staff must ensure that all legal requirements as set out in The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 are met.
The establishment in which the work is carried out must have a Certificate of Designation issued by the Home Office. This is a schedule of premises that details the areas in which work involving animals can be carried out. The areas listed on the Certificate of Designation each have a specified use and must meet the standards set out in the Code Of Practice.
The Certificate of Designation also identifies people who are legally responsible for ensuring the care and welfare of animals within that establishment. These are the Certificate Holder, the Named Animal Care and Welfare Officer and the Named Veterinary Surgeon.
The Certificate of Designation in itself is not enough to allow work involving animals to be carried out. It only covers the areas in which the work will be taking place. In order for any work to take place researchers must undertake appropriate training and have in place both a project licence and a personal licence issued by the Home Office.