Policies for everyone

We have described our vision and ambitions for animal experiments, the 3Rs and the transition to animal-free innovations at Utrecht University and UMC Utrecht in an overarching policy on animal experiments (pdf).

The document Tasks and responsibilities in the laboratory animal chain (pdf) describes who is part of the laboratory animal chain and what tasks and responsibilities they have.

The Quality improvement policy (pdf) describes the processes and procedures used by the IvD Utrecht, together with the animal facilities and all parties involved in the animal testing chain, to advise on and supervise the housing and care of laboratory animals and the design, implementation and evaluation of animal testing.

Lifelong Learning policy (pdf)
Guide to implementing ‘Lifelong Learning’ (pdf)

This document sets out the ‘Lifelong Learning’ (LLL) policy for everyone working with animals in education and research at Utrecht University and UMC Utrecht. Under the Animal Experiments Act, only individuals who are knowledgeable and competent in animal experimentation, or those still in training but under direct supervision, may be involved in such experiments.

The aim of this policy is to ensure that staff continue to develop their knowledge and skills. Knowledge and competence (skills) must be continuously maintained and assessed. The quality of competence assessments is ensured through the appointment of supervisors and assessors by the AWB.

Knowledgeability means having the appropriate theoretical knowledge and keeping it up to date, for example through training on animal welfare and the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement).

This knowledge development is monitored:

• Staff must demonstrate every three years that they have learnt sufficiently.
• Knowledgeability is a prerequisite for involvement in animal experiments.

Competence means being able to perform specific procedures correctly, such as administering injections, as well as monitoring the animals’ welfare. 

• Competence is developed through training and supervision.
• You may only perform those procedures if you are undergoing training for them or have been assessed as competent.
• You will only learn procedures that are necessary for your role or type of training.
• Competence is trained by a supervisor and assessed by an assessor.
• Regular (re)assessment of procedures is mandatory after two years and within five years.

How knowledgeability and competence are maintained and demonstrated in practice is set out in the implementation guide accompanying the LLL policy. Everything is recorded by the individual concerned in a portfolio and periodically checked by an LLL coordinator and the AWB.

Through this policy, we safeguard our animals’ right to be handled only by knowledgeable and competent individuals.