Certain pathogens, toxins and their genetic materials are controlled under the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act (ATCSA). Principal investigators who wish to acquire, possess or use any of these agents or materials must notify, and obtain consent from, the College Biosafety Team. Before such consent can be given it will be necessary to ensure that the security measures provided are in compliance with those required under published national security requirements. Consent shall not be provided until the Home Office has been notified and the Counter Terrorism Security Adviser (CTSA) has been informed and the latter has had the opportunity to inspect the facility proposed for this use.

Central to the College’s counter terrorism strategy is the need to protect vulnerable individuals from being radicalised or drawn into terrorism. In accordance with the requirements of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015, a protocol has been published by the College for the purpose of detecting and preventing the radicalisation of individuals (published by the College Secretariat). The effective implementation of the protocol will aid the identification of vulnerable individuals and limit the threat posed by such individuals in relation to College’s biological holdings.          

Security standards for Schedule 5 pathogens and toxins

The list of pathogens and toxins controlled under the ATCSA is provided within Schedule 5 of the Act. See below for the current list of Schedule 5 pathogens and toxins. Guidance on the interpretation of the list and when material held falls within the scope of the Act is available from the College Biosafety Team as is more information on the security requirements for working with such material.

Schedule 5 pathogens and toxins

The full list of Schedule 5 pathogens and toxins can be found here