The governance framework established for INSITE, ensures accountability, transparency and alignment across funders, industry, and government. This framework is supported by several groups, each with distinct responsibilities:
The Industry Executive Committee (IEC) is made up of eight oil and gas industry partners who are funders of the programme. They support research scoping, commissioning, and impact from an industry standpoint. The IEC also assist researchers with access to data and sites for field work. In addition, they help keep the programme up to date with current industry challenges, opportunities, and relevant global research.
The INSITE programme is managed by the Programme Directors – Howell Marine Consulting (HMC) – an independent company appointed by the funders. HMC specialise in coordinating multi-stakeholder research programmes across the environmental and offshore sectors, ensuring transparent delivery and effective collaboration. As science-policy impact brokers, HMC bridge the gap between research and decision-making, embedding impact pathways from commissioning through to legacy. Their integrated Research Impact service brings together programme design, governance, management, evaluation, science advice, communication and foresight to ensure research investment leads to real-world outcomes.
INSITE maintains scientific independence, with governance overseen by the Scientific Advisory Group (SAG) which provide expert guidance and ensure research integrity. The SAG is an independent panel of experts appointed to guide the scientific integrity, quality and impact of the INSITE Research Programme. Drawing on deep expertise in marine ecology, offshore structures and environmental science, SAG members provide objective advice on research proposals, monitor progress, and ensure the programme remains scientifically robust, policy-relevant and aligned with stakeholder needs.
INSITE projects examine the environmental and social effects of Marine Artificial Structures in the North Sea. Projects follow a reporting cycle, updating the Science Advisory Group and holding meetings with the Programme Director team to ensure project delivery, manage risks and facilitate wider impact and dissemination of research findings.