Stamp Advisory Committee facts for kids

The Stamp Advisory Committee (SAC) is a special group that helps decide what British postage stamps will look like. They give advice on the designs for new stamps.

How the Committee Started

This committee was first set up in 1946. It began as part of another group called the Council of Industrial Design. Later, on February 21, 1968, the Post Office created a new committee. Today, the SAC advises the United Kingdom's Royal Mail. They help Royal Mail with their plans for new stamps.

What the Committee Does

Royal Mail chooses the main ideas for upcoming stamps. They also pick designers to create many different possible designs for each stamp. The committee then looks at these designs. They give advice to Royal Mail about which designs they think are the best.

It's important to know that the committee's advice is just that – advice. Royal Mail does not have to follow their suggestions. The committee also does not choose the new topics for stamps.

People from many different jobs and backgrounds are part of the committee. This includes designers, people who work for Royal Mail, and a person who represents the British Government. There are no special rules given to the committee or Royal Mail about what stamps should look like.

The old records of the Stamp Advisory Committee are kept safe. You can find them at the British National Archives. These records, along with others from Royal Mail, can be seen by the public after 30 years.