The Joint Astronomy Centre provides services and support to enable community and staff astronomers to undertake top-quality, front-line international-class research using the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT); to develop the JCMT in order to maintain its position as the most advanced observatory of its kind in the world; to operate the United Kingdom Infrared Telescope (UKIRT) in a streamlined mode so as to expeditiously complete the world-leading UKIDSS programme, plus other programmes as resources permit; to operate both facilities in the most cost-effective and efficient  manner on behalf of the funding agencies; and to be responsive to the changing needs of the contributing organisations.