UK University Research Ethics Committees Forum
Meeting held on Tuesday 27th January 2015, 11:00, at King’s College London
Attendees:
David Anderson-Ford
Brunel University
Mary Oliver
University of Nottingham
Jeremy Barraud
University of the Arts, London
Hilary Ougham
University of Brighton
Matthew Billington
Nicole Palmer
University of Kent
James Patterson
King’s College London
Lorna Carter
University of Liverpool
Canterbury Christ Church
University
University of Oxford
Anna Ramberg
City University
Hazel Covill
Queen Mary, University of London
Gella Richards
University of Roehampton
Kate Dunbar
Brunel University
Julie Scott
Anglia Ruskin University
Catherine Fieulleteau
University of East London
Timothy Stibbs
University of Manchester
Humza Kelly
Marice Lunny
University of Westminster
King’s College London
Birgit Whiteman
University of Bristol
Roger Bone
Part 1
1. Introductions
Attendees were welcomed by the Chair. The Committee expressed their thanks to King’s College
London for facilitating the Forum.
2. Notes of the meeting held on 4th November 2014
Notes from the meeting were approved.
3. Matters not appearing elsewhere
Marice Lunny delivered a presentation about the implementation of the integrated online ethics
application system at King’s College London. The software provider, Infonetica, had been supportive.
However, the launch of the system had been delayed by internal IT issues. A security issue had arisen
because of the integrated login. The cost of the project was determined by the amount of support
required from Infonetica. The system was expected to be launched in late February 2015.
4. Association for Research Ethics (AfRE) update
It was highlighted that the annual conference had been well attended. New members were appointed
to Council. A training brochure has been developed and with regard to the issue of open access data,
AfRE will explore the possibility of organising a seminar to discuss guidance and consent. AfRE will
also be providing workshops on social media.
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5. Watching briefs:
5.1 Human Tissue Act
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The MRC e-learning module is a free development opportunity for researchers planning to use
human tissue, providing essential information about compliance with the Act.
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The HTA website provides information about a cost recovery model for research tissue banks.
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The proposed revision of the Act has been postponed until after the General Election.
5.2 EU Clinical Trials Regulations: NHS European Office briefing document
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New regulations are expected to be implemented by April 2016.
5.3 HRA
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The HRA is in the process of developing the HRA Approval process intended to provide a
single approval for research in the NHS. It is expected that this will have an impact on HEI
Sponsors.
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Work is currently underway to develop a high level, UK wide policy to replace the Research
Governance Framework (RGF).
5.4 What has been the major issue in your institution?
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Ethical issues in overseas research: Researchers report adherence to UK standards can be
difficult; the cultural context should be considered.
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The applicability of HEI’s ethics policies to all areas of research.
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There was a discussion in relation to the need for ethical approval for service evaluations and
audits, especially in view of HEI research ethics committees’ capacities.
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Securing ethical approval for covert research in schools.
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Members exchanged information about appeals systems for HEI RECs: Different institutions
use different approaches. The composition of competent and experienced appeal panels is
essential.
6. Dates of future meetings
11am on Tuesday 23rd June 2015 at King’s College London
Part 2
Discussion session: ‘When do we consider sponsor responsibilities and how do institutions
meet these?’
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The Chair delivered a presentation in relation to sponsor responsibilities and how institutions ensure
that all sponsorship conditions have been fulfilled. There was some discussion about the broader
interpretation of sponsorship for studies where a Sponsor under the Research Governance Framework
or the EU Directive is not indicated.
Group feedback – issues to be discussed at the next meeting
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Implementation of Research Governance Framework
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Social media
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