Committee System

Research Ethics Sub-Committee 2011-12

Parent body: Research and Enterprise Committee

Terms of reference

1 To provide support and advice, when requested, to researchers and others on ethical matters relating to research involving human participants, including research by students at all levels of study.

2 To review regularly the College guidelines on ethics related to research involving human participants, with a view to ensuring that such research conducted under the aegis of the college complies with recognised ethical standards, that the public, staff and students are protected from harm, and that the reputation of the College is safeguarded.

3 To recommend any necessary changes to College guidelines on ethics related to research involving human participants to Academic Board, after consultation with Research Committee.

4 To establish procedures for reviewing the ethics of each project relating to human participants.

5 To assess the ethical issues raised by projects submitted to it for consideration, and to grant or withhold approval from such projects.

Note: An application will not be rejected without allowing the applicant the opportunity of either discussing the application with the Committee or of making acceptable amendments to the application, whichever is appropriate. Approval of schemes may be subject to the approval of any other institution concerned

Terms of office on committees are for three years, renewable for a second term. The letters "eot" against a person's name in membership listings indicates that he or she will reach the maximum term as a member of the body concerned at the date specified. Sometimes there is also reference to "eot Council": this will normally override any later termination date for the term of office on the particular committee.