In general, the University Research Ethics Committee’s remit will be to consider applications from University staff or students who wish to undertake research on human subjects, including their tissues, data and other materials.

Terms of Reference

To:

1. meet on a regular basis as directed and/or as dictated by the number of applications received and the timing of receipt;
2. receive and consider individual applications forwarded by School/Faculty Filter Committees where appropriate;
3. where appropriate, refer with advice individual applications received from School/Faculty Filter Committees;
4. decide on the basis of an assessment of the ethical implications of the proposed studies, whether or not they should proceed;
5. inform Chief Investigators, through the Research Governance Section, of the decisions of the Committee and of the detail of any amendments required;
6. receive, consider and note reports received from School/Faculty Filter Committees and to record decisions made by those Committees;
7. request, where appropriate, attendance at meetings by Chief Investigators;
8. report on an annual basis, through the Research Governance Section, to the Senate and Council of the University;
9. advise on the University’s policy for scientific (peer) and ethical review as appropriate;
10. seek the specialist advice of appropriate non-members where necessary to the making of effective decisions.
11. maintain working relationships with NHS/HPSS committees, other bodies and University Research Governance Filter Committees.

In reaching decisions, the Committee will have due regard to their impact on, and implications for, the University’s commitment to ensuring equality of opportunity and good relations as outlined in its Equality Scheme and associated policies and where possible and practicable the Committee will ensure that its actions are proactive in this respect.