The role of the Health Research Authority is to protect and promote the interests of patients and the public in health research, and to streamline the regulation of research.
The Health Research Authority is responsible for NHS Research Ethics Committees. Our RECs are managed through the Research Ethics Service (RES). Research Ethics Committees consist of up to 15 members from both clinical and non-clinical backgrounds. Our Committees review health and social research, check that people are provided with the information they need to help them decide whether they wish to take part, and provide an opinion as to whether the research is ethical.
We currently have vacancies for members of the public who are not healthcare professionals or who have recently retired from a health service background, and who are interested in thinking about issues from the perspective of a potential research participant and would like to develop knowledge of research ethics. HRA Research Ethics Committee members receive training in ethical review and have opportunities to debate challenging issues.
We are particularly seeking people from the Hampshire area with the following backgrounds:
• Members of the general public
• Social care professionals (excluding social workers, who would be Lay)
• Sociologists
• Statisticians with no clinical trials experience
• Academic ethicists
• Lawyers
• Chaplains
• NHS administrative, technical and support staff (not involved in management of clinical trials)
There are 68 RECs which meet across England. Positions are voluntary, but expenses are paid for attendance at REC meetings and training events, including travel and childcare costs if applicable. Committees meet on average for half a day per month, 10 times per year and you will need to be able to attend at least 6 meetings per year plus be available to participate in Sub-Committee business held by email correspondence between meetings.
We have a positive approach to diversity and encourage applications from all sections of the community.
What people say about us:
An Ethics Committee Member’s view
‘The interaction with sharp young minds, seeing that spark of understanding and spark of curiosity knowing you have helped shape that through engaging with and encouraging them, was particularly enjoyable’.
A Researcher’s view
‘I thought that the Committee had considered my application fairly, invested time in it, and raised useful comments regarding my study’.
‘The review from the Research Ethics Committee assured me that my project was ethically sound and gave me more confidence to approach NHS managers for their support’.
‘The questions raised by the REC contributed toward improving the proposal and we are very grateful for that’.
A Patient’s view
‘I am very pleased to have been part of something that has resulted in these drugs becoming licensed’.
An application pack is available to be downloaded from the HRA website:
http://www.hra.nhs.uk/research-ethics-committee-members/rec-membership/
Or you can contact Libby Watson, Deputy Regional Manager, at libby.watson1@nhs.net or on 02071048031 for further information.
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