This section contains reference information for the volunteers who are members of Research Ethics Committees (RECs). The HRA operates other committees, including the Confidentiality Advisory Group (CAG) and the Gene Therapy Advisory Committee (GTAC).
The HRA’s Research Ethics Service (RES) in England is responsible for RECs, which safeguard the rights, safety, dignity and well-being of people participating in research in the National Health Service. There are several different types of REC.
Each year the membership of NHS RECs review around 6,000 research applications across the UK.
On average an opinion is given in less than 40 days: well within the maximum allowance of 60 days. Follow the link for our current performance.
Please follow the link to find out more about becoming a REC member.