Our Research Ethics Service (RES) is responsible for RECs, which safeguard the rights, safety, dignity and wellbeing of people participating in research in the UK.
Each year REC members review around 4,000 research applications across the UK and on average an opinion is given in less than 30 days.
To support you in your role as a REC member we have pulled together our key policies, guidance and training to enable you to be successful in your role, which consists of:
- REC membership: HRA policy information
- REC chair and vice chairs: HRA policy and information
- REC members training
- HARP member portal
- HRA Community members payment policy and procedure
REC member designations
The current designations of expert, lay and lay plus have changed.
This is due to the implementation of the amended clinical trials regulations, which came into effect on 28 April 2026.
Membership feedback
Our Quality Assurance department, in addition to its role in audit and accreditation of REC, manages user satisfaction processes and feedback. You can access our membership feedback form on our quality assurance page.
Member feedback is always welcome, and helps inform our developments. Feedback may be given to your REC Manager or any member of HRA management.
To raise a concern relating to the actions, behaviours or decisions of our staff, REC Chairs and members, including concerns that arise from the delivery of HRA procedures and policies the Framework for Raising a Concern should be used. The Framework for Raising a Concern sets out principles for addressing concerns in the first instance, as well as stipulating exclusions from the framework.