Everyone at the HRA, including its volunteers, are expected to engage constructively, share relevant information with the designated staff member(s) and act with professionalism and respect.
Below are some specific roles and responsibilities in relation to this policy.
Health Research Authority (the Appointing Authority)
The HRA is responsible for the appointment and management of REC members in England. The HRA provides a framework of support, guidance and training for REC members to fulfil their role.
Member Support (Member Management and Development Team)
Member Support monitors member training and attendance and acts on issues. This includes liaising with and escalating to the REC Approvals Team or the Specialist as needed. Member Support also addresses training and attendance issues highlighted through audits or quality checks.
REC Approvals Team
The REC Approvals Team provides day-to-day support to REC members and handles initial member management issues through the Approvals Specialist / Approvals Manager.
REC Chair
REC Chairs are expected to support the Approvals Specialist / Approvals Manager in dealing with member issues. REC Chairs are encouraged to provide feedback and sets expectations for individual members. REC Chairs help address minor concerns within the REC.
Member Support Management Team
The Member Management and Development Specialist support cases that cannot be resolved locally working with the Approvals Specialist / Approvals Manager and escalating matters when necessary.
The Member Engagement and Development Manager oversee complex or escalated cases and makes recommendations about membership decisions to the Head of Approvals Support & Improvement.
As the Appointing Authority Lead, the Head of Approvals Support and Improvement oversees serious conduct concerns and holds final responsibility for key decisions regarding REC member and chairing appointments.
REC Members
REC members are expected to follow the volunteer agreement, REC Policy, and SOPs for RECs, and fulfil their role responsibly.