The Research Ethics Service has several policies and documents that guide us when recruiting and managing Research Ethics Committee (REC) members.
The policies outline general principles and approaches for each activity to allow them to apply to the UK Research Ethics Service and the Confidentiality Advisory Group.
If you're a member and you have a question about one of these policies or have a specific question about your REC membership, please contact the member support team.
Applying to become a member of a REC
Our Recruitment and Appointment Policy ensures that the appointment method of members is fair and transparent and compliant with good practice.
This policy also covers the issuing of second term appointments, transfers to other RECs, and breaks in membership. If you would like to apply to join a REC, please visit our dedicated area.
We know that issues in membership are rare and are usually resolved locally and informally. Our Support and Concerns Policy sets out several flexible approaches for addressing concerns promptly and effectively.
Our Policy and Procedure for the Appointment of REC Chairs and Vice Chairs outlines the recruitment process for appointing those who wish to apply for a chairing role – Chair, Vice Chair or Alternate Vice Chair.
Please visit our REC Chairs, Vice Chairs and Alternate Vice Chairs: HRA Policy and information to learn more.
Volunteer agreement for REC members
The REC Member Volunteer Agreement sets out the expectations of the REC membership – such as meeting attendance, training and conduct – and how we support you during your membership.
You will be asked to accept the agreement when you log on to the HARP Member Portal for the first time and then every time the agreement is updated.
A copy of the agreement you have accepted is stored in your documents on the portal so that you can refer to it at any time during your membership.
Members’ expenses
The Reimbursement of HRA Committee Members Expenses Policy and Procedure sets out when and how members can claim expenses due to carrying out their REC member role. All members are asked to use our online payment system called EASY to submit their claims.
UK REC Policy Document
The UK REC Policy Document explains what a REC is and its role. The document also sets out the responsibility of the appointing authority in supporting the Research Ethics Service.
Standard Operating Procedures for RECs
The Standard Operating Procedures for RECs details the step-by-step processes for each stage of a research application – from submission through to completion of the research. It also outlines the processes to follow when there are legal requirements to be met – such as applications involving medicinal products and applications involving adults lacking capacity. It will detail what review is required for each stage and who should be present.
UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research
The UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research sets out principles of good practice in the management and conduct of health and social care research that take account of legal requirements and other standards.
Find out more
Visit our become a REC member area for more information about REC membership.
Contact the member support team if you have a specific query about your membership.