Position
Chair
Time commitment required
In addition to time spent preparing for and chairing meetings, at least 3 hours per week.
Remuneration
The position is voluntary - a Chairs' allowance and expenses will be paid under the terms of the Appointing Authority's policy.
Role
Working with the Research Ethics Committee (REC) to protect the rights, safety, dignity and wellbeing of research participants and facilitating and promoting ethical research that is of potential benefit to participants, science and society.
The main purpose of this role is to chair the REC to ensure that all study applications seen by the committee receive ethical review within the guidelines of all REC policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and relevant legislation.
The Chair as leader of the REC is responsible for the committee function, ensuring that all ethical issues are explored and clear decisions made and recorded.
The Chair will work with approvals operations staff, recognising their separate but complementary responsibilities in managing the REC functions. They will receive support from the Approvals Specialist on all issues of process, which are governed by SOPs.
To be aware of and keep up to date with Health Research Authority policies, initiatives and business plans and gain, maintain and share a wider knowledge of research and governance.
To attend, and participate in, regional Chairs' meetings.
To contribute when required to specific projects including the development of guidelines through initiatives such as Shared Ethical Debate, and to challenge continued applicability of guidance.
Key responsibilities
- chair the monthly REC meetings and sub-committee meetings, including PRSC and modification meetings, ensuring that ethical issues are explored and debated. Responsible for reading the applications and meeting documents, taking part in the ethical review, assuming lead reviewer role where necessary and to be responsible for the time management of the committee meeting
- process all REC communications in line with due process and timelines
- promote the courteous treatment of all researchers attending the meeting
- ensure that all those who attend or observe a REC meeting are treated fairly and equally regardless of gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief or age
- ensure that during the meetings a decision is reached and recorded in line with standard operating procedures
- promote the effective working of the REC as a cohesive group. Work with the HRA with regards to the development of the REC and members; for example, review decision-making data and implement change where necessary, work with the Vice Chair and Alternate Vice Chair and help succession planning for chairing roles within the REC and help members to develop in their role
- review responses to requests for further information from applicants when required in a timely manner
- be available to the HRA staff (via email or in person) on a planned or ad hoc/daily basis, at least 2 hours per week as necessary, to include the following:
- check and approve the minutes (drafted by approvals staff) in a timely manner to allow decision letters to be sent within timelines; these will provide a comprehensive and accurate record of all the detailed changes/queries agreed at the meeting
- approve responses to requests for further information for new REC applications and modifications when required in a timely manner - ensure adherence to all REC policies, SOPs, guidance and relevant legislation where applicable
- ensure effective communication of HRA updates at REC meetings
- provide general advice and guidance to HRA staff, REC members and researchers
- offer support, and mentorship as required to the Vice Chair, Alternate Vice Chair and members
- support the Appointing Authority in managing the membership of the committee in collaboration with the HRA staff, including:
- supporting new members with their onboarding, so that they feel part of the team
- providing guidance to committee members regarding potential conflicts of interest
- ensure lead reviewers are identified as per agreed process for new applications and protocol modifications
- ensuring that own, and members training is up to date
- addressing issues of poor performance, poor attendance or conduct issues in the first instance in line with member management procedures - helping succession plan within their REC and support the national recruitment programme for REC chairing roles - attend regional Chairs' meetings held twice a year
- feed back to the Appointing Authority on any administrative issues or concerns which affect the efficient running of the REC
- be aware of outcomes of accreditation audit of the REC and assist the HRA approvals support team with the completion of actions regarding REC member training and attendance
Support for the role
The Health Research Authority values the important contribution the role of the Chair makes to the review of applications and in supporting the members, researchers and coordinators. The following are provided to support the Chair's role:
- chairing skills training
- national Chairs' day
- Chairs' meetings
Reference documents: