Position
Vice Chair / Alternate Vice Chair
Time commitment required
In addition to time spent preparing and attending meetings as a member, an additional 3 hours per fortnight for sub-committee, including PRSC (Proportionate Review Sub-Committee) work, and additional time as and when required when deputising for the Chair
Remuneration
The position is voluntary; expenses will be met under the terms of the Appointing Authority 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 Vice Chair will be expected to:
- take on chairing responsibility for sub-committee work to review modifications and PR applications, in partnership and/or as agreed with the Chair
- to be aware of and keep up to date with HRA policies, initiatives and business plans and gain, maintain and share a wider knowledge of research and governance
- chair REC meetings ensuring that all applications are reviewed, and the decisions issued, by the REC in line with REC policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), HRA guidance and relevant legislation. This activity may be while deputising for the Chair or in the presence of the Chair who can be called upon for support and guidance, or if required as part of the Vice Chair’s development. We encourage Vice Chairs to chair at least 1 REC meeting a year to support development within the role
- deputise in the absence of the Chair, to attend, and participate in, Chairs' meetings and events
- provide mentorship for new REC members or those members wishing to progress to a chairing role as agreed
Key responsibilities
- chair the REC meetings and allocated sub-committee, including PRSC and modification meetings ensuring that they are quorate and 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
- ensure that during the meetings that a decision is reached and recorded
- promote the courteous treatment of all researchers attending the meeting
- to ensure that all those that attend or observe a REC meeting are treated fairly and equally regardless of gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief or age
- process all REC communications in line with due process and timelines
- be available to HRA staff (via email or in person) on a planned or ad hoc/daily basis, at least 2 hours per week as necessary, with additional time for PRS sub-committee work and 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 new REC applications and modifications, including agreeing issues related to provisional opinions under delegated authority of the committee - ensure adherence to all REC policies, SOPs, and relevant legislation where applicable
- as required, provide general advice and guidance to HRA staff, REC members and researchers
Support for the role
The Health Research Authority values the important contribution the role of the Vice Chair / Alternate Vice Chair makes to the review of applications and in supporting the members, researchers and staff.
- essential information for Chairs workbook
- chairing skills training
- national Chairs' day
- Chairs' meetings
Reference documents: