Background
We are developing principles on simplified arrangements for consent to support clinical trials on existing medicines, while maintaining public trust.
Clinical trials aim to find out more about an illness, condition, treatment, therapy or care. The type of clinical trials we are discussing in this work involve medicines routinely used in the NHS which have therefore undergone all necessary safety evaluations required for use in the UK.
Supporting these types of clinical trials through the use of simplified arrangements could help to:
- widen access to participation in these types of trials
- reduce the burden to research participants and researchers
- reflect a more proportionate approach to informed consent for clinical trials which are low in research intervention
You can read more about this work in our new report published on simplified arrangements for consent in clinical trials.
What’s the activity?
We are looking for 2 members of the public to join an online advisory group to inform the development of a set of principles.
The group will include HRA staff, members of Research Ethics Committees (RECs), members of our Community Committee, and researchers and sponsors. Collectively, the group will have expertise in informed consent, ethics, EU and UK legislation, as well as experience of managing and taking part in clinical trials.
The group will be co-facilitated by a member of the public.
What will be involved?
The activity will involve:
- preparing for the monthly 90 minute advisory group by reading the advisory group meeting agenda and detailed briefing and background documents
- a pre advisory group meeting briefing with Kirsty Edwards, Policy Manager and the other members of the public supporting this work
- 4 meetings of the advisory group online
- reviewing draft documentation between advisory group meetings
- a meeting to exchange feedback on your involvement
What difference will my involvement make and how will I know?
By 28 April 2026, the group will have supported the development of principles that will:
- provide guidance for those looking to use simplified arrangements, clarifying the HRA’s expectations
- assist REC members in evaluating the ethical considerations of using simplified arrangements for recording and evidencing consent
As a member of the public, your involvement will help us to:
- listen to different views on what acceptable arrangements might be
- maintain public trust, whilst supporting important clinical trials on existing medicines
What skills or experience do I need to take part?
To apply to join the group, please:
- give an example of a time when you prepared for and took part in meetings about complex topics, and explain your approach to working constructively with people with different points of view.
- tell us about your experience of participation in clinical trials, especially clinical trials which involve approved medicines.
- tell us about your interest in one or more of these topics: health research, research ethics, participant consent, research inclusion.
- if you would like to apply to be a co-facilitator of the advisory group, please state this in your application and outline any previous experience of facilitating or chairing meetings or committees.
How do I apply?
Please let us know how you meet the criteria by noon on Tuesday 16 September 2025.
You can either:
- write up to 500 words in total, or
- record a video or voice recording of no more than four minutes
Please email this to the public involvement team using ‘get involved’ in the email subject line. Please let us know where you heard about this activity.
If you have any questions, or anything is unclear, you can call the public involvement team on 020 7104 8161.
What support will I receive?
Our HRA Community Ways of Working sets out what you can expect when working with us, and our expectations for working together respectfully, inclusively and impactfully.
This activity is managed by Kirsty Edwards, Policy Manager at the HRA. She will be your main point of contact for this activity. Kirsty will provide the information you need to contribute and will update you on the impact of your involvement.
If you are invited to take part in this activity, we will ask you to share your access and support needs, and any requests for reasonable adjustments.
How will you decide who will be involved?
We’ll remove your name from your application and transcribe any recordings and videos we receive into text documents. Two members of HRA staff will score against the criteria above. We will shortlist people who have met the criteria and select people to bring together a wide range of experience. We may arrange a short online meeting to discuss the activity with you and check it’s the right fit.
Will I receive payment?
Yes. In line with our payments policy we can offer:
- £75 for attending advisory group meetings, including related preparation and follow up
- £25 for attending short pre-advisory group meetings
- £25 for short tasks between meetings e.g. reading and commenting on a version of the principles
- An additional £50 per meeting for the co-facilitator, to include briefing and debriefing
Will my expenses be covered?
Yes. It is our policy to cover reasonable expenses, if agreed in advance. We offer a £5 contribution towards any incidental expenses incurred by attending online meetings.