At the Health Research Authority (HRA) it is our mission to make it easier to do research that people can trust, and we couldn’t do this without our Research Ethics Committee (REC) members.
REC members volunteer their time to safeguard the rights, safety, dignity and well-being of research participants by reviewing all health research applications.
This summer, we began our series of REC development days across the country, which included celebrating our incredible members who have reached 10, 20 and 30 years of service.
To commemorate 10 years of being a REC member, Tobias Davis and Sue Fitzpatrick share why they joined the service, their experience so far and advice for people considering becoming a member.
Tobias Davis, Director of Regulatory Affairs at Johnson & Johnson and London Surrey-Borders REC member.
As someone working in the medical devices and pharmaceutical industry, part of my decision to join a REC was to grow my knowledge of clinical trials, their design and the approvals processes behind them. It very quickly became much more than a learning opportunity. I was discovering fascinating new things about healthcare, serious diseases and the patients who have to navigate them. This has provided me with ideas and awareness of opportunities for friends, families and colleagues who are in unfortunate positions of having to navigate illness themselves. As the parent of a young child with a rare disease (Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome) doing anything I can to support advancements in research is now more important to me than ever.What inspired you to become involved in the Research Ethics Service?
Listening to your peers and applicants, compromise to being open to new ideas, information and perspectives, diligence for being able to navigate lengthy and complex trial applications and harmony - looking to satisfy the needs of your committee, the applicants and the HRA to facilitate both member engagement and great research.What skills would you say are required to be a REC member?
I have been incredibly fortunate in my REC career to be placed with and supported by, not only wonderful HRA staff, but also brilliant committee members. The committee I support has always been full of people much smarter than me and not only that, but they have a perfect mixture of diligence, compassion and humour to make what can be difficult and sometimes repetitive tasks enjoyable and valuable. I have also had the privilege to work with and very much try to be supportive of, some wonderful clinicians and researchers. What I find both memorable and satisfying is when we can efficiently facilitate research and provide researchers with a helpful and collaborative experience to get them on their way to starting their studies.What have you learned during your 10 years of REC service?
Being in a REC is work. It requires a high degree of focus when reviewing applications, but the more knowledge you build through experience, the easier it becomes. The opportunity to support the NHS, advancement of health research and outcomes of patients across the country (and indirectly, the world) is a privileged position to be in. It is one that brings great satisfaction - particularly when you hear of great trial successes! Being a member is a great example of a selfless act where you may support activities for diseases that you or a loved one will have to navigate at some point in life. It's wonderful, as someone who is not a clinician, to feel like you are doing your small part to help them, or patients like them, on their journey to treatment or cure.What would you say to someone considering becoming a REC member?
Sue Fitzpatrick, Lead Governor at Warrington and Halton NHS Foundation Trust and Haydock REC member.
I joined the pharmaceutical industry 40+ years ago and felt passionate about what I did. I began my research career in a Phase I unit where the ethical systems were very different! Through conducting research, I was aware of RECs and what they did to protect patients in clinical studies. When I became Head of Education and Training at the Institute of Clinical Research, I formed a collaborative link with the HRA (formally COREC and then NRES) to help teach researchers in the ethical process and systems. When I stood back from full time employment, I wanted to give something back to industry so joined an ethics committee. Not only was I giving my time and experience, but I was also gaining an insight to innovative treatments and study designs.Tell us why you became involved in the Research Ethics Service?
I think the meeting that stands out is the first one where we did everything on HARP. My postman was pleased that he didn’t have to physically present me with mountains of paperwork! Also, whenever research was not quite to the standard required, but we were able to have a meaningful discussion with the researchers on what they should consider to improve their submission. The researcher showed genuine gratitude and said they valued our advice in helping them and not shutting down their ideas. I like the committee I sit on because we are known for our helpful, approachable, attitude. At our REC development day, we carried out personality quizzes as part of a team building exercise. I was a Deontologist where I believe that actions are morally right or wrong based on rules or duties, but I do like to think I consider the character of a good researcher too!What are your highlights from your 10 years of REC service?
Something that I think is important for applicants to fully consider, especially for researchers carrying out MCA (Mental Capacity Act) studies, is understanding the use of assent, consent and the concept of consultees.What advice would you give to applicants attending REC meetings?
I know that it’s difficult to find the time for volunteer activities in busy schedules, but I believe that the experience gained by sitting on a REC is invaluable. If you are actively involved in research, you can see the difference a well thought out protocol and support documentation can make, and it will improve your work. It also helps you maintain currency in an evolving field. I’m always learning about new treatments and conditions that expand my knowledge such as studies in AI and machine learning, 3D printing of medication and other innovations. Without volunteers we would not be able to meet the required timelines for review of protocols, which means there would be a delay in start-up of studies in the UK. We must remain competitive to keep commercial research in the UK, to avoid losing out to other countries. Joining a REC is very rewarding!What would you say to someone thinking about joining the Research Ethics Service?