Joe Walsh is a retired chartered engineer and has been a Research Ethics Committee (REC) member for almost a decade. Alongside his role as a member, Joe also volunteers for local charities.
Here he shares his experience of being part of a REC and what he would say to someone thinking about becoming a REC member.
I graduated with a degree in science, majoring in physics, which led me into a career in aerospace engineering. I became a technical specialist in acoustics, where it was my job to help design quieter jet engines and aircraft which I loved. It was really technically challenging and felt worthwhile by reducing the environmental impact of air travel. The role kept me thinking and learning all the time because we were always advancing the state of the art. That was the nature of it, pushing the boundaries of understanding and to do something better every time. I’ve retired and had various voluntary roles since, including a trustee of my local RSPCA branch and also at an almshouse charity that provides homes for older people with limited financial means. I also do a bit of voluntary work supporting my local mountain rescue team which includes acting as someone waiting to be found by trainee search dogs!Tell us a little about yourself, Joe
My wife Anne became ill following a stroke not long after we married. As a result, she lost her speech and mobility on one side and became a wheelchair user. At times it was very difficult, but we had a happy life together and were both positive and determined to do what we could and support each other. Through that I had extensive contact with the health and care system, experiencing both the brilliant work that goes on, but also some of the challenges and frustrations. Around 10 years ago, as I was coming up to retirement, I wanted to keep my mind active and use some of the experience I had with the system and searched very broadly for volunteering opportunities.What inspired you to become a REC member?
One thing that I have continued to enjoy is the stimulation and the fact that it feels worthwhile. My experience is that it is a supportive, friendly and professional working environment and if somebody has concerns, help is always there from other members . It can feel very rewarding because the NHS is what it is because of advances in understanding and treatment, which comes from research. This happens as a result of a lot of things, including what our committee does. If people didn't do this, medical treatment would not advance because the research isn't being done to advance it. So, it's a critical, important and rewarding thing to be part of. You're also helping a very important part of the UK economy, life sciences, to maintain its position as a world leader in medical research.What do you enjoy about being a REC member?
I did hesitate to join at first, because of my lack of medical knowledge but it was a really positive experience right from the beginning. One thing that was really good was that I was given an opportunity to make a contribution from the start. I was a fresh face amongst many panel members who were experts in medicine or care, whereas I wasn't, and yet I always felt able to ask a question or make a suggestion. It’s a very supportive and inclusive environment and I was made to feel as if my views and contributions were worthwhile.When you initially joined as a lay member, was it what you were expecting?
I look forward to the meetings and if there's one meeting that stands out, it was when I was given the task of lead reviewer of a large application, which was the only time we've had a double slot for an application, to give us plenty of time to discuss it. I felt really pleased that I was trusted to be lead reviewer and that we were able, as a committee, to navigate through the important issues and add value. Our suggestions to enhance the ethical safeguarding of applicants were well received and there was a good outcome all round because our views and recommendations were accepted.Is there anything that has been a standout or like a most memorable meeting or a highlight if there's anything you can share?
I think the thing that is most valuable is to be able to assimilate quite a lot of complex information and apply critical thinking to make suggestions. Also to realise that as a lay person you have an important role in representing the views and interests of our society as a whole.What would you say to someone who maybe had no experience in healthcare or research, who was thinking about becoming a REC member?
At the highest level, I'm reassured about the integrity of the process leading to approval for medical research. The majority of applications that we see are of high quality and have given good thought to the ethical issues concerning the care and wellbeing of potential participants and that's reassuring. Another thing I've learned is that diversity of views and opinions is important, such as having the perspective of someone with no medical or research experience. This is very helpful because it gives you the authority to ask basic questions that a professional may not ask but a person in the street might ask. I enjoy learning from the expert members but equally there are occasions where my fellow lay members ask innocent questions that can lead to important discussions.What have you learned from your experiences in REC meetings so far?
Considering applying to become a REC member?
Whether you’ve got experience of working in healthcare , or none at all, we’re looking for people like you to join our Research Ethics Committees (REC) and help review vital health and social care research.