An updated version of the Governance Arrangements for Research Ethics Committees (GAfREC) – now known as the UK REC Policy Document – has been published.
Working in partnership with the UK health departments in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the document has been updated to reflect amended clinical trials regulations which came into force today (28 April 2026).
The UK REC Policy Document sets out when review by a Research Ethics Committee (REC) is required and what’s expected from committees reviewing health and social care research applications.
The document covers the principles and standards for RECs, including their composition, management and accountability.
The main changes to the updated version include:
- GAfREC has been renamed the UK REC Policy Document to align with the terminology used in the Care Act (2014)
- stronger emphasis on a single, UK‑wide policy developed through collaboration across all 4 nations, supporting a more consistent and standardised Research Ethics Service
- updated terminology to reflect the amended clinical trials regulations
- revised membership details, aligning with the constitution and quorum requirements set out in the amended clinical trials regulations
The updated UK REC Policy Document replaces the 2020 version and should be used from today (28 April 2026).
What is a REC?
RECs protect the rights, safety, dignity and wellbeing of research participants. They review health and social care research to make sure that it is ethical.
The Health Research Authority and the devolved administrations provide a Research Ethics Service so that research proposals relating to their areas of responsibility can be reviewed by a REC.