Safety and progress reports (other research) procedural table

Last updated on 26 Jul 2024

Safety Reporting (Research other than Clinical Trials of Investigational Medical Products (CTIMPs)) for UK Health Departments’ Research Ethics Service (RES)

Serious adverse event

In research other than CTIMPs, a serious adverse event (SAE) is defined as an untoward occurrence that:

a) results in death;

b) is life-threatening;

c) requires hospitalisation or prolongation of existing hospitalisation;

d) results in persistent or significant disability or incapacity; or

e) consists of a congenital abnormality or birth defect; or

f) is otherwise considered medically significant by the investigator.

A SAE occurring to a research participant should be reported to the REC where in the opinion of Chief Investigator (CI) the event was:

  • related – that is, it resulted from administration of any of the research procedures, and
  • unexpected – that is, the type of event is not listed in the protocol as an expected occurrence.
What Who When How To Whom
SAE Chief Investigator (CI) or sponsor. Within 15 days of the CI becoming aware of the event. SAE report form for non- CTIMPs, available from the HRA website. The REC which issued the favourable ethical opinion.
Urgent safety measures Chief Investigator or Sponsor. Or exceptionally by the local Principal Investigator (PI). Immediately (by telephone) Within 3 days (in writing) By telephone
Noting in writing setting out the reasons for the urgent safety measures and the plan for further action.
The REC which issues the favourable ethical opinion.
Approvals Officer/REC Manager will acknowledge within 30 days.
Type Who When How To whom
Declaration of the conclusion or early termination of the research Sponsor or CI. Within 90 days (conclusion).

Within 15 days (early termination).

The end of the trial should be defined in the protocol.
End of study declaration form, available from the HRA website. The REC which issued the favourable ethical opinion.
Final Report

Note: This is only applicable for project-based research (i.e. not research tissue banks or research databases) that have received a favourable ethical opinion from a REC
Sponsor or CI. Within one year of the conclusion of the research.
.
Final Report, submitted via the HRA website or via IRAS, depending on the type of study. Submitted centrally to the research ethics service.

All reports will be acknowledged within 30 days. If any issues are raised, the REC may write to the Chief Investigator or sponsor for further information or clarification.

Back to safety reporting