Committee on Research Ethics

Committee description

Secretary: Mr Matthew Billington, extension 48290

Preamble from the University Policy on Research Ethics

The University is committed to maintaining the highest standards of rigour and integrity in its research. As a component of this commitment, the University requires that all research projects which involve human participants, human material or personal data should receive research ethics approval before they commence. This commitment is set out in the University’s policy on research ethics. It applies with equal force to projects undertaken by staff or students of the University in any location, including joint work with third party organisations.

The Committee on Research Ethics is responsible for the implementing this policy on behalf of the Council.

Terms of Reference

1. To seek to ensure that all research projects which involve human participants, human material or personal data receive research ethics approval before they commence.
2. To ensure that there is an effective process for research ethics approval of research projects undertaken throughout the University, including branches of the University located outside the Liverpool campus.
3. To approve the Terms of Reference and Membership of its subcommittees, and to receive reports from these subcommittees on the decisions reached.
4. To ensure that each Faculty has properly constituted research ethics committees within their Schools and Institutes to provide a review of appropriate projects.
5. When appropriate, to define procedures for the research ethics review of distinct types of research projects.
6. To promote a wide understanding, and culture of engagement, with research ethics issues across the University.
7. To consider the range of research ethics issues raised by the evolving University research portfolio and developments in the external legal and regulatory environment.
8. To act as a final point of reference for appeals against the decisions made by its subcommittees.
9. To refer any perceived failure of a researcher to comply with the Policy on research ethics or terms of the research ethics approval to the University’s Named Person for Research Integrity (integrity@liverpool.ac.uk) for investigation in accordance with the Policy on misconduct in research.
10. To produce an annual report to University Council.

The Committee has established five subcommittees to give detailed consideration to University research projects requiring ethical approval:

• Central University Research Ethics Committee A
• Central University Research Ethics Committee B
• Central University Research Ethics Committee C
• Central University Research Ethics Committee D
• Liverpool Online Research Ethics Committee

These subcommittees may have further subcommittees reporting into them.

Reporting Relationship

As a Joint Committee of the Senate and the Council, the Committee on Research Ethics reports to the Senate and to the Council (usually through an annual report); and reports to the Research Integrity and Governance Committee for information.

Frequency of Meetings

The Committee on Research Ethics usually meets on three occasions during the academic year.

Quorum

The quorum for meetings of the Committee on Research Ethics shall be a minimum of one third of the total membership of the Committee.