Are you looking for a voluntary role where you can make a real difference?
Whether you’ve got experience of working in research, or none at all, we’re looking for people like you to join our HSC Research Ethics Committees (REC) and help review vital health and social care research.
We’re looking for people who are passionate about health and social care research to review applications for research studies, including registered healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses and pharmacists.
You’ll gain a wealth of skills which can help with your career.
What does a Research Ethics Committee (REC) do?
Our REC members give their time freely to help protect the dignity, rights and safety of anyone who gets involved as a research participant, by reviewing research studies that will take place in the HSC/NHS.
As a REC member you will help facilitate ethical research that aims to provide evidence for improving or changing practice for some of the biggest challenges in health and social care, such as cancer, dementia and a wide range of other health conditions.
You will be part of a committee of around 18 people who meet virtually to review applications.
Different types of REC membership
Our committees are made up of a variety of people who bring different skills and experiences. This is important to make sure that we have insight from different perspectives. Everyone’s view is equally important.
You can apply to become a
• lay member – people who are not registered healthcare professionals and whose primary professional interest is not in clinical research, for example retired healthcare professionals, and those involved in the management or administration of clinical research
• lay-plus member – members of the public who have never worked in healthcare or research and have never been a member of a health service body
• expert member – registered healthcare professionals, clinical trial statisticians and other experts in research
All our members have a shared goal; to ensure that research that is carried out in the NHS is safe, ethical and fair and is respectful of participants’ dignity and rights.
What skills do I need?
To join as a lay-plus member you do not need any prior experience to get involved. We really need people who have no prior research or healthcare experience to give their perspective on studies being reviewed.
Whatever your experience, we will provide you with all the training and support you need.
What you will do as a REC member
As a REC member you will attend online monthly meetings.
We ask that members attend a minimum of six meetings a year. Meetings last about 3 hours and require 3 to 4 hours of reading to prepare in advance.
Members also review research applications and amendments to approved studies online through our members’ portal or via email.
Outside of meetings you will take part in sub-committee work online or via email. This involves reviewing applications with no material ethical issues or reviewing amendments to approved research. Members usually get in involved in sub-committee work two to three times a year, with two hours of reading for in advance for each sub-committee meeting.
What we can offer you in return for your time
We will give you an in-depth induction and training, as well as equality, diversity and human rights training.
You will also gain:
• valuable skills and experience for your CV
• in-depth understanding of research ethics
• knowledge of research methodologies and statistics
• detailed knowledge of relevant legislation
• specialised knowledge of important areas of research, for example paediatric research or adults lacking capacity to give consent
• practical skills from working as part of a committee, for example summarising points, debating, evaluating and decision making
• members with a clinical background will also earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points
If you require any further information or would like to place your name on a mailing list for the upcoming process, please send an email to info.orecni@hscni.net