Ethics approval

The National Research Ethics Service (NRES) was launched on 1 April 2007. NRES comprises the Head Office function (formerly COREC) and NHS Research Ethics Committees (RECs) in England. NRES continues to work with colleagues in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to maintain the established UK-wide framework for ethical review of research.

Changes to the Requirements for Ethical Review:  From 1^st September changes to the Governance Arrangements for Research Ethics Committees (GAFREC) mean that it is no longer necessary to submit to the National Research Ethics Service for review of studies where the requirement is based solely on the use of NHS staff as participants or the use of NHS premises.  Other changes will mean some studies involving only tissue or data may be exempt however a large number of exceptions necessitate review of each study against the guidance. This change relates only to the National Research Ethics Service (NRES), studies not requiring NRES approval may still require NHS R&D Approval and/or University Ethics Approval and should still be processed through IRAS.  NRES has produced an algorithm to help researchers to determine whether their project requires ethical review by a REC.

Applications for ethical review:

Use of a standard NHS REC application has been mandatory since March 2004. This form, together with guidance notes on completion, can be found on the National Research Ethics Service (NRES) website.

A copy of the NRES application process flowchart is available. 

Following re-organisation within NRES the following Research Ethics Committees operate in the South West:

• South West 1 REC formerly Cornwall & Plymouth
• South West 2 REC merger of former South West REC plus Devon & Torbay REC
• South West 3 REC formerly North Somerset & South Bristol REC
• South West 4 REC formerly Southmead REC
• South West 5 REC formerly Frenchay REC

The procedure for booking applications locally has recently changed and a Local Allocation System (LAS) is now in place. 

Applicants should telephone 01392 405757 to obtain a REC reference number and slot on the agenda. Researchers should only telephone for this number once their application is complete, except for the reference number and signatures. Researchers should contact LAS one month prior to the meeting date. 

Dates for SW Committee meetings can be found on their website.

Points to note/remember:

• Information sheets and consent forms must as far as possible follow the standard format provided on the NRES website.  There are certain clauses which apply, regardless of whether it is a simple or complex research study.
• Where Non-NHS indemnity/insurance applies, a copy of the Insurance certificate must accompany the application.
• A copy of the CV template for research applicants is available.
• For student research a copy of the student CV and supervisors CV must be provided.  It would be helpful for the supervisor to attend the meeting with their student.
• Once a REC reference number has been allocated the LAS operator will promptly send an email confirmation including details of where to send the paperwork.