Research Ethics Committee terms of reference

Research Ethics Committee’s terms of reference for reviewing and granting ethical approval for research projects conducted at City.

Senate Research Ethics Committee

Authority Delegated from Senate

To conduct ethical review and grant ethical approval or otherwise for research projects conducted by staff and students of City, University of London that require such consideration.

Terms of reference

1. To consider the ethical implications of all research involving human participants, the processing of personal data, or animal subjects carried out at City or under the auspices of City, including the use of City’s name and/or logo, or facilities for research purposes, and where City is the data controller or processor
2. To set standards, propose and review policy, procedures and practice on the ethical conduct of research throughout City, including delegation of responsibility to Schools and Departments
3. To receive and advise on research proposals for the use of the name of City in connection with all aspects of research involving human participants, personal data or animal subjects
4. In carrying out its responsibilities, to seek and take account of all appropriate advice from sources within and outside of City
5. To report to Senate at least once annually through the Chair of the Committee
6. To receive appropriate reports from Departmental/School Research Ethics Committees
7. To consider requests from external researchers wishing to recruit staff and students from City for participation in research projects
8. To submit a copy of the approved minutes of each meeting to Senate
9. To request resources and make recommendations for the investment required to fulfil these terms.

Composition

• Chair to be appointed by Senate on the recommendation of AGC. The Vice-President (Research & Enterprise) will ask for expressions of interests and interview appropriate candidates before making a recommendation to AGC
• Deputy Chair to be appointed by Senate on the recommendation of SREC. SREC members will put themselves forward for a ballot of SREC members. The person with the most votes will be recommended to Senate. In case of a tie, the Chair will have the casting vote
• Chairs of School Research Ethics Committees (ex officio)
• A minimum of three external independent members appointed by the Committee
• University Data Protection Officer (ex officio)
• Other University officers as appropriate
• Up to two doctoral students appointed by the Committee in consultation with the Doctoral College
• Up to five members with expert knowledge from the University’s academic staff recommended by the Chair and appointed by the Committee
• Up to two co-opted members, recommend by the Chair, approved by the Committee.

Operational Details

• Appointments by the Committee which are not ex-officio will be for up to 3 years and will be renewable for a maximum period of office of 9 years. The doctoral students would serve one term of up to 2 years
• Reporting line - Direct to Senate
• Quorum for business items – 30% rounded up to the next whole number of the total actual membership
• Quorum for research ethics applications – 8 members of the whole number of the total actual membership, including at least one external member
• Frequency of meetings - as required normally 6 times a year
• Decisions on business items can be taken by correspondence, virtual meetings and/or email provided at least 30% rounded up to the next whole number of the total actual membership
• Decisions on research ethics applications can be taken by correspondence, virtual meetings and/or email provided at least 8 members of the whole number of the total actual membership, including at least one external member take part in the decision.

Revised and approved by Senate Research Ethics Committee (21.04.20)
Approved by Senate (13.05.20)

Committee membership