Ethics Committee

Purpose

The Ethics Committee is concerned with all aspects of the ethics of research involving human  subjects carried out by staff or students of the College or by others in the name of the College.

Terms of reference

To consider the ethical implications of experiments or investigations involving human subjects carried out by members of, or in the name of, the College;

To consider proposals for research requiring experiments, investigations, questionnaires, observations, the use of equipment or other procedures involving human subjects, and to approve, refer back (with conditions) or reject proposals;

To report at least annually to the Academic Board on the experiments, investigations and research which has been allowed by the Committee. The Academic Board will in turn report its discussion of the Ethics Committee annual report to the Governing Body, and may refer specific issues to the Research Committee or Academic Standards Committee as appropriate;

To develop and implement guidelines, procedures and application forms etc to assist and advise researchers on the ethical issues of their work, including any legal constraints.

Membership

Chair (to be appointed by the Principal)
Director of Research
An external member with appropriate expertise
Secretary: Quality and Research Coordinator or nominee

The Committee may consult individuals within the College or external to the College when proposals require specific expertise

Frequency of meetings

At least annual, with most business being conducted through correspondence as proposals arise.