Research Governance Framework for Health and Social Care
Research is essential to the successful promotion and protection of health and wellbeing, and to modern and effective HSC services. The Research Governance Framework for Health and Social Care sets out standards that apply to all research undertaken by, or on behalf of, HSC and the DHSSPS.
Proper governance of research is essential to ensure that the public can have confidence in, and benefit from, quality research. The links below provide important information and advice for researchers wishing to obtain research governance permissions:
Research Governance Framework for Health and Social Care
Governance arrangements for research ethics committees (GAFREC)
A revised version of GAFREC has been agreed by the four UK Health Departments. This document is the policy of the UK Health Departments, describing what is expected from the research ethics committees that review research proposals relating to areas of the UK Health Departments’ responsibility. It also explains when review by these committees is required.
The policy covers the principles, requirements and standards for research committees, including their remit, composition, functions, management and accountability. It also describes the Research Ethics service in which the research committees operate, and the review they provide.
This harmonised edition comes into effect on 1 September 2011. It revises and replaces editions of the policy previously issued separately in England and Scotland in 2001. It also applies to Wales and Northern Ireland. The revised document is available below
Governance arrangements for research ethics committees
Guidance on the main changes to the Remit of RECs under the harmonised GAfREC can be found at this link GAfREC_changes_Remit_REC_2011_08.pdf
The Office of Research Ethics Committees for Northern Ireland
Integrated Research Application System (IRAS)
Funders' vision for Human Tissue Resources
During 2010/11, the UK funders of experimental medicine have discussed and agreed a common vision for their investment in human tissue resources. This vision is:
"Funders aim to maximise the value of human tissue samples and resources while minimising duplication of effort. This requires better characterisation of tissue samples, asking for generic consent, and increased linkage to accurate clinical data. Sample collections must then be made more easily discoverable and accessible for use in high quality, ethical research."
For further information, please see the following link: http://www.ukcrc.org/infrastructure/expmed/fundersvisionforhumantissuesresources/
Public Involvement in Research applications to the National research Ethics Service. October 2011.
Author: Maryrose Tarpey
This joint study, published by the National Research Ethics Service (NRES) and INVOLVE, looks at the extent and nature of reported public involvement in health and social care research using information routinely collected by NRES as part of the applications process for ethical approval of research projects. The study was based on a sample of applications submitted to NRES in 2010.
The report:
- provides a ‘snapshot’ of public involvement in research and identifies practical actions for funders, sponsors and regulators in ensuring and facilitating further patient and public involvement;
- provides some key insights into the extent to which patients and the public are involved in research, and the understanding of researchers and funders of effective involvement.
A copy of the report is available by following this link: http://www.invo.org.uk/posttypepublication/public-involvement-in-research-applications-to-the-national-research-ethics-service-nres/