TERMS OF REFERENCE

HUMAN RESEARCH ETHICS COMMITTEE (HREC)

Purpose of Committee

To fulfil the role of a Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) for the University of Canberra, as required by the 2007 National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (hereafter the National Statement)

Terms of Reference

The role of the Human Research Ethics Committee is to:

(a)develop and administer an approval process and maintain a register of applications for approval to conduct research, including certain teaching-related research activities,with human participants, in accordance with the National Statement;

(b)assess applications, offer guidance to the applicant if changes are required and approve or reject the application;

(c)monitor the progress of research approved by the Committee by requiring, at least annually, reports from principal researchers on matters specified in the National Statement;

(d)raise and maintain awareness, including through the oversight of appropriate training programs, in the University community of ethical issues in research involving human participants, the rationale for ethics approval, University requirements and the ethics approval process;

(e)liaise as appropriate with the University Research Committee or other committees of the University as required;

(f)remain informed on NHMRC ethical guidelines and, where possible, developments and new requirements through publications, journals and conferences; and

(g)report annually

(i)to the NHMRC through the Australian Health Ethics Committee, which includes an audit of the register, and

(ii)to the Vice-Chancellor and the University Research Committee, Academic Board and Council.

Scope of Responsibilities

The Committee will fulfil all functions in the Terms of Reference for staff (paid and honorary) and students at the University of Canberra and controlled entities.

The Committee may consider applications for approval to conduct research with human participants from researchers who are not staff or students at the University of Canberra, who seek to conduct research on University premises or with University staff or students as participants. The Chair of the Committee will advise such non-affiliated researchers whether application to the Committee is required. In exceptional circumstances, and subject to approval by the Vice-Chancellor, the Committee may also consider applications from other non-affiliated researchers to conduct research with human participants.

Accountability

The University of Canberra accepts legal responsibility for decisions andadvice received from the Committee and indemnifies members for any action taken against them in respect of Committee business.

The Committee will provide an annual compliance report to the NHMRC, through the Australian Health Ethics Committee, on matters specified in the National Statement,and will provide other information to the NHMRC on request.

Committee Structure

Membership of the Committee will comply with the National Statement and will comprise the following:

  1. Chair: a senior researcher who has experience in ethical review of research, and whose other responsibilities will not impair her/his capacity to carry out her/his obligations.
  2. Deputy-Chair: senior researcher who has experience in ethical review of research
  3. Two laypeople – one male and one female - who have no affiliation with the University and who do not currently engage in medical, scientific, legal or academic work.
  4. A person who performs a pastoral care role in the community e.g. Minister of religion.
  5. At least one lawyer, but who is not employed to provide advice to the University.
  6. At least one person with knowledge of, and current experience in, the professional care, counselling or treatment of people; for example, a nurse or allied health professional.
  7. Members drawn from a pool of inducted senior University of Canberra academics with appropriate research experience that is relevant to research proposals regularly considered by the Committee.

At least one-third of the Committee will comprise members who are from outside the University

Chair, Deputy Chair and Members will be appointed by the Vice-Chancellor on the recommendation of the University Research Committee.

The Chair may seek review of applications from suitably qualified academic staff who are not members of the committee as required.

Conditions of Appointment

Appointments to the Committee will normally be for a period of two years, but may be renewed for a further period.

Committee members will not be remunerated, although the Chair may be provided support for her/his workload and research at the discretion of the URC. If appropriate, external members may be reimbursed for minor out-of-pocket expenses associated with Committee attendance. An external Chair may be provided with appropriate remuneration.

Committee Support

The University will administer the ethical review and reporting of human research through the Research Services Office

A member of the Research Services Office staff will provide secretariat support to the Committee. Duties will include administering the Committee process, overseeing minutes of meetings, preparation of advice to researchers following meetings, and management of records.

Quorum

A quorum consists of a majority of the persons for the time being holding office as members of the Committee.

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