(for its price is far above rubies..) ian ainsworth-smith chair cornwall & plymouth rec

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(for its price is far above rubies..) Ian Ainsworth-Smith Chair Cornwall & Plymouth REC

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Page 1: (for its price is far above rubies..) Ian Ainsworth-Smith Chair Cornwall & Plymouth REC

(for its price is far above rubies..)

Ian Ainsworth-SmithChair Cornwall &

Plymouth REC

Page 2: (for its price is far above rubies..) Ian Ainsworth-Smith Chair Cornwall & Plymouth REC
Page 3: (for its price is far above rubies..) Ian Ainsworth-Smith Chair Cornwall & Plymouth REC
Page 4: (for its price is far above rubies..) Ian Ainsworth-Smith Chair Cornwall & Plymouth REC

“A Research Ethics Committee is defined as a multidisciplinary, independent body charged with viewing research involving human par-ticipants to ensure that their dignity, rights and welfare are protected. The independence of a REC is founded on its membership, with strict rules regarding conflicts of interest, and on regular monitoring of and accountability for its decisions.”

ESRC (2005)

Page 5: (for its price is far above rubies..) Ian Ainsworth-Smith Chair Cornwall & Plymouth REC
Page 6: (for its price is far above rubies..) Ian Ainsworth-Smith Chair Cornwall & Plymouth REC

An REC exists to promote and foster good “ethical” research.

To act as a “critical friend” and not to set itself up as a hurdle for researchers for new projects.

Not a question of “getting it past” ethics committee!

Page 7: (for its price is far above rubies..) Ian Ainsworth-Smith Chair Cornwall & Plymouth REC

Three areas of concern:-

1. Protection of the research participant;

2. Protection of the researcher;

3. Protection of the good name of the research

institution and research generally.

Page 8: (for its price is far above rubies..) Ian Ainsworth-Smith Chair Cornwall & Plymouth REC

Members are not delegates! Each sits as an individual.

Ideal qualities:- Committed to ethical research; Not intimidated by the professionals nor “having it in” for them...; Team players; “Experts” should not predominate – every

member has expertise in something.

Page 9: (for its price is far above rubies..) Ian Ainsworth-Smith Chair Cornwall & Plymouth REC

” Lay members - "equal individuals of sound judgement" reflecting "the currency of public opinion – not necessarily “patient representatives.”

Page 10: (for its price is far above rubies..) Ian Ainsworth-Smith Chair Cornwall & Plymouth REC

“Ethos” of a committee can be all important and only partially defined by accreditation and monitoring processes.

Balance between understanding powers and limitations on its activities - and common sense!

Importance of offering a decision with con-fidence after due and documented process (but just allowing for the possibility that, on this occasion, a committee might have got the wrong end of the stick!)

Page 11: (for its price is far above rubies..) Ian Ainsworth-Smith Chair Cornwall & Plymouth REC

Important to use and respect the roles of REC Manager and Chair.

Ability to separate unimportant detail from substance and to identify main ethical issues. Courtesy to all who use the committee’s services. A good committee should not be a “soft touch”.

If necessary, it is important for a committee to be steady “under fire”.

Page 12: (for its price is far above rubies..) Ian Ainsworth-Smith Chair Cornwall & Plymouth REC

Differences of opinion in the committee are dealt with by discussion and consultation. Votes are only taken rarely.

The process of discussion is clear and duly recorded.

Research ethics develops rapidly and new questions and procedures have to be addressed. Hence the importance of regular training and updating for committees and individual members.

Page 13: (for its price is far above rubies..) Ian Ainsworth-Smith Chair Cornwall & Plymouth REC

Importance of networking and having ongoing contact with the research community.

Identify together potential areas of difficulty and possible ways of moving forward together.

Collaboration need not be collusion!