Do the research governance changes affect you?
As of 1 September 2011 the changes resulting from the harmonised version of the Governance Arrangements for Research Ethics Committees (GAfREC) now apply across the United Kingdom. To find out more if these affect your research, see the feature article in September’s OTnews and for further details, take a look at the updated COT/BAOT Briefings: No 82 – Applying for ethics approval for research and
Governance arrangements for research ethics committees (GAfREC): a harmonised edition
The harmonised edition of GAfREC, which applies to all UK countries, has been released with an implementation date of 1 September 2011.
As the policy document of the UK Health Departments, it usefully summarises:
- what research ethics committees are
- what they do
- why they are needed
Its key purpose however is to detail the expectations in relation to research ethics committees, and importantly from the researcher point of view, when review by these committees is required.
Research ethics describes the principles that underpin undertaking ethical research
Two main perspectives inform ethical research:
- the need to avoid doing harm to participants, researchers or others
-
the need to provide the greatest benefit for the greatest number of people
These principles must underpin your intended research activity and your reasoning must also include consideration of the possible consequences of different courses of action.
The College of Occupational Therapists acts as research Sponsor for specialist sections, regional groups and individuals commissioned by the College to conduct research projects, audits and service evaluations
The College’s research governance arrangements were developed in response to the publication of the national Research Governance Frameworks for Health and Community/Social Care. These arrangements are in place to:
A number of resources are available to support members who want to find out more about research governance and ethics
The latest updates and issues on research governance and ethics are included in OT News each month.
COT R&D Group Contact
Mandy Sainty, Research and Development Manager, leads on research governance for the R&D Group.
If you have a query email Mandy.Sainty@cot.co.uk or telephone 020 7450 2335.
Useful links
National Research Ethics Service (NRES)
http://www.nres.npsa.nhs.uk/
The College and its business groups receive requests from both individuals (who may or may not be members) and organisations for use of its membership database or mailing lists to access BAOT members for research or related pieces of work (for example to identify potential participants for a project)
In line with the requirements of the Data Protection Act, and in the best interest of its members, the College does not permit use of these data sources to directly contact members with research recruitment information.
