Human Research Ethics review process

This is the first of three short video clips about research ethics review at The Open University. It is primarily aimed at OU staff and students, but our principles and practices may be of interest to a wider audience.

The Open University's Human Research Ethics Committee, which we usually call HREC, provides a service to all staff and postgraduate students. HREC must be consulted about any research carried out in the University's name which involves human participants.

This is because ethical principles are very important at The Open University and must underpin our approach to all research. Ethical research practice is enshrined in the University's Code of Practice for Research, a Code which sets the standards expected of all OU researchers. HREC operates on the basis that the OU's reputation for high standards is maintained, whilst enabling researchers to carry out their projects.

As in other institutions, researchers at the OU carry out studies which may involve gathering or accessing data that can touch upon difficult and sensitive areas. In all research settings we aim to protect research participants from unnecessary harm or distress. We also aim to protect researchers from any potential dangers and remind them of The Open University's highly prized reputation for an ethical approach.

This is the second of three short video clips about research ethics review at The Open University. Whilst we aim for high quality, ground breaking research at the Open University, this can never be at the expense of an ethical approach. This means that in all cases the potential harm to participants must be considered.

In order to prevent causing unnecessary harm, most universities have ethics committees to which you make applications, detailing your methods, approach and safeguards.

Here at the OU we have a committee comprised of around 20 people who oversee all research involving human participants.

About half of the Committee are members of OU staff - usually academics but not always - and about half are 'external' members, who have a wide-range of expertise. These people give their time for free and provide an invaluable, independent service, to The Open University for which we are very grateful.

This means that even if your study might appear low risk, if you are gathering data from people, whether in person or via the internet, you need to consult us, especially if you intend to publish your findings.

We argue that an early application to the Ethics Committee can improve the rigour of your study, providing an insight you may not have considered. Also, you should note, that any project not provided with HREC favourable opinion will not be covered by The Open University's insurance policies.

The Open University's HREC offers a number of other beneficial advantages to your project.

We can offer informal advice before you submit your proposal.

We can provide insight as to how you should write your consent forms and information sheets.

And finally, it's free!

Seriously, very few journals, publishers, examiners or funders will now accept a study which does not have a substantive explanation of how ethical issues were considered.

The Open University's HREC works on a principle of 'enabling' good research to be conducted safely, fairly and in the best interests of individuals and society.

Members are elected on the basis that they have a wealth of knowledge, understanding and experience and are willing to give up their own research time to help others.

We hope you find the process helpful, rather than daunting or frustrating.

This is the third of three short video clips about research ethics review at The Open University.

The Open University's HREC system is designed to enable good research, not to act as a brake on innovative and imaginative projects. Many applicants comment that the Committee has helped them to clarify issues and improve their study's approach and implementation.

The application process is electronic and involves a triage system. This allows us to speed up the process by filtering the high, low and medium risk projects.

Some low risk projects can be dealt with fairly speedily by Chair's action, whereas other have to go to the full Committee for review.

Each application that goes to the Committee is seen by an internal and external member. Following their written review the Chair will make a decision. This can take up to a month in total so we urge people to apply as soon as they can, so as not to delay the start date of their project.

Once the Committee members are satisfied that all questions have been covered, you will receive an email confirming that you have received a 'favourable opinion' and you are good to go.