National Research Ethics Service Committees - Lay Member

A Research Ethics Committee’s (REC) task is to consider the ethics of proposed research projects which will mainly take place within the NHS. It is the duty of a REC to protect the interests of research participants. The Committee reviews applications and gives an opinion as to whether the research is ethical.

We currently have vacancies for members of the public who are not healthcare professionals or who have recently retired from a health service background, and who are interested in thinking about the issues from the perspective of a potential research participant and would like to develop knowledge of research ethics. NRES Committee members receive training in ethical review and have opportunities to debate challenging issues.

Positions are voluntary, but expenses are paid for attendance at REC meetings and training events, including travel and childcare costs if applicable. Committees meet on average for half a day per month and you will need to be able to attend at least 2/3rds of meetings.

We currently have vacancies in the following areas:

Hampshire

We have a positive approach to diversity and encourage applications from all sections of the community.

What people say about us:

An Ethics Committee Member’s view: “The interaction with sharp young minds, seeing that spark of understanding and spark of curiosity knowing you have helped shape that through engaging with and encouraging them, was particularly enjoyable”.

A Researcher’s view: “I’m always very grateful for the Ethics Committee reviewing my submissions because I do this on a daily basis and may become callous (I try very hard not to) or I may miss something, if you are within an activity you intend to immerse yourself and therefore lack that helicopter type view. It’s useful to me that they look at submissions from a different perspective/angle”.

A Patient’s view: “I am very pleased to have been part of something that has resulted in these drugs becoming licensed”.

To find out more, please call 0117 342 1384 or email us on for an application pack. More information on RECs can be found at our website www.hra.nhs.uk

Closing date: 17 September 2014

Interview date: TBC

Lay Member Draft advert. (HRA) V1.1 March 2012