ABS SUBMISSION PROCEDURES
Academic
Interim approval
Full approval (download checklist here)
Doctoral Researchers
Undergraduate and Postgraduate students
APPEALS PROCEDURE
ADVICE AND GUIDANCE
Pre-Submission
Post-Ethical Approval
REVIEW MECHANISMS
COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
SUBMISSION FOR ETHICAL REVIEW:
Please note that it is your responsibility to follow the University’s Research Ethical procedures and any relevant academic or professional guidelines in the conduct of your study. This includes providing appropriate information sheets and consent forms, and ensuring confidentiality in the storage and use of data.
Applications put through our full ethical review process are required to provide, as a minimum, information on the research methodologies and processes. SREC have produced guidance detailing the information required in order to make an informed decision and researchers should address the ethical issues raised in their submission.
Interim approval:
The processes of SREC shadow the ESRC Framework for Research Ethics (FRE) 2010 and there is in place a mechanism of interim approval when SREC is provided with information on the proposed research through means of the checklist (download here) which enables funding applications to have an interim imprimature prior to being awarded research funding when the application must go through the full ethical review process. UREC have approved the continuation of this process.
ACADEMIC RESEARCH PROJECTS: SUBMISSION PROCEDURES FOR FULL APPROVAL:
On confirmation that the proposed research will go ahead applications must go through the full ethical review processes. Submissions are expected to provide, as a minimum, information on the research methodologies and processes, along with supporting documents, if appropriate. The submission documents should be emailed to Bhomali Grover (b.grover@aston.ac.uk) SREC have produced guidelines detailing the information that they require in order to make an informed decision and researchers should address the ethical issues raised in their submission.
DOCTORAL RESEARCHERS: SUBMISSION PROCEDURES:
Our doctoral researchers are expected to put their research through the same full ethical approval processes as our academics (see above), including an e-copy of the checklist (download here),and send a signed paper copy to the ABS REC Secretary (Bhomali Grover, room 617, ABS Building)
Information for ethical review should be submitted to ABS REC Secretary (b.grover@aston.ac.uk) just after successful completion of the Qualifying Report, before any data collection takes place. If the applicant has any queries on content prior to submission they are advised to contact the ABS REC Secretary.
UNDERGRADUATE AND POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS:
UREC and SREC have devolved powers to the Director of the Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programmes and research ethics procedures have been incorporated into the Programmes teaching processes. When necessary, issues are referred to ABS REC. Students are required to demonstrate that they have fully considered any ethical issues that might arise from their proposed study.
Programme contacts:
UG: UG Placement Office (tel no: 0121 204 3247) : Carolyn Keenan
PG Office MB 249: Suzie Simcock (MSc students only: tel no 0121 204 3046) and Ian Fry (MBA students only: tel no 0121 204 3142)
APPEALS PROCEDURE:
Should the final decision go against the proposal or require significant revisions to its conduct, the researcher has the right to request the UREC/SREC to reconsider its decision,
Appeals to ABS REC:
A request for such an appeal should be sent to the Secretary of the ABS REC (b.grover@aston.ac.uk), who will then forward this along with the information on the proposed project and SREC’s reason(s) for not giving ethical approval to the University Research Ethics Committee, who will consider the appeal.
Appeals to UREC:
A request for such an appeal should be sent to the Secretary of UREC, John Walter (J.Walter@aston.ac.uk)
Please contact Bhomali Grover (b.grover@aston.ac.uk) initially if:
If you require advice prior to your submission as ABS REC is happy to offer support and advice on ethical issues/concerns before they are submitted for ethical review.
If the initial submission is not given approval UREC/SREC will discuss with the applicant what issues need to be addressed in a re-submission prior to a further review by the Committee. If appropriate, the Committee will meet with the applicant to discuss any contentious issues.
It is important to remain aware of potential risks to all groups involved in the research throughout its lifetime. Therefore, it may be necessary to consult with SREC/UREC after the start of an award and to consider emerging ethical concerns. These may arise at any time throughout the lifetime of a research project and also during the dissemination phases, eg:
- If there is any significant change in the question, design or conduct over the course of the research as this may require a new application for ethics approval.
- If the research develops in ways that raise unforeseen ethics implications. This is especially the case in qualitative research, where the developing nature of the research agenda, especially over a long period of time, may make it harder to ensure that the rights and dignity of the subject are respected and protected without further review.
The ESRC may wish to undertake dipstick audits of institutional arrangements, and is encouraging institutions to undertake periodic reviews of research projects funded by the ESRC, and to record the results. Therefore, SREC and/or UREC will carry out audits of on-going ABS research, in order to comply with ESRC guidance.
The contact for receiving and addressing complaints or expressions of concern about the conduct of research carried out under the auspices of Aston University is:
John Walter, Registry: 0121 204 4645
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