Research ethics policies and procedures

This page contains essential  information for ALL researchers submitting new research ethics applications to SHS REC.

All new applications to the SHS REC for review must  use the  ‘Worktribe’ online ethics system.

How to use Worktribe 

please see this link for comprehensive Worktribe guidance and training. 

The Worktribe ethics module is a new research management system for the University (and will eventually include pre- and post-award financial modules).

• As such, it is not one size fits all and does not capture some of the necessary project information the SHS REC needs to fully consider/ understand proposals.
• To tailor Worktribe specifically to SHS needs and to avoid needing to upload numerous appendices (protocol schematic, power calculations, recruitment materials etc.) our workaround has been to produce a single document that captures the required project details.

Applicants should now complete a short Worktribe online form AND complete the SHS supplementary research ethics form which can then be uploaded into the documents tab of the  Worktribe application.

 The previous ‘Path A’ and ‘Path B’ application categories will now be replaced by a risk classification (low, medium and high risk), which is determined by the Research Ethics Framework and is triaged by the research ethics and governance team upon submission.

Low and medium risk applications will go through the interim review process and high risk applications going through full SHS REC review process.

Routes to approval are determined in the application form.   

‌For any queries related to applying for ethical review and approvals or the Research Ethics Committee, please contact Rosy Armstrong or Mark Slater using the SHS admin mailbox: shs-ethics-admin@exeter.ac.uk.

Research Ethics Committee application deadlines and meeting dates for high risk projects 2022/2023.

Research Ethics Committee members

Key documents

for STAFF and PGR applications

Worktribe SHS supplementary research ethics form STAFF & PGR

for UNDERGRADUATE AND PGT applications

‌UNDERGRADUATE & PGT supplementary ethics form

• Anonymisation and Pseudonymisation
• Risk Assessments‌

• Ethics in Sport and Health exercise research 2020 update 
• ‌Research Data Management 
•      
• Substantial Amendment notification form
• Minor amendment notification form
• ‌End of study declaration

Staff/PGR Student Sample Size Meetings

Guidance and templates for research online:

• These documents have been prepared by the Research Ethics and Governance Team at the University of Exeter in response to the COVID -19 restrictions on face to face research activity. This will be updated as further information becomes available and is subject to change, please ensure you access the latest version (currently v1.3, May 2021)
•  https://www.exeter.ac.uk/cgr/researchethics/secure/guidanceforresearchonline/

Participant information and informed consent 

The current UoE templates for Participant Information sheet and consent forms are on the Research Ethics and Governance pages 

Research Ethics and Governance - Home (sharepoint.com)

• St. Lukes Laboratories Standard Operating Procedure for Taking Informed Consent
• ‌
• Human Tissue Act Compliance‌

Complaints 

Complaints received from study participants should be dealt with according to the procedures outlined in the SHS Ethics Committee Policy on Complaints.

Research Ethics and Governance webpages:

• Research integrity
• Ethics and good practice 

Adverse Events

Procedures for recording and reporting adverse events such as injuries, or unexpected physical reactions following a particular procedure, are documented in SHS Ethics Committee Policy on Adverse Events.