External research ethics committees
Researchers at Oxford Brookes University who wish to recruit participants through another organisation or institution may be asked to submit their proposal for ethics review through that organisation's Research Ethics Committee. This is most likely when researchers wish to carry out research in the NHS (including patients, staff or carers) or Social Services and is governed by the requirements of the Department of Health, or when Oxford Brookes is not the lead institution.
The National Research Ethics Service (NRES), works with colleagues to maintain a UK-wide system of ethical review that protects the safety, dignity and well being of research participants, whilst facilitating and promoting ethical research within the NHS. Applications can be made online through the Integrated Research Application System (IRAS). Please note that an application can only be booked once it is ready to submit. In order to be ready to submit the NRES Application Form must have been completed and signed by the Chief Investigator together with all the supporting documentation as outlined in the application form. Advance bookings will not be accepted.
Research that takes place in the context of the NHS or social care services in England must have a sponsor. Usually, the sponsor will be one of the organisations taking the lead for particular aspects of the arrangements for the study. Further details are available.
Whilst a separate application to UREC is not required, the application should be reviewed and approved by the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences FREC before going on for NHS approval. Once the study has been given full approval from the NHS REC a copy of the approval letter should be sent to the UREC Administrator, Louise Wood, for University records.
Applying for ethics approval via NRES