Projects involving the NHS MOD HMPPS or health and social care services

HRA ethics review

If your project involves NHS participants it may require a review through the Health Research Authority (HRA). Any application to the HRA will need to be authorised by the Research Governance and Planning Manager so it is important that you contact the Research Governance Team as soon as possible so that we can provide you with help and advice about the process.

There are various bodies that may or may not need to review your application depending on the project to be undertaken and the participants involved. In addition, if your research requires a review by one of UK Health Departments’ Research Ethics Service Committees, you will not need to seek a full ethics review through the University’s review processes.

The following points may help you to get started:

• projects involving the NHS may be classified by the University as research but may not be classified as such by the HRA, e.g. service evaluations and audits. The HRA will only review a project defined as research by the HRA, please refer to the HRA Decision Tool. In cases where the project has not been defined as research by the HRA, ethical approval will need to be sought through the University’s ethics review processes (see University Ethics Review tab)
• whatever approvals are required through the HRA you will need to develop in the Integrated Research Application System (IRAS) and, once formally authorised, electronically submit the forms and supporting documents. There is comprehensive question-specific guidance available and it is essential that you follow this closely
• do not forget that you should not develop NHS applications until you have discussed them with the unit in which you wish to undertake the research

Resources

HRA decision tool

HRA e-learning modules

Application process flowchart

IRAS form

IRAS question-specific guidance document (.pdf)

IRAS e-learning module

Proportionate review

Participant Information and consent for NHS REC

MoD ethics review

Does your research involve the Ministry of Defence or serving members of the military? If so, you will need to make an application to MoDREC.

Please contact the Research Governance Team at an early stage if such an application is required.