Human Research Ethics Committee

1.

Terms of Reference

1.1

To assist the University in its commitment to meeting the highest standards of legal, ethical and professional behaviour with respect to research involving humans, such as to protect the interests of research participants, investigators and the University.

1.2

To assist the University in meeting its legislative and contractual obligations with respect to the ethical conduct of research involving humans, including current statements and guidelines promulgated by the National Health & Medical Research Council and other regulatory bodies.

1.3

To provide an advisory service to the University as appropriate with respect to the ethical conduct of research involving humans, having due regard to national, international and professional codes of conduct.

1.4

To develop, establish or revise working policies and procedures to assist in the performance of its role, including the establishment of regular or ad hoc sub-committees or working parties.

1.5

To report annually to Council via the Vice-Chancellor and to make reports to such other internal or external bodies as required.

2.

Composition

The Swinburne University of Technology Human Research Ethics Committee (SUHREC) shall comprise at least eight members:
 

2.1

A Chair appointed by the Council on the advice of the Vice-Chancellor. Where there is an emergent vacancy, an Acting Chair may be appointed by the Vice-Chancellor subject to ratification by the Council.

2.2

At least two lay people, at least one man and one woman, with no affiliation with the University and not currently involved in medical, scientific or legal work and who are preferably from the various communities in which Swinburne is located.

2.3

At least two members with current experience in each of the areas of research regularly considered by the SUHREC.

2.4

At least one member with knowledge of, and current experience in, the professional care, counselling or treatment of people.

2.5

At least one member who performs a pastoral care role in a community, for example, a minister of religion.

2.6

At least one member who is a lawyer.

2.7

Alternate members may be appointed to categories at 2.2 to 2.6 above.

2.8

Additional members as appropriate.

3.

Mode of Operation

  3.1

Members (including alternate members) shall be appointed by the Vice-Chancellor on the recommendation of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research). In recommending appointments, the PVC(R) shall have consulted with the Chair of the Committee and other parties to ensure minimum/maximum current membership and diversity accords with any legislative and other obligations.

  3.2

Membership shall in the first instance be for a period of one year and renewable two-year periods thereafter.

  3.3

The Chair shall appoint a Deputy Chair from amongst members as appropriate.

  3.4

The Committee shall meet in an ordinary deliberative capacity on at least 4 times a year.

  3.5

The quorum for meetings shall be 5, including the Chair or Deputy Chair, provided that all current members have had sufficient opportunity to consider the agenda in question, particularly with respect to the ethical appraisal of any research project involving humans.

  3.6

Additionally, for special reasons, the Committee may convene ‘by circulation’.

  3.7

Where, eg, under 1.4 above, sub-committees have been established to expedite ethical appraisal of minimal risk research projects, the sub-Committee Chairperson should be appointed from members appointed under 2.3 above.

  3.8

Membership of sub-committees shall be determined by the Committee, consulting beforehand with the PVC(R) or delegate if there are any resource implications.

  3.9

Sub-committee decisions remain interim until ratified at a subsequent deliberative meeting of the Committee.

3.10

The Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) shall have right of attendance at any meeting of the Committee or any of its sub-committees and to raise items for discussion or deliberation pertaining to the management of human research activity.

3.11

The Committee shall consult expert opinion or participant advocates from outside of its membership as appropriate, consulting beforehand with the PVC(R) or delegate where appropriate.

3.12

The Chair of the Committee shall have the right to invite attendance at meetings as appropriate, consulting beforehand with the PVC(R) or delegate where appropriate.

3.13

The Committee and its sub-committees shall maintain due confidentiality in all deliberation.

3.14

No committee or sub-committee member shall adjudicate on any item of business in which they may personally be involved and other aspects of the University’s policy on conflict of interest shall be maintained.

3.15

Working policies and procedures proposed, developed and revised under 1.4 above should be undertaken in consultation with the PVC(R) or delegate wherever there are resource implications. The content of operative policies and procedures should be appropriately publicised.

3.16

The Committee shall be serviced by Swinburne Research.

Current Status:

Version Number

SUHREC Version One

Approving Authority:

Council

Approval Date:

22 August 2005 (took effect 10 February 2006)

Reviewed By:

Office of Research and Graduate Studies

Next Review Date:

To be determined (Subject ot current 2005-2006 revision of national guidelines)

Document History:

Version Number:

HREC One*

Approved by:

Council

Approved on:

10 August 1998

Reviewed By:

Pro Vice Chancellor, Research

Reviewed Without Amendment On:

7 June 2001