From 13th June 2022, Ethics Review Manager (ERM) replaces both the previous online self-assessment form (SAF) and application for ethics review (AER) form for all PGR and unfunded staff projects. ERM acts as a one-stop online gateway for both new ethics applications and amendments to applications originally submitted via ERM.
Please be aware that if a SAF has already been submitted (prior to 13th June 2022) then if further review is required an AER should be used rather than mixing the old and new systems.
Early in 2023, ERM will be fully rolled out to include funded staff projects. In the meantime, such projects should continue to use the Worktribe ethics checklist and the AER form, as detailed above.
For all projects, ethics approval should be obtained prior to the beginning of the proposed work. In addition, for PGR student projects ethics approval should usually be sought within the first year of registration.
For some projects, there may be requirements for ethics review from an external body (e.g. an NHS REC, MoDREC, etc). ERM will identify and record this and you will be directed towards the appropriate review mechanism. For projects with existing ethics approval (e.g. from another University) you will be asked to upload the relevant documentation into ERM.
ERM can be accessed at https://applicants-erm.bham.ac.uk using your UoB log in details. All research staff should automatically have an account;
All University of Birmingham academics and postgraduate research students will automatically be given an account in the system. If you do not have access to ERM, you can request an account in IT Service now (https://universityofbirmingham.service-now.com/itportal/). When logged in, click ‘Make a Request’, then ‘Administrative Systems’, there will be a button called “Request access to Research Ethics” (please note it may take up to 24 hours to action).
For further information, please download our guidance document for applicants on how to use ERM. You can also download a guidance document on how to answer specific questions within the system.
A series of online Q&A sessions will take place shortly after rollout – if you have any questions about the new system you are encouraged to
register to attend one of these.