Ethics links and resources

Please be aware that the University is moving to a new, online research ethics review system to replace the online SAF and AER forms.  The system, Ethics Review Manager (ERM) is initially being piloted for all PGR and unfunded staff projects, from 13th June 2022.   Funded staff projects will continue to use the Worktribe ethics checklist and AER form until the start of 2023, when ERM will be fully rolled out to these too.  Further information about ERM can be downloaded as follows:

Guidance document for applicants on how to use ERM
Guidance document for applicants on how to answer specific questions within the system
Guidance document for applicants on how to use ERM to submit amendments

Please see our guidance on producing a Participant Information Sheet and consent form.  Additional guidance on information sheets and consent forms is available from the Health Research Authority (HRA). 

• Arts Council – Meeting Ethical and Reputational Challenges Guidance
• Association of Internet Researchers - Ethical decision making and internet research
• Association of Social Anthropologists of the UK & Commonwealth Ethical guidelines
• British Association of Social Workers - Code of Ethics
• British Association of Sport & Exercise Sciences - Code of Conduct
• British Educational Research Association - Ethical guidelines
• British Psychological Society - Code of Ethics & Conduct
• British Psychological Society - Research guidelines and policy documents
• British Society of Criminology - Statement of ethics
• British Society of Gerontology - Ethical guidelines
• British Sociological Association - Statement of ethical practice
• Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure Trusted Research guidance - aims to support the integrity of the system of international research collaboration, particularly relevant to researchers in STEM subjects, dual-use technologies, emerging technologies and commercially sensitive research areas. 
• Chatham House Rule - Explanation of rule and FAQs
• Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC) - Research ethics framework 
• European Commission - Ethics for researchers H2020
• European Commission - Research Ethics in Ethnography/Anthropology
• European Federation of Psychologists' Associations
• Health Research Authority
• International Compilation of Human Subject Research Protections
• International Sociological Association - Code of ethics
• IRAS E-learning – assistance with completing IRAS submissions
• Market Research Society Code of Conduct
• Medical Research Council (MRC) - Good research practice
• National Children's Bureau - Research guidelines
• Nuffield Council on Bioethics
• Office for Disability Issues – Involving Disabled People in Social Research
• Oral History Society - Ethics & copyright
• RESPECT Code of Practice for Socio-Economic Research 
• Social Policy Association - Guidelines on research ethics
• Social Research Association - Ethical guidelines
• UK Collaborative for Development Research (UKCDR) Guidance on Safeguarding in International Development Research and Practical Application of UKCDR Safeguarding Guidance During COVID-19
• UK Data Archive- Managing and sharing research data
• World Medical Association - Declaration of Helsinki: Ethical principles for medical research involving human subjects

• British Foreign & Commonwealth Office - Travel advice
• Social Research Association - Code of practice for the safety of social researchers
• Universities & Colleges Employer Association - Safety in fieldwork and guidelines for working overseas
• University guidance on working abroad
• University guidance on community visits - may also be useful for researchers working within the community

• Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986
• Anti-terrorism, Crime & Security Act
• Crime & Disorder Act 1998 (section 115)
• Data Protection Act 2018
• Equality Act 2010
• Human Fertilisation & Embryology  Act (2008)
• Human Tissue Act 2004
• Human Rights Act
• Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) 2004
• Mental Capacity Act 2005
• NHS Act 2006 (section 251)
• Police Act 1997
• Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
• Terrorism Act 2006

• Blood taking from Volunteers for Research
• Clinical Research Compliance Team
• Data Protection
• Child Protection/Safeguarding Policy
• Code of Practice for Research
  
• Export control information
• Health & Safety
• Information Security
• Insurance
• IT approved software for processing personal data
• IT Services policies and procedures
• Guidance note on the collection of data which may reveal evidence of criminal or illegal activity   
• Other University policies and procedures
• Research Data Managment and Data Management Plans
• University Arrangements for Compliance with the Human Tissue Act

• University of Birmingham Research Ethics and Governance position on Coronavirus (COVID-19) impact on research and potential adjustments to projects that may be needed

• University of Birmingham Research Ethics and Governance guidance on restarting research activities which have been paused due to COVID-19

• Birmingham Safeguarding Adults Board
• Birmingham Safeguarding Children Partnership
• Defining research (NHS)
• Disclosure and Barring Service checks (previously Criminal Records Bureau check)
• Do I need NHS REC approval? 
• Government Equalities Office - Equality Act 2010 
• Mental Capacity Act 2005 - Code of Practice