Terms of Reference and Composition of the Research Integrity and Ethics Committee 2025/26
TERMS OF REFERENCE
The Research Integrity and Ethics Committee is the University’s senior body with oversight for all matters relating to research ethics and integrity. A Committee of Senate, it oversees the Ethics approval process, deals with relevant strategic and policy matters, and is responsible for compliance and implementation.
The Research Integrity and Ethics Committee shall:
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Ensure research and knowledge exchange activity at the University is conducted in accordance with the highest standards of research integrity and ethics in line with sector best practice and legislative requirements
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Ensure the development, review, maintenance and implementation of the policies and guidance necessary to maintain those standards of research integrity and ethics
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Consider and respond to external developments, including legislation, regulations, professional body guidance, funder regulations, and sector standards, and make recommendations as appropriate
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Oversee, and report on, the Ethics approval process, including scrutiny and approval or otherwise of high-risk Ethics applications
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Oversee, via annual reports from Departments, the Ethics approval process in relation to undergraduate and taught postgraduate degrees
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Report to Senate annually on the Committee’s activities
The Research Integrity and Ethics Committee meets twice a semester.
COMPOSITION
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Composition |
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A Chairperson drawn from senior academic staff within the University and appointed by the Vice-Chancellor * |
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An external member with relevant expertise * |
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A PGR student * |
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Ethics Representatives |
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In attendance (non-voting):
Secretary (nominated by Research Office)
Research Excellence Manager
An independent member of Council (pending approval)
HR representative (as required)
Data Protection Officer (as required)
Health and Safety representative (as required)
Legal advisor – the Committee may seek independent legal advice on a particular issue under its consideration, in which case a legal advisor may also be invited to attend a Committee meeting
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*Subject to annual review by University Senate.
Terms of office for the external member, Chairperson and member of Council are limited to up to two terms of three years.
Term of office for the Vice Chair (elected by the Chair) is limited to up to two terms of three years.
Term of office for Student Representative is limited to up to two terms of one year (each year being the current academic year).
Total membership: 9
Updated: August 2026