At the University of Notre Dame Australia, we have an accredited HREC (HREC1) which currently meets monthly on a Tuesday from 5pm – 7pm (AWST) and in 2025 will meet six-weekly. We are in the process of instituting a second accredited HREC (HREC2) to meet six-weekly on a Tuesday from 5pm – 7pm (AEST/AEDT). We are seeking expressions of interest from suitable applicants in the following categories:

1. A person who brings a broader community or consumer perspective and who has no paid affiliation with the institution (Consumer/Community);
2. A person with knowledge of, and current experience in, the professional care or treatment of people; for example, a nurse, counsellor or allied health professional (Professional Care);
3. A person who performs a pastoral care role in a community including, but not limited to, an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander elder or community leader, a Catholic priest or other Catholic leader (Pastoral Care);
4. A person who is qualified lawyer, who may or may not be currently practicing and, where possible, is not engaged to advise the institution on research-related or any other matters (Lawyer).

We are looking to recruit more than one person into each category. In terms of the overall make-up of each HREC, consideration will be given to the accreditation requirements of achieving a gender balance, as well as at least one third of membership being drawn from outside the University.

This is not a paid committee.

Background

The HREC receives applications for ethics approval of research projects from staff and students across from all Schools and Institutes. The applications to be reviewed therefore cover a broad range of research areas such as medicine, nursing, psychology, education, law, business, and arts. The process of ethical review, and for monitoring of projects, is structured according to the requirements of the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2023), the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (2018), relevant privacy legislation and University policies and procedures.

Member Expectations

Preparation and attendance at six-weekly meetings

Meetings will usually be online, with one on campus meeting each year for those who are able to attend in person. HREC1 meets on the Fremantle Campus and HREC2 will meet on the Sydney Campus. Preparation prior to the meetings consists of an equivalent of one full day per month. Agendas are provided no less than seven (7) days prior to the scheduled meeting. On rare occasions, an extraordinary meeting may be called. Due to strict quorum accreditation requirements, where members are aware in advance that they are unable to attend a scheduled meeting, they may be asked to provide written comments on agenda items for consideration at the meeting.

Contribution to low risk review subcommittees

Research that presents only a risk of discomfort and not harm is classified as “low risk” research. Members are required to contribute to the review of low-risk applications outside of scheduled meetings.

Familiarity with relevant policies and training

In order to make informed decisions, members are expected to keep up to date as regards the requirements for ethical review found in the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2023), the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (2018), relevant privacy legislation and University policies and procedures.

Prior knowledge of these policies and codes is not required. Familiarity with the relevant policies is facilitated by induction training. Annual training opportunities will be provided, with attendance required at least every three (3) years.

Decision-making

The membership is drawn from people with a variety of relevant backgrounds, skills, and experiences. Members are expected to read, critically evaluate, and actively discuss each application, even where that application might be outside of their area of direct expertise. This is because many of the aspects of ethical review are universal: whether information has been communicated clearly and in plain language; whether the strategy for obtaining consent is respectful and not coercive; and so on. The HRECs work on a consensus model where possible; a vote may be necessary on some items. Members are expected to act honestly, in good faith and with integrity and respect for other members, and to exercise due care, skill, and diligence in undertaking their duties. They are expected to maintain confidentiality and to disclose any conflicts of interest.