Any research involving NHS patients, service users, care professionals or volunteers, or their organs, tissue or data must have approval from an NHS Research Ethics Committee (REC) before it can begin. RECs provide independent advice on the extent to which proposals for research comply with ethical standards. In reviewing the proposed study, the REC must give primary consideration to protecting the dignity, rights, safety and well being of all actual or potential research subjects (a role shared with others under Research Governance). In addition, informed consent to participate must be obtained from an individual participating in a study - this is the heart of ethical research in health.
CSO works closely with the the National Research Ethics Service in England.
Contact: Craig Gilbert on 0131 244 2655