The North of Scotland Research Ethics Service runs 2 Committees which are made up of volunteers, these volunteers are designated as Expert Members and Lay Members. Expert Members are registered Health Care Professionals or work within the research environment. Lay Members are members represent the public opinion and whose main professional interest is not as a Health Care Professional or involved in research.
Research ethics committees (RECs) act as part of an efficient, accountable and independent Research Ethics Service to protect the dignity, rights, safety and well-being of people who take part in research.
(Governance Arrangements for Research Ethics 3.1.1 v2.1 2022)
Research that takes place within the NHS involving human participant’s has to be reviewed by an NHS Research Ethics Committee before the research can begin.
The Committees are flagged to review different types of applications meaning they have the relevant expertise and training to review that type of research, the table below shows the flags for each Committee.
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Clinical Trials of Investigational Medicinal Products (CTIMP) |
Research Tissue Banks & Databases |
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Medical Devices |
Qualitative Research |
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Research Involving Children |
Research Involving Children |
North of Scotland 1 have recently received a flag which allows them to review applications that involve medicines or a combination of medicines that might have properties for treating or preventing human disease. Formally these are known CTIMPs. This is one of only 4 committees in Scotland who are able to allowed to review application with this type of research.
If you are interested in observing either of the North of Scotland Committee Meetings or would like further information about becoming a member please contact us at gram.nosres@nhs.scot