What are Ethics and Governance?
Ethics and governance are embedded throughout every stage of research. They help ensure that research studies are designed and delivered ethically, safely, fairly and responsibly.
These principles support participant safety, equality, transparency and accountability throughout the research lifecycle.
Ethical and governance requirements should be considered from the development of the research question through to recruitment, delivery, analysis and dissemination.
What You Will Learn
By watching the videos and working through this page, you will understand the ethical and governance requirements that support safe and responsible research delivery.
HRA Approval
Understand the role of Health Research Authority approval in health and social care research.
Good Clinical Practice
Learn about the ethical, scientific and practical standards that apply to clinical research.
UK Policy Framework
Understand the principles and responsibilities governing health and social care research.
Capacity and Capability
Understand the confirmation required from the Research Governance Team before recruitment can begin.
Key Areas of Research Governance
- Participant safety and wellbeing.
- Equality and fairness throughout the research process.
- Appropriate consent and recruitment arrangements.
- Data protection and confidentiality.
- Research sponsorship and regulatory approval.
- Confirmation of Capacity and Capability.
- Transparent analysis and dissemination of findings.
Essential Research Standards
Use the following resources to understand the principal approvals, standards and policy requirements relating to health and social care research.
| Standard | Purpose | Access |
|---|---|---|
| HRA Approval | Information about research approvals and amendments managed through the Health Research Authority. | Learn about HRA approval |
| Good Clinical Practice | The international ethical, scientific and practical standard for clinical research. | Learn about GCP |
| UK Policy Framework | The principles and responsibilities governing health and social care research. | View the policy framework |
How to Complete this Stage at BCHC
- Complete Good Clinical Practice training where required.
- Identify an appropriate study sponsor.
- Confirm whether Health Research Authority approval is required.
- Seek advice from the BCHC Research & Innovation Team.
- Complete the required ethics and governance approvals.
- Obtain Confirmation of Capacity and Capability before recruitment begins.
- Ensure the necessary approvals are in place for all participating NHS organisations.