Ethics review of UG & PGT projects

FoT Ethics Committee

Why do we need to Ethics Reviews?
- To embed a research culture across the Faculty

- To ensure that all students and supervisors consider the ethical elements of
their projects

- To make sure the University has an auditable record of projects for which
ethical approval has been granted.

It is intended to raise awareness of ethical issues and stimulate a conversation

between supervisors and students
1. Student submits Ethics Review form
2. Student Receives Email..
Student Forwards this email to Supervisor
and meets with them.

Supervisor clicks here

3. Supervisor submits form to authorise

Note: if no further review is required student then

receives email and certificate (as in step 6)
4. Student receives confirmation Email - requesting further review

Student Forwards this email, with supporting

documents (ie PIS, Synopsis etc..) to Ethics Rep

Ethics Rep clicks here

6. Student receives PDF certificate
PDF certificate
Ethics Review Form Questions - 1
Human Participant Considerations
Is the study likely to involve human subjects (observation) or participants?

You have indicated that the study is likely to involve human subjects (observation) or
participants. Please answer the additional questions below.
Will you gather data about people (e.g. socio-economic, clinical, psychological,
biological)?

Will you gather data from people about some artefact or research question (e.g.
opinions, feedback)?
Ethics Review Form Questions - 1
Human Participant Details
Confirm whether and explain how you will use participant information sheets and
apply informed consent.

Confirm whether and explain how you will maintain participant anonymity and
confidentiality of data collected.

Will the study involve National Health Service patients or staff? NO

Ethics Review Form Questions - 1
Human Participant Details
Do human participants/subjects take part in studies without their knowledge/consent
at the time, or will deception of any sort be involved? (e.g. covert observation of
people, especially if in a non-public place)

Will you collect or analyse personally identifiable information about anyone or monitor
their communications or on-line activities without their explicit consent?

Does the study involve participants who are unable to give informed consent or are in
a dependent position (e.g. children, people with learning disabilities, unconscious
patients, Portsmouth University students)?
Ethics Review Form Questions - 2
Health & Safety Considerations

Are drugs, placebos or other substances (e.g. food substances, vitamins) to be

administered to the study participants?
Will blood or tissue samples be obtained from participants?
Is pain or more than mild discomfort likely to result from the study?
Could the study induce psychological stress or anxiety in participants or third parties?
Will the study involve prolonged or repetitive testing?

Identify any risks associated. How do you plan to minimise risks?

Ethics Review Form Questions - 3
Integrity & Environmental Considerations

Will financial inducements (other than reasonable expenses and compensation for
time) be offered to participants?
Are there risks of significant damage to physical and/or ecological environmental
features?
Are there risks of significant damage to features of historical or cultural heritage (e.g.
impacts of study techniques, taking of samples)?

Identify any risks associated. How do you plan to minimise risks?

Ethics Review Form Questions - 4
Third Party & Animal Considerations

Does the project involve animals in any way?

Could the research outputs potentially be harmful to third parties?
Could your research/artefact be adapted and be misused?
Will your project or project deliverables be relevant to defence, the military, police or
other security organisations and/or in addition, could it be used by others to threaten
UK security?

Identify any risks associated. How do you plan to minimise risks?

Role of the Supervisor
Project supervisors are responsible for the ethics associated with their project
students.

When the reviews come to the Ethics Reps - they should be complete and fully
approved by the supervisor.