Lay Member of the Central University Research Ethics Committee

The University of Liverpool is a member of the Russell Group of leading research universities and is
seeking individuals interested in joining one of the Central University Research Ethics Committees in
a voluntary capacity as a Lay Member.
We are looking for people interested in research to offer their expertise and enthusiasm to help
ensure our research practices meet recognised best practice and ethical standards.

The role:

The Central University Research Ethics Committees meet to consider all University research projects
involving more than minimal risk that include human participants, human material or personal data.
The Central University Research Ethics Committees meet six times per year and comprise both
academic and lay members.

Committee members are responsible for ensuring that University
research projects are carried out in accordance with the ethical principles set by the University ethics
policy and other relevant ethical guidelines Lay Members fulfil an important committee role and have the task of providing the public perspective in the research review process.

Who are we looking for?

Committee members are drawn from a wide variety of backgrounds. We are particularly interested in
identifying suitably qualified and experienced people with career backgrounds in research, the NHS,
and the legal profession; however, people from outside these fields should not be deterred from
applying.

Individuals will have the ability to make balanced judgments and will contribute to review of research
applications. Induction and appropriate training for the role will be provided.
Applicants should be independent of the University, and have had no affiliation with the University
during the previous three years. Membership of these Committees bring with them a duty of
confidentiality to the University.

Why should you apply?

The University of Liverpool is a member of the Russell Group of leading UK research universities with
a strong reputation for the advancement of learning and ennoblement of life.

You will have the opportunity to bring a wide range of skills to help the committee consider the ethical
aspects of research proposals.Through this role you will:

• have the opportunity to bring a wide range of skills to help contribute the review of
  applications requesting research ethics approval;
•  play an important role in the development of the University’s framework for research ethics;
•  play a part in ensuring that University research projects meet good ethical practice.

Informal enquiries about the role of Lay Member of a Central University Research Ethics Committee
should be directed to Mr Matthew Billington, Senior Research Ethics & Integrity Officer
(mjbill2@liverpool.ac.uk / 0151 794 8290).

Formal expressions of interest should be sent to the
Research Ethics and Integrity Team, ethics@liverpool.ac.uk, along with a CV and a brief personal
statement.

The closing date for expressions of interest is Friday 31 January 2020