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Research ethics

The university’s research ethics guidance is available in the form of a Handbook of Principles and Procedures.

The Handbook of Principles and Procedures includes a statement of ethical principles, details research proposal assessment procedures and addresses concerns of research in academic and professional fields. ​

University principles

1. Primary responsibility for the conduct of ethical research lies with the researcher.

Where applicable, professional codes of conduct of external organisations take precedence over the university’s expectations and requirements for the conduct of research, although in most cases final approval of research projects remains with the REC.

2. Researchers have responsibilities:

3. Research should be based, as far as possible and practicable, on the freely given informed consent of those under study.

The researcher should:

4. Researchers should endeavour, wherever possible and practicable, to avoid the use of deception.

Any researcher considering deceptive methods must seek approval from the Research Ethics Committee. Covert research should be a last resort.

5. The anonymity and privacy of participants should be respected and personal information should be kept confidential and secure.

Researchers must comply with the provision of relevant Data Protection legislation. While taking every practicable measure to ensure confidentiality and anonymity, they should also take care not to give unrealistic assurances or guarantees.

6. Specific approval from the Research Ethics Committee is required for:

If your project needs to be referred to the REC, you will need to complete a research ethics form.

7. University of Gloucestershire ‘Clinical Trials’ Insurance

The following research conducted within the United Kingdom is automatically covered:

For all other research involving human participants please contact [email protected].

Contact us

The university’s Research Ethics Committee is chaired by Dr Emily Ryall and has representatives from each of the University’s Schools in addition to practitioner and ethical contract guidance expertise.

Current UoG staff and students can access the Ethics Application Form and other guidance documents by visiting the Research section on MyHelp.

For any other query please email [email protected] or the Chair, Dr Emily Ryall, [email protected].