Are you passionate about health and social care research?

Recruitment of HSC Research Ethics Committee Members

Are you looking for a voluntary role where you can make a real difference?

The Office for Research Ethics Committees for Northern Ireland (ORECNI) in the Business Services Organisation (BSO) has an exciting opportunity to join their HSC Research Ethics Committees (RECs) in Northern Ireland to help review vital health and social care research.

REC volunteers help facilitate ethical research that aims to improve or change practice for some of the biggest challenges in health and social care, such as cancer and dementia.

What does a Research Ethics Committee (REC) do?

REC members give their time freely to help protect the dignity, rights and safety of research participants, by reviewing research studies that will take place in the NHS and social care.

You will be part of a committee of around 15 people who meet virtually to review applications for research approval.

Different types of REC membership

REC committees are made up of a variety of people who bring different skills and experiences. This is important to make sure that we have insight from different perspectives. Everyone’s view is equally important.

They are looking for members of the public who have never worked in healthcare or research, as well as registered healthcare professionals.

All their members have a shared goal; to ensure that research that is carried out in the NHS is safe, ethical and fair and is respectful of participants’ dignity and rights.

If you want get involved in reviewing exciting new research, please contact info.orecni@hscni.net for more information and an application pack.

The closing date for applications is 5pm, Monday 19th May 2025.