North of Scotland Research Ethics Service

NHS Research Ethics Committees protect and promote the interests of patients and the public in health and social care research.

The committees review applications from research teams across the UK, and the Scientific Officer provides support and guidance on request to all applicants for ethical review and additional support for researchers within Grampian, Highland, Orkney, Shetland and Western Isles Health Boards.

The members of the committee are non-paid volunteers and include lay people who are not involved with clinical care or medical research and expert members with clinical or medical research expertise.

The North of Scotland Research Ethics Service is governed by the UK wide Health Research Authority and the Chief Scientist Office in Scotland. We are supported by the Grampian, Highland, Orkney Shetland and Western Isles Health Boards.


Current opportunity

Research Ethics Committees consist of up to 18 members from both clinical and non-clinical backgrounds. Our committees review health and social research, check that people are provided with the information they need to help them decide whether they wish to take part, and provide an opinion as to whether the research is ethical. We currently have vacancies for members of the public who are not currently healthcare professionals, and who are interested in thinking about issues from the perspective of a potential research participant and would like to develop knowledge of research ethics. Members receive training in ethical review and have opportunities to debate challenging issues. Positions are voluntary but expenses are paid for. The Committee meets on average for half a day per month and carry out additional work by email correspondence. Contact us for an application form or an informal chat on tel: 01224 558458, email gram.nosres@nhs.scot Interest can be registered at any time.