The University of Sheffield
Department of Human Communication Sciences

Research Ethics Review Procedure

The ethics review procedures in operation in the department are overseen by the University Research Ethics Committee. They apply in particular to research involving human participants, their data or tissue.

Staff, postgraduate research students and students on taught courses should use the university´s standard application form, information sheet and consent form.

Staff and Postgraduate Research

Ethics reviews are undertaken by the Ethics Review Panel within the Department of Human Communication Sciences.

In very exceptional cases (i.e. where agreement cannot be reached within the department), applications can be reviewed by the University Research Ethics Committee. Researchers wishing to appeal a decision of the Ethics Review Panel should inform Richard Hudson (Research Office) via Kathryn Sharpe, HCS Ethics Administrator.

Applications should be made on the University´s standard application form which is available to download along with an information sheet and consent form on our Research Office pages (this link will open in a new window):

Visit our Research Office Ethics pages for details on how to apply

Three copies of the forms should be submitted to Kathryn Sharpe, Ethics Administrator at:

email : k.sharpe@sheffield.ac.uk

The initial review will be undertaken within one calendar month of receipt of the application. The timescale for subsequent reviews will depend on the complexity of any amendments required.

Under the University procedures, projects are to be reviewed by a minimum of three reviewers who are independent of the research.

Special Categories of Research (NHS)

Applications for ethics review of studies that involve NHS patients, carers, staff or premises should be submitted to the National Research Ethics Service (NRES). Further information on this process can be obtained at (this link will open in a new window):

Visit the NRES website for details on how to apply

Ethics review for studies to be funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) must be undertaken by the full University Research Ethics Committee. Contact the Research Office for further details at:

email : research.office@sheffield.ac.uk

Taught Course Research

Students undertaking dissertations on taught courses should submit an ethics application by one of the dates specified in the dissertation guidelines.

Applications should be made on the University´s standard application form which is available to download along with an information sheet and consent form on our Research Office pages (this link will open in a new window):

Visit our Research Office Ethics pages for details on how to apply

Applications should be submitted as follows:

BMed, BSc, MMed to Dr Anna Maria di Betta at:

email : a.dibetta@sheffield.ac.uk

MSc Research to Dr Patty Cowell at:

email : p.e.cowell@sheffield.ac.uk

LACIC to Dr Hilary Gardner at:

email : h.gardner@sheffield.ac.uk

Ethics Reviewers

To view the staff profiles please visit the People section.