The online Submission Form form gathers critical information about the research project, such as the methodological approach, ethical considerations, data management plans, and supporting documents. The form links to the consideration fee payment facility, ensuring that all initial procedural requirements are completed before the review process begins.
1. Automated Confirmation:
Once a researcher submits their project, an automated email confirmation is sent to acknowledge receipt. This includes a reference number, ensuring procedural transparency.
2. Oversight Request Coordinator Review:
The Oversight Request Coordinator reviews the submission to verify that all required documents are present. This stage ensures compliance with both procedural requirements (such as complete documentation) and initial ethical and methodological standards. If the submission is incomplete, the researcher is contacted for corrections.
The IERG Governing Board evaluates if the project aligns with IERG’s remit for providing oversight. This involves assessing the project’s methodology, its alignment with IERG’s capabilities, and any potential ethical issues. If the project can be overseen, it proceeds to the detailed review.
If the project can be accepted, a Proceed Notification is issued and the research funding body invoiced. Upon settlement and acknowledgement of Terms of Engagement the process procceeds.
If the project cannot be accepted, the researcher receives a report outlining what methodological, ethical, or procedural changes are needed.
1. Assignment to Lead Reviewer:
A Lead Ethics Reviewer is assigned based on their expertise relative to the type of research. The Review and Compliance Team is chosen to reflect the research’s unique methodological and ethical needs.
2. Initial Review for Ethical and Methodological Considerations:
Reviewers evaluate the submitted proposal, focusing on methodology (e.g., appropriateness of the research design), ethical considerations (such as participant risk, informed consent), and procedural requirements (e.g., data collection protocols, participant privacy). A Data Compliance Specialist assesses how participant data will be managed, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.
1. Reviewer Feedback Compilation:
The review findings are compiled into a report. This report addresses methodological improvements (e.g., better research design), ethical concerns (e.g., informed consent issues), and procedural changes (e.g., more robust privacy protocols).
2. Researcher Receives Feedback:
The compiled feedback is shared with the researcher, who may need to revise the project to better align with best practices in methodology, ethical compliance, and procedural requirements.
3. Researcher Revision and Resubmission:
Researchers update their proposal in line with the feedback provided and resubmit for further review. This stage ensures that the proposed research now meets all necessary standards before progressing.
1. Final Ethics and Methodology Review:
After submission/resubmission, the Review and Compliance Team conducts a final review of the revised project to ensure all suggested methodological, ethical, and procedural changes have been made effectively.
2. Quality Assurance Check:.
The Quality Assurance Officer reviews the completed submission and feedback loop to ensure that the review process has been thorough and aligns with IERG standards. This is a critical procedural requirement to maintain consistency in all approvals.
If the research involves particularly complex topics (e.g., community-sensitive research or high-risk methodologies), the Advisory Board provides further consultation. Their expertise helps to ensure the research meets high standards in methodology, aligns ethically with community norms, and follows the appropriate procedures.
1. IERG Governing Board Sign-off:
The Governing Board evaluates the final recommendation from the Review Team. Approval depends on whether the research meets all methodological rigour, ethical standards, and procedural criteria. Only when all elements are addressed does the Board grant formal approval.
2. Issuance of Approval Certificate:
If approved, the researcher receives an Approval Certificate. This signifies that the project’s methodology is sound, the ethical considerations are adequately addressed, and the procedural requirements are compliant.
1. Regulatory Compliance Guidance:
The Regulatory Compliance and Consultation Team works with the researcher to provide ongoing advice on adhering to UK regulations. This includes data protection, maintaining methodological consistency, and ensuring ethical practices during the conduct of the research.
2. Progress Reports:
During the research phase, progress reports are submitted to the IERG for review. This ensures that the research continues to follow approved methodological practices, ethical guidelines, and procedural requirements without deviation.
3. Amendments Review:
Any proposed changes to the research plan (such as adjustments to the methodology or participant recruitment) must be submitted as an amendment and undergo a new ethical, procedural, and methodological review before implementation.
1. Final Project Report Submission:
Once research is completed, the researcher submits a Final Project Report detailing findings and compliance throughout the project lifecycle. This report is reviewed for consistency with the originally approved methodology, ethical practices, and procedural adherence.
2. Closure Meeting:
A closure meeting is held involving the Lead Reviewer and the Quality Assurance Officer to verify that the research met its approved standards and complied with all necessary protocols during its execution.
3.Final Approval Letter:
If all requirements have been met, a Final Approval Letter is issued. This signifies the successful and compliant completion of the research and formally closes the IERG’s oversight of the project.