This September, the NIHR HDRC Coventry Research Ethics Panel celebrate its first anniversary.
Members of the panel review research projects that are submitted through Coventry City Council’s research governance process.
The Panel includes representatives from Coventry University, the University of Warwick, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry residents, and Council staff from across the organisation.
Together, they bring a broad range of knowledge, skills, and experience, which they use when reviewing research projects to make sure projects are carried out ethically and participants are treated fairly and safely. As part of this process, they also give advice and feedback to researchers to support them with their projects.
The Panel supports research that helps Coventry City Council make decisions about policies and services that it provides to residents. It is part of ongoing work to strengthen the use of research across the Council.
Panel members also play an important role in helping us shape and develop the Research Ethics Panel.
Eight projects have been approved through the research governance process so far. Two of those were sent to the Panel for review and they looked at a range of issues with a focus on making sure participants were kept safe.
We are pleased to introduce two of our members who reflect below, on their experience as panel members and explain why they joined.
Francesca Rogers, Coventry resident, says:
“Having enjoyed participating in the HDRC Public Voice Group, I was keen to be involved in further projects, for the benefit of fellow Coventry residents. We know, from history, the pitfalls of unethical research. It is very valuable for us to have the prior opportunity to voice our opinions and have our questions answered. We are bolstered by high-quality training and supported by a dedicated team.”
Veronica Makolo, Team Leader, Provided Services, Coventry City Council, says:
“I joined the Research Ethics Panel because of my interest in research and its potential to improve people's lives. I believe the Panel plays an important role in ensuring research is carried out ethically, fairly, and with respect for those involved. By supporting high-quality research, we can help bring about positive change for our communities.”
To all our Panel members: thank you for giving your time and for sharing your knowledge, skills, insights, and experiences. You play an important role in supporting NIHR HDRC Coventry’s ongoing work to develop and support the use of research and evidence to inform decisions that benefit residents and reduce health inequalities across Coventry.
If you are doing research with Coventry City Council, your project may need to be submitted through the research governance process.