External ethical approvals

Certain types of research require ethical approval from an external regulatory body. The University has a process in place for these applications in which we act as the “Sponsor”. In these situations, it is important that you notify the central Research Ethics and Governance team of your intention to submit an application as early as possible so we can work with you to seek the appropriate approvals.

Obtaining Health Research Authority (HRA) / NHS approval

For NHS and health-related research please visit the HRA / NHS Approval page. 

Obtaining approval from the Ministry of Defence

If the research is sponsored or funded by the Ministry of Defence, internal preliminary review will be performed by the University before authorising the application to be submitted for final approval with the Ministry of Defence Research Ethics Committee (MODREC).

To initiate the internal preliminary review, please submit a full application in EthOS where you indicate your intention to proceed to MODREC by ticking the second check-box in EthOS question A11. Uploading full documentation is not necessary at this stage.

Upon receipt of the notification of your intention, a Research Ethics and Governance Manager will contact you and provide support for the necessary next steps.

Obtaining approval from His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service

If your research involves data collection from staff, offenders, inmates, the National Probation Service or Community Rehabilitation Companies or is taking place at the headquarters of His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) then you will need to formally apply for ethical approval from the HMPPS National Research Committee.

Internal preliminary review will be performed by the University before authorising the application to be submitted for final approval with the HMPPS. To initiate the internal preliminary review, please submit a full application in EthOS where you indicate your intention to proceed to HMPPS by ticking the second check-box in EthOS question A11. Uploading full documentation is not necessary at this stage.

Upon receipt of the notification of your intention, a Research Ethics and Governance Manager will contact you and provide support for the necessary next steps.

Obtaining approval for research that includes access to international genetic resources

The Nagoya Protocol is an international agreement that was established to ensure that access to the knowledge accrued from research into genetic resources such as animals and plants can be shared. More information can be found on our Nagoya Protocol page.