Volunteer opportunity on Birkbeck’s ethics committee
Birkbeck, University of London, is a world-class research and teaching institution, a vibrant centre of academic engagement and excellence and London’s only specialist provider of evening higher education.
The role of the College Ethics Committee is to consider the ethical ramifications of certain college activities (primarily research projects), to oversee the activities of the five School Ethics Committees and to promote a culture of research integrity and good ethical practice in academic research. The committee reviews a number of research applications and gives an opinion as to whether the research is ethical and guides college policy in integrity and ethics relate areas.
For the College Ethics Committee to function effectively, we are seeking a lay member who has no other connection with the College and is therefore able to give a completely independent review of research projects submitted for review and of college policies and procedures in this area.
We would welcome expressions of interest from those who are keen to become more involved with the College with an interest in thinking about research issues from the perspective of a potential research participant and would like to develop knowledge of research ethics. Committee members receive training in ethical review and have opportunities to debate challenging issues. Interested volunteers, especially those who are suitably qualified with experience from an educational, legal, research or audit/risk management background, are encouraged to apply.
Previous experience of research or committee membership is desirable. All members must be able to dedicate the necessary time to: read all meeting papers; review applications remotely, attend meetings and undertake training as required. Attending meetings and reading the associated papers requires about one and a half days per meeting; reviewing applications remotely is an occasional activity which takes ca. 30 mins per application. The Committee meets three times a year (once per term) according to a publicised schedule.
Positions are voluntary, we will reimburse travel expenses for attendance at meetings of the CEC and training events but there is no other remuneration.
Meetings are held on the main Birkbeck campus in Torrington Square in walking distance of Euston Station and Warren Street underground station.
We have a positive approach to diversity and encourage applications from all sections of the community.
To apply please send a CV and covering letter to committees@bbk.ac.uk by 10th October 2017. If you would like to discuss the role informally please email sarah.lee@bbk.ac.uk to arrange a time to speak.
