Service Description: The Council's research governance process covers all forms of research conducted by external researchers and the Council’s staff and partners. Anyone intending to do any form of research is required to discuss their research proposals with the Research Co-ordinator at an early stage to see whether their research is covered by the research governance process. The Council cannot sponsor or support research that has not been evaluated as part of this process.
Also known as:- Research
Answer: Researchers have a responsibility to ensure the interests of the research participants are respected. The agreement of potential participants must be sought prior to commencement of that research. Consent shoud be obtained in writing and must be freely given based on a full undertanding of the purpose of the research and what will be required of participants. A copy of the consent form should be provided with the application for approval. Children and vulnerable adults are unlikely to be able to give informed consent themselves and researchers will need to address this issue in the research proposal if it is intended to involve people who cannot give consent personally. The researcher has a duty to ensure that sufficient information is given to enable participants to choose whether they wish to take part in the research. Participants should be made aware that they have a right to withdraw from the research at any time and that exercising that right will in no way affect the level or quality of services they receive.