How do I apply?

You will usually need to provide to each approving body the relevant application form, plus a number of supporting documents, these may include, but are not limited to:

• Research Protocol
• Participant Information Sheets and consent forms
• Invitation Letters
• Posters / Flyers / Advertisements
• Any other information for the participant
• Evidence of Funding
• Evidence of Indemnity
• Evidence of Sponsorship

Application Forms

The application forms for both NHS REC and R&D Approval are completed through IRAS - the Integrated Research Application System. Registration is free and IRAS allows you to complete a common dataset which then populates the relevant application forms, which can then be submitted to the relevant review body.

You can also use IRAS to apply for approvals for the following review bodies:

• Administration of Radioactive Substances Advisory Committee (ARSAC)
• Gene Therapy Advisory Committee (GTAC)
• Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
• Ministry of Justice
• National Information Governance Board (NIGB)
• Social Care Research Ethics Committee

Submitting your applications

You can submit your application for approval to the different review bodies in parallel, however please bear in mind that you cannot start your project until ALL necessary approvals have been obtained.