Human Research Ethics Committee Member – Volunteer Lay Person

About Scope

Scope is one of the largest providers of services to people with a disability in Victoria, and one of the largest not-for-profit organisations in Australia. Our mission is to enable each person we support to live as an empowered and equal citizen.

Scope’s Role in Research

Scope is committed to research and using research to influence policy and practice.

Scope’s HREC

Scope’s HREC is constituted in accordance with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Research Involving Humans 2007 (updated 2018). The role of the Committee is to review research proposals that involve human participants to ensure that they meet ethical standards and guidelines.

The Committee reviews ethics applications from Scope researchers, as well as other researchers who want to conduct research at Scope.

Time Commitment

The committee meets four times a year (February, May, August and November) from 6-8pm. Applications are sent to Committee members 1-2 weeks before the meeting and must be reviewed before attendance at the meeting. The time required to review the applications will vary depending on the number received, however, on averages 2-3 hours might be required.

Periodically, members are required to review amendments out-of-session. This is done via email correspondence.

Meeting Locations

The meetings are held at Scope’s office in Hawthorn.

Payment

Scope does not pay sitting fees to its committee members – involvement with the HREC is on a voluntary basis.

Training

Scope will provide induction and training to assist new members.

Members will also be required to attend annual training sessions.