Parenting Research Centre Human Research Ethics Committee

We are seeking expressions of interest in becoming a member of our Human Research Ethics Committee.

1. About the Parenting Research Centre (PRC)

The Parenting Research Centre (PRC) seeks better outcomes for children by increasing effectiveness and fostering innovation in the way families are supported in their parenting. We work collaboratively with our clients to deliver tailored, outcomes-focused solutions based on the best available evidence.

We bring scientific rigour to the practical task of improving the quality and effectiveness of services and supports provided to children and families. We help our clients to solve problems and achieve their intended outcomes by:
• undertaking rigorous analytical, evaluation and quality improvement research
• making evidence accessible and useful to decision makers through best-practice knowledge synthesis, translation and exchange
• improving service quality and effectiveness with evidence-informed practice design and implementation support.

We are an independent, not-for-profit organisation and work with governments and community organisations in the fields of health, education and welfare.

2. About the HREC

The PRC’s Human Research Ethics Committee was established to consider and review the ethical implications of proposed research and evaluation projects undertaken by our organisation. It serves as an advisory body to the Chief Executive Officer with responsibility to ensure research and evaluation projects involving human participants are ethically acceptable and in accordance with relevant standards and guidelines.

The committee is composed of members with backgrounds in professional care, pastoral care, law and research. It also has members who do not have any affiliation or do not engage in medical, scientific, legal or academic work. Members review application documents and meet once a month with a set agenda. Meetings are scheduled on the second Friday in the month.

The PRC HREC is registered with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).

3. Key Responsibilities

A Human Research Ethics Committee member is expected to:

• Become familiar with the NHMRC National Statement for the review of research and evaluation proposals
• Prepare for and attend monthly meetings or provide feedback if unavailable (except January each year)
• Review other related ethics application documents such as amendments to approved research or new expedited applications
• Coordinate with committee members and secretariat as necessary

4. Selection Criteria

For professional care member:
• Knowledge and current experience in professional care, counselling or treatment of people (e.g. psychologist, medical doctor, nurse or allied health professional)
• Availability to attend monthly meetings

For pastoral care member:
• Current experience in pastoral care or the provision of emotional or spiritual support to a community
• Availability to attend monthly meetings

For lay member:
• Good standing in the community
• Due to a NHMRC requirement of an equal number of male and female members, applicant would need to be female
• Availability to attend monthly meetings