Tips for a successful REC application

The HRA have compiled the following information to support successful applications for applicants:

1. Project filter
    a. Make sure that you completed all questions in the project filter and that your selections accurately represent your project. Incomplete or inaccurate selections will mean that the dataset you generate is not appropriate for your research.

2. Dataset
    a. Make sure that you complete all fields in the form. You can review the form page by page online or create a pdf of your draft form.

3. Supporting documents
    a. Make sure that you upload your supporting documents to the Checklist tab for the form. Documents uploaded in either Project Documents or My Documents areas are not automatically added to the form checklist.
    b. The checklist provides a list of the documents that are normally expected to support the application. Use this as a guide to the documents you should include although those that are marked as mandatory are expected in all cases. Where you are not including a document that is listed, enter a reason in the “reason not supplied” box. If you want to include a document that isn’t listed, then add a row to include it by using the add row function at the bottom of the checklist.
    c. When you upload documents make sure you enter the correct file title, version number and date.

4. Authorisations
    a. Make sure you have electronic authorisations in place for all declarations in the form and that they are shown as valid.
    b. Do not add electronic authorisations until you are certain the application is complete. Any changes made to the dataset (except adding the REC Reference number and date after booking) will invalidate any authorisations that are already in place.
    c. If your form requires multiple authorisations be aware that if one of the authorisers changes the form before they authorise it then any authorisations that were already in place will be invalidated and will need to be sought again.

5. Submitting for ethical review
    a. You must book your application before you electronically submit it. If you do not book the application, it will be rejected and the submission history will show that your submission was invalid as no booking was made.
    b. The REC cannot access the form or the documents until the application has been booked and electronically submitted.
    c. If you change the content of the form and/or the documents in the checklist after submission, then these changes are not sent to the REC. You will need to liaise with the REC to submit these updates.
    d. Ensure you or someone else familiar with the research is available to be contacted in the days after submission. This will enable quicker resolution of any queries about the application.