This study appeared in full in the last issue of Research Ethics Review (2009; 5 (4): 159). There are three vacancies on the REC; one member has retired and left the area, a second has resigned because of pressures at work, and the third left because he was unable to attend the meetings. A fourth member will shortly be unavailable for several months because she is about to have her first baby. The day's agenda begins with a discussion about how to attract new members. SG suggests that maybe members of the public should be invited to observe a meeting. DL feels that he can recommend two individuals who would be interested.
References
1.
McGeeP. Finding new people to join the REC. Res Ethics Rev2009; 5(4):159.
2.
Department of Health. Governance Arrangements for NHS Research Ethics Committees. London: HMSO, 2001.
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PorterJ.P.. What are the ideal characteristics of unaffiliated/non-scientist IRB members?IRB1986; 8(3): 1–3.
