Human Research Ethics Committee Standard Operating Procedures

The Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) set out the Committee's processes and procedures for the ethical review of human research conducted under the auspices of the University of New England (UNE). They are designed to ensure that the Committee operates consistently, transparently and in accordance with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2025) and other relevant legislative and regulatory requirements.

The SOPs provide guidance on the roles and responsibilities of Committee members, researchers and the Human Research Ethics Office, as well as the processes for ethics review, monitoring approved research, reporting requirements and other aspects of HREC operations.

Complaints and Appeals Standard Operating Procedures

UNE is committed to ensuring that concerns relating to the ethics review process are managed fairly, transparently and in a timely manner.

The HREC Standard Operating Procedures for Complaints and Appeals outline the process for raising concerns about the conduct of the Human Research Ethics Committee, the ethics review process, or decisions made by the Committee. They also explain how appeals against HREC decisions are managed, including the principles of procedural fairness, confidentiality and independent review where appropriate.

Researchers, participants and other stakeholders are encouraged to refer to these procedures before lodging a complaint or appeal.

Please use the links below to access the relevant documents:

• HRE Standard Operating Procedures - Complaints and Appeals

• HREC Standard Operating Procedures