Ethical Review Manager (ERM): Online system for University ethical approval
The University has adopted an online ethics review software system (ERM) to manage the ethical review of research projects that involve human participants. This online ethical review application system is available to both members of staff and students at the University of Manchester. The system will help applicants submit and track their applications as well as make it easier for the University Research Ethics Committee and various Division/School panels to conduct reviews, provide feedback and approve applications.
ERM now features an automatic submission feature. This means that once you sign the form (and obtain any additional required signatures) the system will automatically submit the application on your behalf. You will receive an email confirmation that submission was successful. If you do not receive this confirmation within one hour of the application being signed, please refer to the FAQ below for guidance.
Applicants, supervisors & PI's - Submitting an ethics application? Log into the Ethical Review Manager System
Reviewing a submitted ethics application? (UREC or Division/School Ethics Personnel ONLY) Log into the review side of the system
The how-to articles and tutorial videos in the submenus below provide guidance to members and staff and students on how to use the online ethical review application system (ERM).
Please consult our guide to Frequently Asked Questions before emailing the central research office to see if the answer to your query is listed.
Ethics Decision Tool
Access the Ethics Decision Tool
Important note: we recommend using Firefox, Edge or Safari to access the tool as functionality can be limited in Chrome. To ensure you are using the most recent version of the tool we recommend a hard refresh (PC: Ctrl+F5 / Mac: Cmd+Shift+R) every time you access it.
If you experience any issues with the tool, please try opening it in an incognito/private window (Ctrl + Shift + N / Cmd + Shift + N).
Additional troubleshooting advice:
- Check that Javascript is enabled – it should be turned on by default; but if not the following link provides instructions http://www.enable-javascript.com/
- Check that Flash is installed – again it should be turned on by default as it is built into most browsers:
- For Chrome, flash is no longer supported as of 2021 so please use an alternative browser
- For IE or Firefox, a Flash error message probably means that the browser itself needs to be updated which can be done through the Software Centre (see these instructions https://manchester.saasiteu.com/Modules/SelfService/#knowledgeBase/view/189358BC6BA548D694F6EBCB998A54EB)
- After checking the above you should refresh your cache before trying to load the decision tool again by following these instructions:
- Chrome - https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/32050?hl=en-GB
- For other browsers - http://www.refreshyourcache.com/en/home/
Accessing the ERM
Accessing the ERM
To access the new ERM system, please use the following URLs and log in with your University of Manchester username and password (the same information you use to access your email):
- Submission: To create a new ethics application please log onto the submission side of the system
- Review: To review an ethics application (UREC or Division/School Ethics Personnel ONLY) please log onto the review side of the system
Creating and Submitting an Ethics Application
Please see below for a selection of PDF training guides and short videos to walk you through the steps of creating and submitting your ethics application.
'How To' PDF Guides - including how to create a new application and how to submit/request a signature
Getting Started-Video
- How to create a new ethics application (Section A)
Submitting an Application - Videos
- How to add contact information (Staff-Section B)
- How to add contact information (Students-Section B)
- How to complete the insurance information (Section C)
- How to complete the general information (Section D)
- How to upload supporting documentation
- How to sign or request signatures (Section S)
- How to respond to a signature request (Section S)
IMPORTANT: Please ensure you request the signatures of the PI or supervisor (if required).
The system now features an updated submission function which will automatically queue your application for submission after all required signatures are obtained.
If you do not receive a confirmation email within 1 hour of signing the form that the application has successfully submitted, please perform the following:
1. Open the application and double check the form status as it should be listed as submitted, resubmitted or sent to. If the status is one of these, please email your Ethics Signatory or School Administrator to double check that they have received your application.
2. If the form status is listed as 'changes requested', 'not submitted' or 'returned' then please double check:
a. That an appropriate signature has been obtained in Section S (it should say for example: Mr Smith has signed on 5/7/2019 at 13.15pm)
b. That no additional blank signature boxes are listed in Section S
c. That the application is not pending a mandatory update (listed in a red bar at the top of the screen)
d. If you have performed all of these checks and the application has still not automatically submitted, please email research.ethics@manchester.ac.uk and provide your project reference number, title and a screenshot confirming these criteria and a member of the team will be able to assist you.
Revising an Approved Application
Please see below for a selection of PDF training guides and short videos to walk you through revising your approved ethics application or submitting a progress/end of study report.
Making Amendments to an Application-Videos
- How to make an amendment on a historical application (application made prior to ERM)
- How to make an amendment on an application approved in ERM
Making Amendments to an Application-'How To' PDF Guides
- How to make an amendment on a historical application (application made prior to ERM)
- How to make an amendment on an application approved in ERM
Submitting an End of Study/Progress Report (UREC Only)-Video
Submitting an End of Study/Progress Report (UREC Only)-'How To' PDF Guide
Reviewing an Application
This section refers to tasks that would be carried out by reviewers and administrative staff ONLY.
Reviewing Applications-Videos
- Locating and opening an application for review
- Adding/editing/deleting comments
- Printing the application
Role Specific PDF Training Guides
Please see below for a list of PDF Training Guides that are specific to each role in the new ERM system. Please ensure you read the contents carefully as the screenshots and buttons available will change depending on your role. If you hold more than one role in the system, please ensure you read each guide as required.
- Ethics Signatory (UREC only)
- UREC Chair or Deputy Chair
- UREC Secretary
- UREC Committee member
- Division/School Committee member
- Division/School Chair
- Division/School Administrator
You may find it beneficial to set up an email inbox rule to move all notifications from the new online system into a single folder. If you wish to do this, please see the PDF guide below for specific instructions.