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Research and Business Engagement

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:

  1. 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/
  2. Check that Flash is installed – again it should be turned on by default as it is built into most browsers:
  3.  After checking the above you should refresh your cache before trying to load the decision tool again by following these instructions:

 

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):

  • 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

 

Submitting an Application - Videos

 

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

Making Amendments to an Application-'How To' PDF Guides

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

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. 

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.