Ethics
Applications
All ethics applications should now be submitted via the new Ethical Review Manager (ERM) application system.
The committee aims to screen and assign low and medium risk school applications to a reviewer within 5-10 days of receipt. The majority of applications are reviewed and a decision issued by the Chair within a further 10-15 working days.
During peak periods, this process can be delayed due to the large volume of applications we process, but most applications receive a decision within 15-20 working days from submission.
Please consult the school guidelines to determine what level of review your study requires.
Further information on the online ERM system, advice and guidance on submitting applications, making amendments and reviewing applications can be located at On-line System for Ethical Review.
Values
Our standards enshrine the following values:
- respect for human dignity
- ensuring integrity and quality
- respect for free and informed consent
- respect for vulnerable persons
- respect for privacy and confidentiality
- voluntary participation
- use of procedures that avoid harm.
We ensure that appropriate and timely education, training and advice is available to all students and staff.
We expect that supervision teams and programme teams will ensure that research integrity is on the agenda at meetings and is integral to decision-making.
We aim to provide clarity regarding the allocation of responsibilities and lines of accountability, and endeavour to make our decision making processes transparent. Our processes will be monitored and reviewed regularly according to best practice.
Risk Assessment
For guidance on health and safety risk assessments for activities or travel not involving ethics, please visit the Health and Safety Page.
If you require guidance on ethics risk assessment please visit the Research Ethics StaffNet page. Here you can also find detailed information on University ethics.
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Dignity at Work and Study
The University of Manchester is committed to creating a learning environment free of harassment, discrimination, victimisation and bullying, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
The School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED) will not tolerate bullying, harassment, discrimination or victimisation of any kind, either towards students and staff, or between them. Allegations of bullying, discrimination and harassment will be investigated and, if appropriate, disciplinary action will be taken.
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Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks
I already have a DBS certificate from The University of Manchester
If you have previously had a DBS check completed by The University of Manchester then you can upload this certificate when completing your online ethical application.
I already have a DBS certificate but it is NOT from The University of Manchester
Did you sign up for the update service at the time your certificate was produced?:
- YES - Please note that you can contact your programme administrator who will check the update service to verify that there have been no changes since your check was completed. You can upload a copy of the certificate when completing your online ethical application.
- NO – You may require a new check to be completed by The University of Manchester, please read the information below
Do I require a DBS check?
Whether or not a DBS is required depends upon various factors such as the environments, the activity being completed, the duration and the subjects involved.
We have created an online survey, which will help you identify whether a DBS check is required and the level of check that would be needed. Please select the link below
I have identified that I need a DBS check - what do I do next?
Please contact your Programme Administrator.