Ethics study document templates

Each School and Faculty have developed a suite of study document templates based on key ethical issues. Applicants are encouraged to use the templates when developing their research ethics application and study documents outlining key information that must be relayed to study participants.

In line with the new research ethics committee structure we encourage the sharing of best practice and applicants are welcome to utilise the list of study document templates that have been developed across different disciplinary practices. These templates should be tailored to your study, participants and their accessibility requirements. 

Participant facing study documents

Participant Information Sheet (PIS) / Participant Information Leaflet (PIL)

Consent form

Debriefing sheet

Protocols

Study protocol

The Health Research Authority has published protocol templates that can support you with developing your research protocol. We encourage researchers to use these templates when developing their study protocol. 

Distress protocol

It is important for researchers to consider any potential harmful consequences which could affect anyone involved in the research. This includes participants, the general public, and the researchers themselves. The UK Statistics Authority has published guidance on 'Distress Protocols- Minimising Potential harm'. We encourage researchers to review this guidance when developing their own distress protocol.

Risk Assessment

What is a risk assessment?

A risk assessment is a logical way of looking at work activities and identifying if and how your work could cause harm to people or the environment. You also put precautionary measures in place to ensure the level of risk is as low as possible.

Safety and Health Services have helpful advice and guidance for carrying out risk assessments with a suggested template for recording risk assessments.

Research specific risk assessment templates can be be found below: