Background

The Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS) Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) aims to protect the rights and interests of those participating in research by assessing research proposals and discussing any associated ethical issues such as exposure to risk, the information provided to participants or how participants will consent. The CAHS HREC is certified with the National Health and Medical Research Council as a lead HREC and facilitates the review and approval for research projects at CAHS and across Australia under the National Mutual Acceptance scheme.

Membership Opportunities

CAHS is seeking expressions of interest for Pastoral Care members (such as a Minister of Religion, Aboriginal elder or anyone who performs a pastoral care/support role within the community). 

Role of Member / Key Requirements

• A person who performs a pastoral care role in a community, for example, an Aboriginal elder, a minister of religion etc;
• Apply the language and principles of the National Statement and other relevant guidelines to your reviews;
• Prepare for, and attend at least eight Committee meetings per annum as well as professional development;
• Identify the risks and benefits of research proposals and how well risks are mitigated by proposed measures;
• Declare any potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise, in respect of research proposals put before the Committee, and;
• If unable to attend a meeting where no member in your category is present, able to communicate views on agenda items where required.

The CAHS HREC meets monthly (on a Thursday at 5:00pm) and meetings typically last 2 hours. The time commitment for pre-reading of material varies but is approximately 2-3 hours.

Selection Criteria

Knowledge and skills:

• Problem-solving: seeks all relevant information for identifying matters relevant to the ethical evaluation of research proposals investigates and probes for the facts draws sound inferences from available information identifies and proposes workable solutions to problems.
• Governance: An understanding and willingness to contribute to compliant, orderly and effective meetings.
• Clear, concise and respectful communication and problem solving: able to express views, including disagreement, in a clear and respectful manner and to propose solutions to move forward.
• Collaboration: able to work effectively in a large group and small teams to produce concise, and collaborative reviews.
• Time-management: able to deliver reviews by deadline.