All research studies that need advice from the Confidentiality Advisory Group (CAG), also need a Research Ethics Committee (REC) opinion. Applying for these has always been two separate processes. We’ve been looking at how we can align these processes better as part of wider work to make things easier for the people that we support.
We want to smooth the way for people who need Regulation 5 (section 251) support following CAG advice by aligning the CAG and REC application routes.
A new aligned process
We’re trialling a new approach to align both CAG and REC reviews. Our aim is to make the time for the aligned approvals quicker than doing it separately and simplify the process for applicants. This process will allow both CAG and REC applications to be submitted jointly via a single electronic submission. Applicants will receive one set of communications and queries from us which should mean less need for amendments to your application. Feedback about the new process has been encouraging. We’re seeing a reduction in the time it takes to complete the process and people are finding the joined-up communications easier to manage.
We need you!
Are you a research applicant who is preparing an application to CAG? Would you be willing to try out this new aligned process with us and to feedback to tell us about your experience? If you have not yet started the REC and CAG approval process yet, we’d love to hear from you! We are looking for enough applications so we get a good range of experience to see what works and what doesn’t.
If you think you might be able to help us to align our reviews, please contact cag@hra.nhs.uk