ESRC Framework For Research Ethics (FRE) 2010
As the principal funding agency for UK social science research, the ESRC requires that the research it supports is:
- designed and conducted in such a way that it meets certain ethical principles
- subject to proper professional and institutional oversight in terms of research governance.
We have always made it clear that the ethics framework should be a 'living' document which we are committed to developing over time. Updates to the document will take into account the experiences of the ESRC and Research Organisations as well as future challenges arising from the wider ethics environment.
We view the implementation and development of the framework as a collaborative exercise, involving key stakeholders including the social science research community and beyond. These views have been vital in revising the framework.
The Revised Framework for Research Ethics (FRE) is now available below as a PDF. We have aimed to retain the familiarity of the framework whilst reflecting developments in legislation and research ethics. There will be a period of 'bedding in' for this framework so that HEIs, RECs and researchers can familiarise themselves with the revisions that have been made. To help with this, Appendix E summarises the key changes to the framework. As such ESRC will not commence any auditing of Research Organisations (in relation to Research Ethics) before the next academic year.
We are looking at our guidance and procedures to see where we may need to make changes in line with the new framework. We will publish relevant changes on this web page.
A 'glossy' version of the Framework for Research Ethics (FRE) will be available on the web site in the spring. Our web site will be developed later in the year to provide a more interactive version of the framework as well as tools and features to help researchers when thinking about the ethics of their research.
If you have any queries, please email ethics@esrc.ac.uk
Background to the original Research Ethics Framework
The Research Ethics Framework (REF) for social science research was formally introduced by ESRC in January 2006. The dignity, rights and welfare of research participants are core criteria. Since that date, we have only funded research where consideration has been given to ethical implications, and in those institutions where appropriate arrangements are in place. The Framework therefore has implications for applicants to ESRC, research ethics committees within HEIs and for those assessing research proposals.
The REF has been subject to wide-ranging consultation with the social science community and other key stakeholders. All of the main funders of social science research in the UK have now given their support to it. The Framework is an attempt to reflect, disseminate and standardise current good practice in the context of a rapidly changing research environment and to help ensure that the public remains confident, as ESRC is, in UK social science. We are also conscious of the increasing importance of interaction between the social sciences and the natural and medical sciences and the new challenges that these are creating in sensitive areas such as genomics and stem cells research. Finally, we feel it is important that there are a set of standards and guidelines that are relevant specifically to social science research rather than drawing on those developed primarily for clinical research.
Comments or enquiries about ESRC's Research Ethics Framework or any related matters should be sent by email to ethics@esrc.ac.uk.