1. Tusla’s Research Ethics
Overview and Establishment of Tusla’s Standard Operating Procedures
Presentation for Research Seminar 24th March 2017
Angela Feeney, National Research Officer

2. National Research Office Research Register Themes
Total applications received
102
Student Research
50% (51)
Tusla Commissioned Research
12.7% (13)
Tusla Internal Research
7.8% (8)
External Researchers
8.8% (9)
Placement
(1)
Withdrawn
3.9% (4)
Rejected
2.9% (3)
Other (incomplete)

3. Student Research Breakdown
Universities
Institute of Technologies
PHD studies= 16
(TCD, UCD, UCC, UL, NUIG, Queens)
MSc Programmes= 6
(TCD, UCC, UL, U of Ulster)
MA Programmes= 14
(TCD, UCD, UCC, UL, NUIG, Brunel)
Post Grad Diploma= 5
(TCD)
BA Programmes= 3
(DIT, Carlow IT, Tralee IT)
MA Programmes= 5
(DIT, Carlow IT)
Other colleges= 2
(DBS, Irish College of Applied Humanities)

4. Research Methodologies
Research Themes
Alternative Care
Family Support
Small Scale
Qualitative
Semi Structured Interviews
Focus Groups
Surveys
Documentary Analysis
Evaluation Research
Child Protection
Domestic Sexual and Gender Based Violence
Educational Welfare
Early Years

5. Current Practice Research Ethics Review Group
Interim National Manager for Research, Information Project Manager, National Research Officer.
Review all applications seeking ethical approval from Tusla.
Reviews take place every four weeks.
Volume of applications to review, 5-10 applications per review group meeting.
Requirement for a standardised procedure and specific committee membership.

6. Research Ethics Committee Standard Operating Procedures
In the context of: Tusla’s Research Strategy & Tusla’s Research Ethics Committee Guidelines (2015).
In accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, relevant guidelines, legislation and EU Directives pertaining to ethical conduct of research.
Remit and Scope:
The SOP’s apply to research proposals by Tusla staff, academics (national/international), research institutes, consultants, multi-centre studies & students (National Framework of Qualifications, levels 8, 9, 10).
The SOP’s apply where proposed research relates to specific criteria:
- Past or present Tusla service users (inc services provided under contract)
- Relatives or carers of past or present Tusla service users.
- Providers of Tusla’s services.

7. Research Ethics Committee Membership
Structure
At least 12 members.
Multidisciplinary.
1/3 Lay people.
Remainder will be expert members (specialists, professionals, academics).
At least 3 members who are not current or past staff of the CFA.
Administrator.
Membership Chair and Vice-chair Categories of Members: Lay members Data Protection Specialist CFA Researcher Representatives from: Primary Care, Social Care, Social Work, Mental Health Services, Educational Welfare, Family Support Services, Workforce Learning and Development, Domestic, Sexual, and Gender Based Violence Services, Child Advocacy, Family Advocacy, Early Years Inspectorate and Research Academic (external).

8. Tusla’s Research Ethics Committee will:
Review research proposals within Tusla’s remit and scope.
Provide timely, comprehensive and independent review.
Approve or decline proposals on the basis of ethical considerations.
Promote responsible research and practice.
Assess potential benefits/risks to participants, the agency, wider society.
Advocate and encourage ethical standards of practice in research.
Compile an annual report to the Board of Tusla.

9. Making an Application
Application form and related documents will be located on the Research webpage on the Tusla website
All applications to include signature of the applicant, student proposals to be co-signed by supervisors along with Supervisor Endorsement Letter.
Complete checklist to ensure all documentation is included.
Applications to be submitted at least 15 working days in advance of REC.
Incomplete submissions will be returned within 5 days for re-submission.
Expedited reviews (where there are time constraints only).

10. Research Ethics Committee Decisions
Approval
The research can commence, applicant is informed in writing
Approval with Revisions
Subject to recommended revisions or answers to questions posed by the REC, conditions must be met before final approval
Approval Declined
Where research is not justified, poses severe or unnecessary risk to participants or does not meet required standard of ethical review.
Provisions for making Appeals:
Tusla REC Appeals Procedure
Provisions for making Complaints:
Feedback and Complaints Policy and Procedure (Tusla, 2016)

11. Angela Feeney National Research Officer Phone: 01 7718877 Email: angela.feeney1@tusla.ie
Thank you