New members wanted for SCRA Research Ethics Committee

Do you have the ability to analyse complex issues, be objective and voice your opinions?

Are you passionate about research being used to improve the experiences of children and families involved in social care and justice proceedings? Then volunteering to become a member of the Research Ethics Committee at the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration (SCRA) is the perfect opportunity for you.

More information about SCRA and the work that we do can be found on our website. You might find the About SCRA section helpful, while the section for Professionals provides additional information.

Who should consider applying?
We are currently seeking applications from academics, practitioners and policy makers.

Academic applicants should have a proven record of conducting research in the social sciences, public health, education, social work, policing, criminology, childhood studies or a similar field. Early career researchers who are wishing to gain experience of sitting on an ethics committee are welcome to apply; however, they should be able to demonstrate that they have a sound understanding of ethical principles.

Applications are welcome from practitioners and policy makers with experience of working in the fields of social work, social care, policing, criminal justice, education, health and children’s rights. Applicants do not need to have a track record of conducting research but should be able to demonstrate experience of making ethical decisions.

An understanding of the children’s hearings system and the social care and justice context it operates within is preferable, but not essential.

What will I be asked to do?
Successful candidates will be asked to attend a half day training session that introduces the Children’s Hearings System, the social care and justice system it operates within and  the research ethics process at SCRA. Travel expenses and refreshments will be provided.

On average, ethics committee members will be asked to review one ethics application per year alongside 1-2 other committee members. It is anticipated that applications will be reviewed online, with no in-person meetings required.

What type of research will I be asked to review?
Schedule 3, paragraph 14 of the Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 directs that SCRA can carry out research relating to the functions conferred on it by the Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 or any other statute.

The research that is undertaken at SCRA has three key purposes: 1) to provide detailed understanding of the lives of children and families who are Hearing or care-experienced; 2) to inform and influence practice, policy and legislation relating to the Children’s Hearings System; 3) to identify ways to improve Hearings-related processes and practices.

Research may also be undertaken at the request of Scottish Government Ministers to inform the development or refinement of policies and legislation.  Further information on previous research conducted by SCRA can be found in the Resources section.

Over the course of the next three years, our research will focus on understanding the impact of implementing the Children (Care and Justice) (Scotland) Act and the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) Act. These pieces of legislation will result in more 16 and 17 year olds being referred to the Children’s Reporter. It will also result in significant changes to how grounds of referral are established, advocacy provision, and the way in which the rights and voices of children and families are embedded within decision making. Our research will seek to understand how the changes being made affect the nature of the referrals being made to SCRA, the decisions that are made, and participation within Hearings. This will include looking at issues such as the prevalence of criminal exploitation in referrals to the Reporter.

Will I be renumerated for my time?
As this is a volunteering role, there is no remuneration to committee members for the time they spend reviewing ethics applications.

What will I gain from being a committee member?
As a member of our research ethics committee, you will gain: an increased knowledge in research methodology; a better understanding of research ethics and relevant legislation; committee skills; and the satisfaction of being able to support research that has direct impacts on practice, policy and legislation.

How do I apply?
Applicants should submit a copy of their CV, along with a 500-word expression of interest to catherine.nixon@scra.gov.uk by Thursday the 5th of November. The expression of interest should outline:

• Why you would like to be a member of SCRA’s ethics committee
• What skills and experience you would bring to the role, including any previous experience of research study design or ethical decision-making

The selection process will include an informal discussion with the research manager. This will either be undertaken remotely or in person.

Pre-engagement checks
SCRA is a regulated body under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 and an exempted body for the purposes of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Prior to joining our ethics committee, you will be asked to complete a Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Application Form.  The PVG will inform SCRA of any spent and/or unspent convictions that may affect your ability to undertake this role. The cost of this application will be borne by SCRA.

Successful applicants will be asked to sign a confidentiality undertaking.