The Department of Health is inviting applications from members of the public who may wish to be considered for a vacancy as a lay member of the Isle of Man Local Research Ethics Committee. The role of the Committee is to protect the interests and safety of those who are the subjects of research projects, as well as researchers, employers and others on the extent to which proposals for research studies comply with recognised ethical standards. It achieves this by providing independent advice to the Department of Health and to those directly or indirectly involved in research projects. Minister for Health, David Anderson MHK said: “This is an excellent opportunity for a member of the public to become involved with an important part of the Department’s work. The Local Research Ethics Committee plays a significant role with on-Island research.” In particular, the Committee is careful to ensure that sound principles of justice and fairness are applied, and that any regulational or legal requirements are met. The Committee meets as required but this is normally about four times per year and members are appointed for a fixed term of five years, although this may be renewed. There are no formal qualifications required for lay membership but lay members must be independent of the Department of Health and the Department of Social Care, either as employees or in any non-executive role. Their primary personal or professional interest should not be in a research area and they should not be non-medical clinical staff who have practiced their profession within the last five years. At least half of the lay members of the committee must be persons who are not and never have been health or social care professionals or involved in research involving human participants or their data or tissue. Further details can be obtained, and informal discussions arranged, through Norman McGregor Edwards, Director of Health Care Delivery, Crookall House, Demesne Road, Douglas, IM1 3QA. Tel: 642621 E-mail: norman.mcgregoredwards@gov.im The closing date for applications is Friday 18th November 2011 and they should be submitted through Mr McGregor Edwards. The successful applicant will be selected by a simple interview process. - ENDS -