THE Department of Health is recruiting for a lay member for the Isle of Man Local Research Ethics Committee.

The role of the committee is to protect the interests and safety of those people who are the subjects of research projects as well as researchers and employers.

It achieves this by providing independent advice to the Department of Health and to those directly or indirectly involved in research projects.

In particular the committee is careful to ensure that sound principles of justice and fairness are applied and that regulations and legal requirements are met. 

Health Minister 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."

The committee meets as required but this is normally around four times a year. Members are appointed for a fixed term of five years – although this may be renewed.

No formal qualifications are needed to become a lay member but the person must be independent from the Department of Health and the Department of Social Care – either as employees or in a 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. 
 
The post is unpaid and the closing date for applications is Friday, November 18.

Further information is available from Norman McGregor Edwards, the director of health care delivery, by calling 01624 642621 or by e-mail – norman.mcgregoredwards@gov.im.