This article is part of the Iris Ethics Knowledge Base; you can find a directory of all articles here.
Minimum membership requirements
An HREC constituted under the National Statement must have a minimum of eight members, drawn from six mandatory categories (NS 5.1.30):
- a chairperson with suitable experience, including previous HREC membership, whose other responsibilities will not impair the committee's capacity to carry out its obligations under the National Statement
- two people who bring a broad community or consumer perspective and have no paid affiliation with the institution
- a person with knowledge of, and current experience in, the professional care or treatment of people (for example, a nurse, counsellor or allied health professional)
- a person who performs a pastoral care role in a community, including an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander elder or community leader, a chaplain or another religious leader
- a qualified lawyer, who need not be currently practising and, where possible, is not otherwise engaged to advise the institution
- two people with current research or evaluation experience relevant to the proposals considered at the meetings they attend
The Iris Ethics HREC applies this composition (ToR section 6.1).
No dual-category representation
No individual may represent more than one of the six categories at a single meeting on an application, although the same person may fill a different category at a separate meeting, provided every category is represented at each meeting (NS 5.1.31; ToR 6.1). Where a member cannot attend, the Chair and Managing Director identify a replacement who can fill the vacated category so that the panel remains compliant.
Diversity and additional members
As far as practicable, membership at each meeting should reflect diversity, including gender diversity, and at least one-third of those participating should have no affiliation with the institution (NS 5.1.36; ToR 7.2). Institutions may also appoint additional members beyond the minimum eight, or draw on a wider pool of appointed members and co-opted experts, to provide the range of knowledge and perspectives needed to review the full scope of research submitted to the committee (NS 5.1.33–5.1.38).
Appointment process
The Managing Director appoints HREC members, in consultation with the Chair and other senior Iris Ethics officials. Prospective members may be identified by direct approach, nomination, or advertisement; a selection committee comprising the Chair, the Managing Director and, where possible, one other HREC member interviews candidates and recommends appointment (ToR 6.2). Members are appointed as individuals for their knowledge, qualities and experience, not as representatives of any organisation (NS 5.1.41).
Term of appointment
Members are appointed for an initial term of two years and may serve a longer term with the Managing Director's approval; re-appointment follows an invitation from the Managing Director on the Chair's recommendation (ToR 6.3).
Lapse, resignation and termination
Membership may lapse if a member fails, without reasonable excuse or notice to the Chair or Managing Director, to participate in the review of three consecutive applications; the Chair or Managing Director notifies the member of the lapse in writing and steps are taken to fill the vacancy. A member may resign at any time by written notice to the Chair. The Managing Director may terminate a member's appointment where necessary for the proper functioning of the HREC, where the person is not a fit and proper person to serve, or where the member has failed to carry out their duties as an HREC member (ToR 6.3).
Related resources
This page was last updated on 16 September 2026.
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This article makes reference to the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research 2025. It is intended as practical guidance and does not constitute legal advice.
AI Disclosure: Resources in this library were prepared using Large Language Models with input from Iris Ethics staff who guided the scope and design. Subsequent revisions and final versions were developed and approved by Iris Ethics staff.