This article is part of the Iris Ethics Knowledge Base; you can find a directory of all articles here.
Overview
Each member of the Iris Ethics HREC bears individual responsibility for assessing whether research proposals meet the requirements of the National Statement and are ethically acceptable (NS 5.2.21). Membership of an HREC is not a representative role: members are appointed as individuals for their knowledge, qualities, and experience, and not as representatives of any organisation, department, or group (NS 5.1.41).
Member responsibilities
To fulfil their review responsibilities, members should (NS 5.2.22):
- Read all documents and submissions provided
- Familiarise themselves with relevant sections of the National Statement and applicable guidelines
- Seek clarification on matters they do not understand before or during the meeting
- Contribute constructively to the deliberations of the committee
- Disclose any interests that may constitute a conflict of interest before or at the relevant meeting (NS 5.2.24)
- Maintain confidentiality in relation to all matters considered by the HREC (NS 5.2.23)
Confidentiality
Members must respect any institutional protocols or policies related to confidentiality in the performance of their role. This applies to interactions with other members, with administrators, with researchers/evaluators, and to all matters discussed at meetings or in any other context (NS 5.2.23).
Conflicts of interest
Members must disclose any interests that may constitute an actual or potential conflict of interest, including any financial or other interest or affiliation that bears on any research or evaluation coming before the HREC. Disclosure should be made to the chairperson and Secretariat before the meeting, or before discussion of the relevant agenda item at the meeting (NS 5.2.24). See Conflicts of interest for full guidance on disclosure and management requirements.
Training
HREC members should receive appropriate training to enable them to carry out their review responsibilities effectively. See Training requirements for guidance on training expectations for Iris Ethics members.
This page was last updated on 10 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.