This article is part of the Iris Ethics Knowledge Base; you can find a directory of all articles here.
Overview
HREC members must have, or develop through training, the knowledge and skills necessary to carry out their review responsibilities. Each member is individually responsible for undertaking induction training, remaining familiar with the National Statement, and attending continuing education at least every three years, or more frequently if the institution provides it (NS 5.2.22). The institution, in turn, must be satisfied that its members have undertaken or will undertake appropriate induction and continuing education (NS 5.1.26(c)).
Induction
Newly appointed members are provided with adequate induction and documentation, which may include mentoring by an experienced HREC member (NS 5.1.26(c)(i), 5.2.22(a); ToR 6.5). Induction familiarises new members with the structure and content of the National Statement, the committee's Terms of Reference and Standard Operating Procedures, and the fields of research the committee typically reviews.
Ongoing familiarity with the National Statement
Each member is expected to become and remain familiar with the National Statement, and to consult other guidelines relevant to the review of specific research applications (NS 5.2.22(b); ToR 6.5).
Continuing education
Members must attend continuing education or training programs in research ethics at least every three years, or more frequently where the institution provides it (NS 5.2.22(d)). At Iris Ethics, members are given the opportunity to attend training conferences and workshops relevant to the work and responsibilities of the HREC, at the expense of Iris Ethics (ToR 6.5). Training areas typically include research methods, ethical considerations in specialised fields, committee governance, conflict of interest and confidentiality obligations, and awareness of unconscious bias in review decisions.
Recording training
Training participation should be recorded as part of the committee's governance records, supporting the institution's assurance that the committee as a whole has the competence required to review the research it considers (NS 5.1.26(c)).
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.