1. Introduction
This Service Charter outlines our commitment to delivering high-quality ethical review services and establishes clear standards for service delivery, performance, and client engagement. It is underpinned by our Terms of Reference, which define our governance framework and committee operations, and our Standard Operating Procedures, which detail our operational processes and quality assurance measures.
Iris Ethics is Australia's first open access Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) dedicated to serving the evaluation, social research, and market research sectors (NHMRC Registered HREC EC00484). Our mission is to deliver robust ethical oversight and advice for evaluators, social researchers, and market researchers through a secure platform that enables fast turnaround without compromising quality or privacy.
2. Scope of Services
We provide comprehensive ethical review services tailored to the unique requirements of our industries:
- Full Committee Review: For projects with more than low risk, conducted by a full committee with review findings delivered in under two weeks
- Lower Risk Review: For projects with no risk of harm but potential for discomfort, burden, or minor inconvenience, with expert review completed in under one week
- Expert Determination: Tailored advice for specific ethical questions involving new methodologies or engagement approaches
- Amendment Reviews: Assessment of proposed changes to approved research protocols
- Statements of Exemption: Determinations for activities that may not require ethical review
3. Service Standards
As our minimum commitment, we deliver high-quality reviews that meet the requirements of the NHMRC National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research 2025.
Our reviews are:
- Contextually Responsive: Tailored to the specific needs and practices of evaluation, social research, and market research industries
- Expert-Matched: Committee members are selected based on their expertise relevant to each application's subject matter and methodology
- Collaborative: Researchers and evaluators can actively participate in the review process through collaborative discussions
- Transparent: A clear rationale is provided for all decisions with reference to relevant guidelines and standards
4. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Our service delivery commitments, as outlined in our Standard Operating Procedures and Terms of Reference, are:
Service Type | Delivery Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Full Committee Reviews | Under 10 business days from application confirmation |
| Lower Risk Reviews | Under 5 business days from application confirmation |
| Expert Determinations | Under 5 business days from application confirmation |
| Amendment Reviews | Under 10 business days from submission |
| Statements of Exemption | Under 5 business days from application confirmation |
Additional Performance Standards:
- Meeting commencement within 1 business day of application confirmation (3 business days for international projects)
- Decision notification within 1 business day of Panel decision
- Application confirmation and review commencement subject to suitable Panel formation
5. Feedback and Continuous Improvement
We are committed to continuous improvement through multiple feedback mechanisms:
- Post-Review Client Engagement: Direct feedback collection following completion of reviews
- Formal Feedback Surveys: Systematic collection of client experience data
- Complaints Mechanism: Formal complaints policy with structured investigation and response processes
- Professional Development: Feedback incorporation into ongoing staff training and development programs
- Sector Capacity Building: Publication of de-identified guidance materials to benefit the broader research community
6. Accessibility and Inclusion
Iris Ethics is committed to providing accessible and inclusive services that respect the diverse needs of our research community. We strive to accommodate different cultural contexts, language requirements, and accessibility needs. Our committee includes diverse representation with expertise in accessible, trauma-informed, and culturally safe research practices, incorporating lived-experience perspectives to ensure comprehensive ethical oversight.
7. Privacy and Confidentiality Commitments
We maintain the highest standards of privacy and confidentiality in all our operations:
- Secure Platforms: Applications submitted through secure, Australia-hosted platforms (Odoo, MS Azure) with encrypted data storage and transmission
- Confidential Deliberations: All HREC meetings, discussions, and documentation are treated as strictly confidential
- Data Protection: Records maintained in accordance with Privacy Act 1998 (Cth) requirements with secure cloud storage and two-factor authentication
- Retention Standards: Documents retained for minimum 7 years post-project completion for monitoring and regulatory purposes
- Access Controls: Platform access restricted to authorised Panel members and Secretariat only
- Conflict of Interest Management: Comprehensive register and management procedures for all potential conflicts
8. Mutual Responsibilities
Our Commitment to You:
- Timely, high-quality ethical review within stated timeframes
- Clear communication and transparent decision-making processes
- Respectful, professional engagement throughout the review process
- Confidential handling of all application materials and deliberations
Your Commitment to Us:
- Provide complete, accurate information in applications
- Respond promptly to requests for additional information or clarification
- Notify us immediately of any changes to approved protocols or safety concerns
- Comply with all conditions of ethical approval
- Submit required progress and final reports as specified
9. Contact Information
General Inquiries and Applications:
- Email: info@irisethics.com.au
- Website: www.irisethics.com.au
Complaints and Appeals:
- Initial contact: info@irisethics.com.au
- Formal complaints handled per published complaints policy
- Appeals process available through HREC Chair and Managing Director
10. Our Commitment
Iris Ethics is committed to protecting the mental and physical welfare, rights, dignity, and safety of research participants while facilitating ethical research through efficient and effective review processes. We operate with accountability to our stakeholders, transparency in our operations, and dedication to building the ethical capacity of the evaluation, social research, and market research sectors.
11. Further questions
Further information and assistance can be received by contacting us at: info@irisethics.com.au
Last updated: 30 June 2025