This article is part of the Iris Ethics Knowledge Base; you can find a directory of all articles here.
Overview
The National Statement requires every HREC to document, implement and publicise standard operating procedures that promote good ethics review (NS 5.2.1). Iris Ethics meets this requirement through its published Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), which apply to the HREC and, where relevant, to other Iris Ethics services such as Lower Risk Reviews and Expert Determinations (SOP section 1).
What the SOPs cover
The National Statement sets out the topics an HREC's operating procedures must address (NS 5.2.1), and the Iris Ethics SOPs follow that structure:
- Frequency and conduct of meetings, and attendance requirements.
- Preparation of agendas and minutes, and timely distribution of papers.
- Timely consideration of applications, and methods of deliberation and decision-making.
- Processes for applications from unaffiliated or international applicants.
- Disclosure of interests and management of conflicts of interest (see Conflicts of interest).
- Confidentiality of applications and deliberations.
- Notification of decisions and communication with applicants (see Communication with applicants).
- Record keeping (see Record keeping).
- Monitoring of approved applications and reporting and handling of adverse events (see Monitoring and compliance).
- Receiving and handling of complaints, and decisions to suspend or withdraw ethics approval (see Complaints handling and Suspension/withdrawal of approval).
Review and amendment
The HREC performs its functions according to these written procedures, which are reviewed at least every three years and amended and updated as necessary. All HREC members have access to the procedures and are consulted on any changes to them (ToR section 7.1).
How the SOPs relate to this Knowledge Base
Where this Knowledge Base and the SOPs address the same operational matter, the SOPs are the authoritative source for Iris Ethics-specific procedure; the National Statement and this Knowledge Base provide the underlying framework and interpretation. Practitioners preparing an application, and HREC members carrying out a review, should read the two together.
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.