Research Ethics Committee (REC) Public Contributors Recruitment

Are you a member of the public who is interested in research? Have you availed of Tusla Child and Family Agency services in the past?

Tusla is establishing an Independent Research Ethics Committee (REC) to ethically approve research in the areas of Child Welfare and Protection Services; Early Years (pre-school) Inspection Services;  Educational Welfare Services; Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Services; Services related to the psychological welfare of children; Adoption and Alternative Care and any other area of research that meet the requirements for Tusla ethical approval. Dr Patricia Kennedy has been appointed as REC Chairperson, and will work with Tusla’s National Research Office on establishing the REC, which will come into effect in 2021.  

Would you like to support a research culture within the Agency? Have you been involved in Tusla Child and Family Agency services in the past? Or do you have an interest in these areas? Then this may be an opportunity for you to get involved.

In recognition of the role and value of patient and public involvement (PPI) in research, and cultural diversity, Tusla is inviting applications, via expression of interest, from members of the public and those with past experience of Tusla services to become a member of this Independent Research Ethics Committee. 

Public Contributors to the committee are not required to have experience of sitting on a Research Ethics Committee or applying for ethical approval for academic or other research requirements. Training will be provided. Public Contributors on the committee should draw from their lived experience and on their knowledge of any discipline or service area they have availed of in the past. They should also bring a broad interest in research and understanding of the wider services provided by Tusla.

An application and skills match process is now open. Further information and an application form are available below. Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Edel Tierney edel.tierney1@tusla.ie

Closing date for applications is Thursday 19th November 5pm.