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The Foundation for Professional Development Research Ethics Committee (FPD-REC) promotes the conduct of ethical research within FPD. The Committee provides ethical oversight to help ensure that research is conducted responsibly and with respect for the people and communities involved.
The main aim of the FPD-REC is to safeguard the dignity, rights, safety and well-being of all actual or potential research participants and communities, while taking into account the interests and needs of researchers and the integrity of FPD.
Safeguarding the dignity, rights, safety, welfare and interests of research participants.
Reviewing research proposals and considering their ethical implications and participant safeguards.
Considering the scientific and methodological soundness of proposed research as part of ethical review.
The FPD-REC operates in terms of the National Health Act, 2003 (Act 61 of 2003), and the national research ethics framework overseen by the National Health Research Ethics Council (NHREC).
The Committee operates within the legislative framework established by the National Health Act, 2003.
The FPD Research Ethics Committee has been registered and audited by the National Health Research Ethics Council.
The registration certificate currently published by FPD lists registration number REC-030711-033 and validity until 30 November 2027.
Health research must be reviewed by a Research Ethics Committee in terms of the National Health Act. The Act defines health research broadly as research that contributes to knowledge in areas including:
Biological, clinical, psychological or social processes in human beings.
Improved methods for the provision of health services.
Knowledge and understanding of human pathology.
Research into the causes and contributing factors of disease.
The effects of the environment on the human body.
The development or new application of pharmaceuticals, medicines, related substances and health technology.
Important: Researchers should establish whether their proposed work requires ethical review before commencing research activities. If you are unsure whether your study falls within the FPD-REC's scope, contact the Secretariat for guidance.
Applications are screened for completeness and scientific soundness before being considered by the full Committee. The process diagram below illustrates the review stages and the feedback or approval steps.
Overview of the FPD-REC application and review process.
The Principal Investigator submits the required documents electronically to the Secretariat before the applicable deadline.
The Secretariat checks the application for completeness and correct supporting documentation.
Complete applications are considered by the scientific sub-committee for scientific soundness.
The full Committee reviews the proposal and considers its ethical implications.
The Committee communicates its outcome. Changes or clarifications may be requested before approval is granted.
Once approval has been granted, the approval certificate is issued.
Submission timing: The FPD-REC Protocol Submission Guidelines state that applications must be submitted at least 15 working days before the relevant Committee meeting. Please consult the Secretariat for the applicable submission deadline and meeting date.
A complete application should include the research protocol and all supporting documents relevant to the proposed study. The proposal submitted for scientific or technical review must be the same as the proposal submitted for ethics review.
A complete research proposal with the research methodology and ethical considerations, including how participants' welfare, rights and interests will be protected.
Researchers' names, current CVs, qualifications, affiliations, addresses and contact details.
Details of organisations or institutions involved in the study, together with sponsors and funders.
A summary, synopsis or diagrammatic representation of the research protocol.
Recruitment procedures, participant information, informed consent forms and assent forms where applicable.
Questionnaires, interview guides, diary cards, computer-based surveys and other participant-facing research tools.
Site details, relevant addresses, research team members and permission letters where applicable.
Procedures for responding to adverse events, injury or harm attributable to participation in the study.
Conflict-of-interest information, participant compensation, study budget and disclosure of previous ethics review where applicable.
Submission requirements: Applications must be submitted electronically in English to the FPD-REC Secretariat. The full protocol submission guidelines contain the detailed list of required documents and the application summary sheet.
Ethical oversight continues throughout the life of an approved study. Researchers must submit relevant changes, progress updates and reports to the FPD-REC Secretariat.
Submit a cover letter from the Principal Investigator explaining the proposed changes and reasons for them, the amendment request form and applicable revised study documents. Highlight all additions and changes to previously approved documents in yellow.
Submit a cover letter explaining why the study requires an extension, together with a progress report and the applicable renewal documentation.
The Principal Investigator must notify the FPD-REC Secretariat electronically within 24 hours after becoming aware of a protocol deviation and/or serious adverse event, using the applicable reporting documentation.
Study reports: Progress and final study reports must be submitted to the Secretariat as required. Use the study report form for six-month progress reports and final study reports.
Access national and international research ethics guidelines and FPD-REC documentation to support the responsible preparation and conduct of research.
For questions about applications, submissions, amendments, renewals or the research ethics review process, please contact the FPD-REC Secretariat.
Physical Address
Foundation for Professional Development
FPD Knowledge Park, 173 Mary Road
The Willows, Pretoria