Changes that you make to your protocol and related documents after the project has been approved are called ‘amendments’.

Amendments may be substantial or non-substantial:

• Substantial amendments involve significant changes to the design and methodology of a research project.
• Non-substantial amendments do not involve significant changes to the design and methodology of a research project.

Definitions of substantial and non-substantial amendments

A substantial amendment is defined as an amendment to the terms of the application, or to the protocol or any other supporting documentation, that is likely to affect to a significant degree:

• The safety or physical or mental integrity of the subjects of the study.
• The scientific value of the study.
• The conduct or management of the study.
• The quality or safety of any investigational medicinal product used in the trial.

Examples of non-substantial amendments include:

• Minor changes to the protocol or other study documentation, e.g. correcting errors, updating contact points, minor clarifications.
• Updates of the investigator’s brochure.
• Changes to the chief investigator’s research team.
• changes to the research team at particular trial sites.
• Changes in funding arrangements.
• Changes in the documentation used by the research team for recording study data.
• Changes in the logistical arrangements for storing or transporting samples.
• Inclusion of new sites and investigators.
• Change to the study end date.

For all studies, it is the responsibility of the sponsor to determine whether an amendment is substantial.

A detailed list of substantial and non-substantial amendment examples can be found on the HRA website.

Changes to contact details for the sponsor (or the sponsor’s representative), chief investigator or other study staff are minor amendments but should be notified to the main REC for information.