Annual Reporting

Research Ethics Committees (RECs) are required to monitor research that has received a favourable opinion. Therefore, researchers must submit Annual Progress Reports in order to inform REC of the progress of the research.

The information required in an Annual Progress Report relates to research conduct, recruitment, amendments, and safety.

A Progress Report should be submitted to the REC (which gave the favorable opinion) 12 months after the date on which the favorable opinion was given. Annual Progress Reports should be submitted thereafter until the end of the study.

How do I submit an Annual Progress Report?

It is the responsibility of the Chief Investigator to complete and submit Annual Progress Reports.

There are separate forms for submitting Annual Progress Reports, depending on the type of research. All forms are available to download directly from the HRA website.

Can I continue with my research after submitting an Annual Progress Report?

The REC does not need to re-confirm its favourable ethical opinion each time an Annual Progress Report is received. It is generally assumed that the opinion applies for the duration of the research, although the REC may review its opinion at any time.