The Research Governance Steering Group work to identify research governance threats, challenges, and opportunities that must be addressed collectively. The group's aim is to enhance coordination among Departments whose responsibilities encompass aspects of Research Governance.

The steering group was established in Autumn 2024 and held their first meeting in October, where the group’s Terms of Reference and membership were agreed. These were reported to the Research and Knowledge Exchange Committee (RKEC) on 26th November 2024, and are outlined on this page.

Terms of Reference

Purpose

To ensure relevant Departments have oversight of all research governance matters across the University.
To develop processes to ensure that all policies and practices that support research activity are fit for purpose and adopted across the University.

Responsibilities

To have oversight of all University policies, processes and practices that support the delivery of good quality research.
To provide advice and assurance to the Research and Knowledge Exchange Committee on matters of research governance and best practice.
To ensure that all relevant Departments across the University understand their roles and responsibilities with regards to good research governance.
To ensure that provision for research governance is embedded in relevant areas of all Departments.
To advise on policy, legislative and regulatory changes that may impact the University’s existing policies, processes and practices.
To monitor and review the University’s policies to ensure that they are aligned with good research governance (where applicable).

Procedural Rules

Chair and membership

To be chaired by the Head of Research Governance and Compliance
Members to be drawn from Departments with responsibility for key areas of research support
The Trusted Research Manager will act as Secretary

Notes, actions and updates

To report into the Research and Knowledge Exchange Committee (RKEC)
To provide relevant updates to the Academic Ethics and Integrity Committee (AEIC)
To submit minutes to RKEC
To meet three times per year, or as determined by cycle of business
To maintain the confidentiality of meeting papers
To ensure quoracy of one third of membership

Membership

Head of Research Governance and Compliance, Research Governance & Compliance Team - Dr Filipa Vance (Chair)
Director of Operations, Science (Chief Compliance Officer cover) - Amanda Harper
Senior Data Librarian, Library - Dr Alice Motes
Head of Contracts, RIS - Amy Charles Persson
Due Diligence & Compliance Manager, RIS - Dr Magdalena England
Deputy Head of Knowledge Exchange, RIS - Jason Edwards
Chief Data & Technology Officer, DDAT - Gavin Edwards
Scientific Safety Adviser, SHEW - Debbie Robarts
Associate Director of Advancement Services, Advancement Office - Laura Underwood
Operations Manager and International Partnerships Manager (Education), International Relations Office - Tracey Stenson Jukes
Director of Doctoral College Operations - Dr Shyeni Paul
Trusted Research Manager, Research Governance & Compliance Team - Dale Topley (Secretary)

Research Governance Steering Group

The terms of reference and membership of the Research Governance Steering Group, including its purpose and responsibilities.