Guidance update 1 March 2022
In line with Scottish Government guidance to transition to hybrid working where possible and other changes in restriction, the University Ethics Committee has revised its guidance on face-to-face research.
COVID-19 safety when working on campus and when undertaking activities as part of work duties is managed by departments and schools. Information on Return to Campus Arrangements is available on the Safety, Health and Wellbeing webpages and University’s Coronavirus Hub. Researchers should confirm all necessary COVID-19 precautions detailed in the Readiness Approvals Flowcharts on Safety, Health and Wellbeing’s webpages and follow the processes requested. Researchers should also check with their Head of School/ Department to confirm they are adhering to specific local guidance.
The University Ethics Committee, and devolved Department and School Ethics Committees, no longer require confirmation from Executive Deans that activities have been approved. Instead, researchers wishing to conduct face-to-face research should confirm in their ethics application that all activities have been checked and approved for COVID-19 safety and provide brief details of precautions. Ethics Committees are not responsible for COVID-19 mitigation and are simply looking for confirmation in applications that University procedures have been followed.