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Academic Ethics Compliance Committee

Terms of Reference

Terms of reference

The Academic Ethics and Compliance Committee (AECC) has oversight of the University's ethical framework for the conduct of academic activity and its supporting governance structures, including but going beyond research ethics.

The AECC also oversees research-related compliance issues.

The AECC maintains oversight of the local level ethics committees and provides a first point of referral for complex issues raised by the latter.

The Committee has particular responsibilities to ensure that:

  • The University’s supporting framework of regulations, strategies, policies, procedures and guidance in this area is robust and fit for purpose.
  • Local Research Ethics Committees have the support required to deliver their duties fully and effectively, for example by access to training and support.

The Committee provides annual assurance to Senate via University Research Committee
(URC) regarding ethical and compliance matters.

The Committee will meet at least four times a year.

Read the full terms of reference.

Membership

Committee membership

  • Professor Keith Allen, Philosophy (Chair)

Academic membership

  • Professor Gareth Gaskell, Psychology

  • Dr Anna Bramwell-Dicks, TFTI
  • Professor Bryony Beresford, Chair, SPSW Ethics Committee
  • Professor Dawn Coverley, Biology
  • Professor Jon Finch, Archaeology and Deputy Director, Humanities Research Centre
  • Dr Anna Einarsdottir, Management

Lay member

  • Pauline Painter

Student representation 

  • One postgraduate representative TBC

In attendance 

  • Ms Jennifer Gilmartin
  • Mr Richard Fuller Assistant Director of IT (ex officio)
  • Dr Duncan Jackson Head of Academic Practice and PGCAP Programme Director (Academic Support Office)
  • Ms Jen Mayne Research Strategy and Policy Officer (Secretary)

Meeting Dates

Frequency of Meetings

Not less than four occasions each calendar year. Committee business may be considered by correspondence and in order to make written resolutions where there is an urgent need to do so.

2022-23

  • Tuesday 11 October 2022
  • Tuesday 13 December 2022
  • * March 2023
  • * June 2023

*Dates to be confirmed when the teaching timetable is available.

Research Ethics Committees

Local Research Ethics Committees

Information on requirements for membership and terms of reference can be found in the Ethics Code of Practice.

  • Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body

Contact AWERB: AWERB@york.ac.uk

  • Archaeology

Chair: Dr James Taylor

  • Arts and Humanities - comprising Archaeology, English, History of Art, History and Philosophy

Chair: Professor Jonathan Finch

Chair: Professor David Barnett

Chair: Dr Will Brackenbury

Chair: Professor Tony Royle

  • Education

Chair: Professor Carole Torgerson

Chair: Dr Colin McLean

Chair: Professor Stephen Holland

  • HYMS

Chair: Professor Thozhukat Sathyapalan

  • Languages and Linguistics

Chair: Nino Grillo

  • Physical Sciences - comprising Chemistry, Computer Science, Electronics, Mathematics and Physics

Chair: Dr Siamak Shahandashti

  • Psychology

Chair: Dr Philip Quinlan

Co-Chair: Dr Angela de Bruin 

  • Social Policy and Social Work

Chair: Professor Bryony Beresford

Chair: Dr Fiona McNab