ERP Lay Members Forum

The research animals department organises an annual meeting for lay and other members of local ethical review processes (ERPs). The meeting provides a forum for people to come together and share experiences of their work. They combine presentations on some of the many important issues that ERPs cover, with opportunities for group discussion. 

For further information, email: erp-laymembers@rspca.org.uk

Past meetings 

You can read about the topics covered in previous meetings in the documents below. Although some of these go back several years, the information they contain is still pertinent.
 

2012

The programme included a focus on:

• transposition of Directive 2010/63/EU – with emphasis on issues of particular relevance to the ethical review process
• a range of scientific, welfare and ethical topics
• looking to the future – how lay members would like to see the ethical review process, and the new national Animals in Science committee, develop.

2011 

The theme for this meeting was ‘Making difficult decisions'. Topics covered included: assessing harms and benefits of new technologies; issues relating to humane endpoints and cumulative suffering; harms and benefits in behavioural pharmacology; and the challenge of ethical review in a global context - an issue which is increasingly important in both industry and academia.

Abstract booklet (2011) (PDF 592KB)
 

2010 

The themes of the meeting were:

• implementation of the 3Rs, and how lay members can assist and promote this process
• news from the Home Office, with emphasis on transposition of the EU Directive into UK law
• how different establishments evaluate project licences.

Abstract booklet (2010) (PDF 726KB)

2009

Abstract booklet from the 2009 meeting, which included a range of perspectives on issues relating to 'harms and benefits' and 'retrospective review'.

Abstract booklet (2009) (PDF 1.01MB)
 

2008

Abstract booklet from the 2008 meeting, which covered a range of issues including humane endpoints and welfare assessments; different perspectives on different species; implementation of the 3Rs in project licence applications; a Certificate Holder's perspective on the ERP.

Abstract booklet (2008) (PDF 1899KB)
 

2007

Abstract booklet from the 2007 meeting, plus a survey and workshop report of the ERP members present, relating to the way different research establishments address the 'core functions' of the ethical review process in the UK as set out by the Home Office.

Abstract booklet (2007) (PDF 496KB)

Survey and workshop report (2007) (PDF 121KB)
 

2005

Report of the 2005 meeting, which had the theme of 'Comparing Experiences'.

Meeting report (2006) (PDF 161KB)
 

2004

Report of the 2004 meeting, which covered a range of issues including the use of 'farm' species; the complementary roles of the Home Office Inspectorate and the ERP; genetically modified (GM) animals; visits to animal units; and a discussion on the practical application of the harm-benefit analysis.

Meeting report (2004) (PDF 45KB)
 

2003

Report of the 2003 meeting, which focused on issues relating to the creation and use of GM animals.

Meeting report (2003) (PDF 198KB)
 

1999

Report of the inaugural lay members' meeting held in November 1999 where the practical approaches to ethical review and lay members' early experiences were discussed.

Meeting report (2000) (PDF 301KB)