Ethical Review - Laymembers back to research animals home     Whilst the involvement of 'lay' members is common practice in [human] medical ethics committees, they are only 'recommended' as participants within local ethical review processes (ERP) for animal research in the UK. The term 'lay' is used to cover people with a diversity of backgrounds outside of the specific science being reviewed. Ideally, individuals are drawn from outside the particular science faculty or establishment. This could include people with expertise in ethics, philosophy, law, animal welfare or the social sciences, as well as members of the local community. Whatever their expertise, the role of the lay member is to bring a different set of perspectives to discussions about animal use. The RSPCA sees the involvement of lay perspectives as essential to the integrity of a successful ethical review process and is committed to supporting and developing the role of lay members. The Society's research animals department has developed a resource book to assist lay members with their work within the ERP. This has proved useful for other ERP members as well. The first edition was published in 2004 and it is currently being completely revised and updated. The research animals department organises regular meetings for lay members which provide a forum for them to come together and share experiences. The RSPCA's International department, together with the research animals department also organises workshops to facilitate the formation and operation of ethics committees overseas. A sample workshop manual prepared for a recent course in Poland provides further information on issues such as assessing harms and benefits, the 3Rs, housing and care, and the sort of questions ERP members can ask. Other resources A booklet explaining the technology, terms and welfare implications relating to the creation and use of genetically manipulated animals is available. This guide is intended to help members of ethical review committees understand the processes involved in studies using GM animals and the implications for animal welfare. Useful links: A resource book for laymembers of local ethical review processes Jane Smith & Maggy Jennings - RSPCA(2003) A guide for laymembers of animal ethics committees National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee - New Zealand (2007) Information package for members of animal ethics committees ANZZCART ******************************************************************* If you would like to register on our mailing list or have any questions regarding the ERP please contact us at: erp-laymembers@rspca.org.uk photo © RSPCA Photolibrary Back to top © RSPCA 2009. All rights reserved.   Ethical Review: introduction An introduction to the role of ethics committees in considering ethics, animal welfare and implementation of the 3Rs... more   Ethical review in the UK and around the world Background information relating to the establishment of systems of ethical review... more   Assessing harms and benefits Considering the harms and benefits of proposed animal use is integral to assessing the justification and necessity for animal use and implementing the 3Rs... more   Severity of suffering Accurately assessing, and acting to reduce, the nature and level of animal suffering is very important... more   Retrospective review On completion of a project it is essential for thoughtful reflection to take place... more   Housing and care Good practice for animal housing and care... more   Laymembers The RSPCA sees the involvement of "lay" perspectives as essential to a successful ethical review process... more   Events and newsletters Find out about forthcoming events for members of ethical review committees and read newsletters from previous meetings... more