All submissions
Information regarding the appropriate submission process is found on the Research Proposals page. Note that a covering letter for all applications is required and should include:
- Project title and summary
- Number of participants at Bendigo Health
- All documents (including version number) listed in table form.
Please note: Executive Director approval is required prior to submission to HREC. It is therefore desirable that your project has been discussed with the relevant manager/executive director to ensure all matters regarding your proposal, including budgeting and in kind support are addressed in your application.
High risk
For high risk applications send the original, plus 18 copies, of all documents to the secretary of the Human Research Ethics Committee before the due date for receipt of documents. Deadlines for the receipt of applications to the Committee can be downloaded from the Bendigo Health HREC webpage. All applications must be collated. Failure to do this will result in delay. Ensure the NEAF/SSA has a submission code and all relevant documents are attached.
Low risk
For low risk applications, send the original plus one copy to the secretary of the Human Research Ethics Committee at any time. An electronic copy is also required. These applications are reviewed out of session. Ensure all relevant documents are attached.
You should receive a response from the secretary of the Human Research and Ethics Committee within ten working days following the meeting. For assistance, contact the secretary on 03 5454 6412 or SAMcCarthy@bendigohealth.org.au
Outcomes:
For new projects, four outcomes may eventuate:
- Approval. The Human Research Ethics Committee may approve your research without amendment
- Approval with amendments
- Request to revise and resubmit your proposal
- Request for clarification of one or more issues related to the research proposal.
Upon receipt of the letter of approval you are free to commence your research project. The project should be completed by the end date noted in your letter of approval. Should you expect to not complete your research project within the expected time frame, you should apply for an extension of approval either at the time of annual reporting or as an amendment at least twelve weeks prior to the expiry of your project. You will be expected to submit progress reports to the Human Research Ethics Committee, usually at 12 monthly intervals. Your letter of approval will indicate the frequency of reports and the date of your first report.
Should you fail to submit a regular progress report, or conduct research beyond the approved time period, the Human Research Ethics Committee may be required to rescind approval for the research and notify the relevant institutions that research approval has been rescinded.
Amendments
HREC approval is required for all amendments to previously approved research. The Principal Investigator is responsible for ensuring that amendments are submitted to Bendigo Health’s HREC for consideration at least two months prior to implementation.
Major amendments are defined as those that involve any changes to existing documents, new versions of existing documents or additional documents, including those listed below:
- Protocol
- Participant information and consent forms
- Questionnaires, advertisements
Note that a covering letter (seventeen copies) explaining the requested amendment is required and should include:
- Project title and reference number
- All documents (including updated version number) listed in table form.
One original plus 18 copies of all new documents and both tracked and clean version of all revised documents is required. In the case of a change of investigator, sixteen copies of the letter requesting the amendment and two copies of the investigator’s CV are required.
Minor amendments are defined as those that do not involve any changes to existing documents, or additional documents. These may not necessarily require a letter to each member of the HREC. Contact the HREC secretary for further advice.
Mailing address: CHERC
PO Box 126
Bendigo
VIC 3552.
Delivery Address: CHERC
Level 3
Anne Caudle Centre campus
110 Barnard Street
Bendigo
VIC 3550.
Updated 10/05/11