Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know whether I need ethical review?

Create a new project and complete question B1 to determine whether your project will need ethical review. If your project does not require ethical review you do not need to complete the rest of the form or submit it. However, you can save the checklist as a PDF or print it out by clicking on the Print tile in the Actions panel. Click Save to save the form before you print, otherwise the tickbox may not appear on the PDF.

Who will review my application?

Depending on the answers you provide to the questions on the form, your application will be reviewed by a School Research Ethics Panel (SREP), a Cross-School Research Ethics Committee (CREC), the Sponsorship Approval Panel (SAP) or the Animal Welfare and Ethics Review Board (AWERB).

Can I apply using BREAM if I need NHS/HRA ethics and/or R&D approval?

Yes. However, you will need to submit an application to the Pre-Sponsorship Review Panel (outside of BREAM) for initial scrutiny in the first instance, and you will then need to submit to the Sponsorship Approval Panel via BREAM.

How long does the ethical review process take?

This will depend on the type of research you are undertaking and the ethical risks it raises. Low risk proposals can normally be turned round quickly, but higher risk proposals will require review by a Cross-School Research Ethics Committee (CREC), which meets 5-6 times a year. If you have a specific question regarding timing, please contact the Administrator or Chair of the relevant committee or panel.

How do I navigate through the form?

You can use the backward and forward arrows in the Actions panel to move to the previous or next page of the form, or use the Navigate tile to go back the project overview screen where you can jump to any section of the form.

Can I print my application form?

Yes. Click on the Print tile and this will create a PDF of your form which you can print or save.

I am a staff member who is also a student. How do I complete the form?

You should complete the form according to whether your research project relates to your activity as a member of staff or a student. For example, if you are a member of a staff undertaking a PhD and the research is for your PhD you should complete the form as a PGR student.

How can my supervisor(s) or colleague(s) edit or comment on my application?

You can give others read and edit permission by clicking the Share tile, inputting your supervisor's or colleague's email address and selecting Read, Write and Receive Notifications from the menu. Please note that your supervisor or colleague will have to log onto BREAM in order to set up an account BEFORE you can share the form with them.

How do I submit my form?

The form will automatically be submitted when the signatures in section M have been completed (student applications will require a supervisor signature as well as an applicant signature). If you want to turn off automatic submission you can click on the Navigate tile and then the Automatic Submission tile where you can disable this feature. If you disable automatic submission you will then need to remember to click the Submit tile to submit your form.

How can I attach documents associated with application such as consent forms and participant information sheets?

Section L of the form will ask you if you have various types of documents and will prompt you to upload these.

I am a student - do I need to sign the form as well as my supervisor?

Yes, you both need to sign the form in order for it to be submitted. However, it doesn't matter in which order you sign the form.

I've submitted my form but realise I've made a mistake or forgotten to include something. How can I get my form back?

You will need to contact the Administrator or Chair of the relevant ethics panel or committee to request that your form is returned to you for editing.

I previously received a favourable ethical opinion for my project, but now need to make some changes. Do I need to resubmit my application?

If your original application was submitted on BREAM you can go back to the application and create a change request form using the Create Sub-Form tile. If the changes do not raise any significant new ethical issues the Chair of the ethics panel or committee will be able to approve the changes. If any further ethical issues are raised by the changes, further ethical review may be necessary. If your original application was not submitted on BREAM you will need to contact the Administrator or Chair of the ethics panel or committee to which your original application was submitted for advice.

Where can I locate my response letter on BREAM?

1. Click on the application it is regarding. 2. Click on the History tab. 3. Under Form History there is a line saying: 'Notification received: Application given XYZ opinion by the CREC/Chair'. 4. Under the column Attachment click on the Download button. You will then be able to load your response letter.