Research Ethics System (Worktribe)

The new process of submitting and reviewing applications using the Research Ethics System (Worktribe) applies to applications reviewed by University of Oxford research ethics committees, and does not change the process for NHS Research Ethics Committees or other review bodies. 

The University has introduced Worktribe Ethics, an online system to support the preparation, submission and review of applications to its institutional research ethics committees. The digital workflow replaces the previous offline/email process. A form is generated in response to initial questions, ensuring that the questions asked are relevant for the project proposed. The new system promises to reduce manual administration and confusion about review pathways, and brings the University in line with the sector. Introducing this system brings many benefits such as: 

• Improved researcher experience: the platform guides users down the right pathway via filter questions, prompts, easy upload and progress tracking
• Process improvement and efficiency: relevant and tailored forms with in-built guidance; greater transparency; speedier validation; automated workflows; efficient response; fewer delays to initiation of research
• More efficient, as administrators are released from managing an overly manual process, reducing workloads  
• Oxford’s ethics system is more in line with other leaders in the sector
• Improved legal and regulatory compliance: the system is a central repository for documentation, monitoring, oversight and reporting

The system is now available to all departments, and from 7 November 2024 all new applications will need to be made via the online system.

Research ethics:

Ethics approval is needed for all research involving human participants and/or personal data. Once the system is implemented, researchers requiring University ethics approval for their project will prepare and submit an ethics application online via Worktribe Ethics.

The ethics review part of the process remains unchanged. Administrators will direct applications to the appropriate departmental or inter-divisional ethics committee via the system and co-ordinate committee comments back to the applicant.  

Guidance:

The Worktribe ethics application form has been designed to be intuitive and easy to use. Information on how to access and use the system is available in the Worktribe Ethics Applicant User Guide. For guidance on the questions, applicants will be able to click on the [?] buttons within the system itself. Any further questions about the new system or rollout to your department please feel free to get in touch. 

Rollout and Adoption Timelines 

The new system was launched to departments in phases, from July to October 2024.

Above image shows the project timeline for rollout and adoption. An accessible PDF version is available to download on this link.