Resources for animal ethics committees
Membership of Animal Ethics Committees (AECs) is drawn from a diverse group of people who will bring a range of skills and backgrounds to the committees deliberations. The AEC is not an expert technical committee but does need a level of information which will assist the members in making an informed decision.
Similarly, it is not a committee of ethicists. Rather, the AEC is involved in applied, practical ethics and as such the role and function of the AEC, in particular, processes, procedures and lines of reporting need to be clearly understood not only by its members but also by those who interface with its activities.
To date, little attention has been given to courses for AEC members, although a survey conducted by the NSW Animal Welfare Unit several years ago indicated strong support for such a course by members of AECs in NSW.
Although there may be some items of interest to AEC members in courses which have been developed for research staff, the particular needs of AEC members would best be met by a course which focused on specific AEC issues.
Course content should be directed towards promoting an understanding of the role of the AEC, where it fits in the organisational structure and address issues which will facilitate effective operation.
For information on Orientation of New Members of Animal Ethics Committees please refer to the ARRP Policy: Orientation of New Members of Animal Ethics Committees
Presentations are available from a meeting for members of Animal Ethics Committees (AECs) held on 15 April 2009.
Other resources
Information package for Animal Ethics Committees
Notes from the ANZCCART workshop for Category C members of Animal Ethics Committees. www.adelaide.edu.au/ANZCCART/
Resource book for lay members of Ethical Review Committees
The RSPCA (UK) has published an excellent resource book that would assist any member of a committee involved in the ethical review of animal research. The book sets out in a clear and logical manner what one needs to know when becoming a member of such a committee.
The book also gives guidance on how to participate in the process of review and contains a very helpful discussion on 'What is (or are) Ethics?'. Supplementary notes have been developed for projects involving genetically modified animals and on good practice in the care and housing of laboratory animals and birds (domestic fowl, ducks, geese, pigeons, quail, and finches).
This material can be down loaded from: www.rspca.org.uk/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RSPCA/Page/RSPCAContentTemplate
&cid=1105558216205&articleId=1156336237875