Use the research and evaluation decision tools

Research and evaluation decision tool

You should use the research and evaluation decision tool to:

  • determine whether your project is research, evaluation or a different activity
  • request support from the Research and Citizen Insight team, such as help with the design or sense checking your approach

Research governance and ethics review decision tool

Once you've determined that your project is research or evaluation, use the research governance and ethics review decision tool to find out whether your project needs a research governance and ethics review.

Your project will likely need one if it aims to collect data from people. For example views, experiences, or observations.

This review helps staff planning research or evaluation to sense-check their work. This will ensure the protection of everyone involved in the high standards of projects and to adhere to legal and policy regulations. 

If an ethical review is needed, the tool will determine if it is a high, medium, or low complexity. Sometimes we might need to know more information about your project before establishing this. The level of complexity determines the depth of review and the estimated timescale for a response. 

Contact us

You can request support by using the tool or emailing research@essex.gov.uk.

A researcher from the Research and Citizen Insight team will contact you. We can support you by:

  • helping you think through the design
  • making the most of your project
  • supporting you in developing the materials you will need for review
Last published date:
Next review date: