Terms of Reference

The title of the body shall be the Operation TELIC Health Research Programme Review Board.

2. Background

The Operation TELIC Health Research Programme Review Board has been established to demonstrate the MoD's commitment to transparency and openness in its Programme of Research into health issues associated with Op TELIC, where Op TELIC is the UK military operation in Iraq in 2003.

In fulfilling its role the independent review board shall be required to advise on the commissioning of new research proposals and to provide a scrutiny and validation function with respect to the research proposals and deliverables arising.

The board shall also be required to provide the scrutiny and validation function with respect to the on-going Op TELIC Health research activities being undertaken by King’s College, London and Institute for Environment and Health, Leicester.

3. Aims and Functions

• To agree the Terms of Reference of the Operation TELIC Health Research Programme Review Board, and to propose changes to them at a later date if the need arises

• To advise on the need for additional research topics within the research programme and on the procedures for obtaining new research proposals

• To act as a source of independent advice to the MoD on the scientific integrity, quality and value for money of new research proposals submitted to meet the requirements of the MoD’s Operation TELIC Health research programme, providing written comment if required by the Chairman

• To act as a source of independent advice on the progress of the research, and the scientific integrity and quality of deliverables emanating from the full research programme, providing written comment if required by the Chairman

• To be open to receiving any research proposals, considering them and then advising the MoD on any action to be taken

• To meet, as and when required, to discuss proposals for research and research deliverables and to agree a consensus view to be reported to the MoD

• To provide the MoD with written minutes and recommendations arising from the proceedings of the independent review board

• To recommend suitable independent specialists to serve as co-opted members of the Independent Review Board when research into the particular specialist areas is required

• To recognise the limited cohorts for research and the fact that people can be over studied, and so for both scientific and ethical reasons seek to protect the individuals within cohorts from being over studied

4. Frequency

The frequency of the Operation TELIC Health Research Programme Independent Review Board meetings will be determined by the requirements of the research programme. Meetings will be arranged and held subsequent to the submission and review of research proposals and programme deliverables at a time and date to be agreed between the board chairperson and the board members. It is expected there will be up to 6 meetings per year.

5. Membership

The Op TELIC Health Research Programme Review Board shall consist of the following:

Permanent members

Independent Chairperson, to be nominated by MRC

Independent Members

2 MRC, to be nominated by MRC

1 ESRC representative, to be nominated by ESRC

2 Royal British Legion, to be nominated by RBL

1 Voluntary Aid Organisation, eg British Red Cross doctor, to be nominated by Red Cross

2 MOD members

DMSD D Med Pol

SP Pol Vets DD Research

Co-opted temporary members

Independent or MOD specialist members as required

SP Pol Vets shall provide the Secretariat for the independent review board. The Secretariat shall consist of the Programme Manager and a Minutes Secretary.

The following may attend the independent review board meetings, as observers or to provide specialist advice, at the invitation of the Chairperson:

• DASA Health Stats
• MOD Technical or Medical Specialists

6. Remuneration

Board members shall be eligible for remuneration at daily rates compatible with those available to members of the Defence Scientific Advisory Council. Expenses involved in reviewing submissions and attending meetings shall be paid on the basis of MoD agreed travel rates and receipted expenses.

7. Roles

Board members:

Board members shall;

• Agree Terms of Reference for the Board
• Provide independent and objective advice on commission and review of research proposals and deliverables relevant to the MoD's Operation TELIC Health research programme
• Review and provide written comment on research proposals, progress statements and deliverables
• Contribute to meetings of the independent review board

Chairperson:

In addition to responsibilities as a board member the chairperson shall;

• Agree meeting dates and arrangements with the Programme Manager
• Agree an agenda for meetings of the independent review board with the Programme Manager
• Chair meetings of the independent review board
• Agree and approve minutes and recommendations arising from meetings of the independent review board

Secretariat:

The Secretariat shall:

• Provide programme management, secretarial and administrative support to the independent review board
• Work with the Chairperson to agree meeting dates and arrangements
• Issue research proposals and deliverables to board members for review
• Collate written responses arising from the review process
• In consultation with the Chairperson, prepare and issue meeting papers (calling notices, agendas, etc.) to board members
• In consultation with the Chairperson, make arrangements for all meetings of the independent review board
• Arrange for the preparation of minutes and other documents arising from board meetings
• With the Chairperson's approval submit records of the board's meetings and proceedings to the MoD and arrange publication on the world wide web
• Oversee and co-ordinate the process of letting the contracts