Local authorities need tailored research ethics processes to support research capacity building.

Area of Science:

• Public Administration
• Research Ethics
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Local authorities (LAs) are increasingly engaging in research activities.
• Establishing robust research ethics review is vital for ensuring high-quality research within LAs.
• Clarity is lacking on the specific nature and necessity of LA-specific ethics review processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the scope and purpose of research ethics processes in English LAs.
• To identify factors influencing the design of these ethics review processes.
• To explore the need for LA ethics review in addition to external processes.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative interview study was conducted with staff from 15 LAs in England.
• Purposeful and snowball sampling were used for participant recruitment.
• Thematic analysis of interview transcripts, guided by scenarios, identified key themes.

Main Results:

• Key design factors include definitions of research, research ownership, and LA-participant relationships.
• Four models of LA ethics processes were identified: No Process, Assurance, Advice, and Review.
• These models reflect diverse views on research as external, collaborative, or internally owned.

Conclusions:

• LA research ethics processes must align with their specific understanding of research and participant engagement.
• Developing effective processes requires support and guidance tailored to LA needs and research readiness.
• Processes should enable research while respecting the unique context of local authorities.