Governance and ethics in community-based research and evaluation

This chapter draws on guidelines for the regulation of research practices to highlight governance and ethical implications for those commissioning and undertaking community-based research and evaluation. It considers that community-based research and evaluation aims to respond to the needs of communities and leads to improved services and policies, and describes by a respect for individuals in the community where community stakeholders are viewed as equal partners in the research process. The chapter also considers the work of research ethics committees, also known as institutional review boards, and their basic remit as part of good research governance. The act of obtaining meaningful assent means that children and vulnerable adults possess a veto over their participation, regardless of whether a parent or guardian has consented to their participation. The chapter concludes with a special focus on obtaining informed consent and reviews the ethical challenges facing commissioners and researchers with regard to this key ethical issue.