This Authority will ensure that all human health research conducted in the province undergoes ethical review.
The composition of the Authority shall reflect the cultural, ethnic, and regional diversity of the province.
The Authority shall comprise four directors appointed by the Minister as follows:
• a person to represent Memorial University of Newfoundland appointed following consultation with the President of the university
• a person to represent the Provincial Health Authority appointed following consultation with the Chief Executive Officer of that authority
• a person employed in the department presided over by the Minister
• a person chosen to represent the public of the province. (When the Health Research Ethics Act comes into force on July 1, 2025 there will be three persons chosen to represent the public of the province).
Diversity in the backgrounds, skills, knowledge, and experience of appointed directors can enhance the effectiveness of an Authority by bringing a wider range of perspectives and knowledge. Examples may include:
• Knowledge of the Health Research Ethics Act
• Technological competence
• Familiarity with the principals of good governance, including accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct
• Communication skills including the ability to facilitate discussion and articulate recommendations
• Leadership skills including the ability to motivate others towards achieving the Authority’s purpose
• Willingness to maintain confidentiality
The following attributes are important considerations in selecting public interest members:
• Expressed interest in health care
• Previous board experience
• Health research/ethics experience and knowledge
• High ethical standards and integrity
• Appreciation of the responsibilities to the public
• Flexible, responsive and willing to consider others’ opinions
• Capable of a wide perspective on issues
• Ability to listen and work as a team member
• No direct or indirect conflict of interest
• Strong reasoning and conflict resolution skills
• Strategic planning experience
• Effective communication skills (written and oral)
• Policy development experience
• Leadership/management skills
The Authority usually meets monthly; meetings generally last two hours.
A director shall be appointed for a three-year term and is eligible to be reappointed but shall not serve for a period longer than 9 consecutive years. Where a director resigns or ceases to function as a director, whether through incapacity or for another reason, the Minister shall appoint a person as a replacement director to serve for the remainder of the term of the director being replaced.
As of July 1, 2025 the Health Research Ethics Act replaced the Health Research Authority Ethics Act and the new legislation provides that there will be three persons chosen to represent the public of the province on the Authority. The Health Research Ethics Authority is therefore seeking to fill two positions to represent the public interest. Expressions of interest are being sought from individuals who possess the background, experience and skill set identified in the board profile above and who can bring unique perspectives to the table. Consideration will also be given to a variety of demographic factors to ensure the Authority is representative of the population they serve.
