Ethics Approval Application: Whistleblowing Impact on NHS & Ethics

This document presents a student's application for ethics approval for a research project investigating the impact of whistleblowing within the National Health Service (NHS). The project aims to explore organizational responses to whistleblowing, understand lessons learned from past cases, and recommend measures to protect whistleblowers and enhance organizational accountability. The research methodology involves both primary and secondary data collection, including literature reviews, analysis of NHS records, qualitative interviews, and case studies of organizations with a history of malpractice. Ethical considerations, such as informed consent, participant confidentiality, and data security, are addressed in detail, with specific protocols for participant withdrawal and debriefing. The application includes supporting documents such as participant information letters, consent forms, and interview schedules, ensuring compliance with ethical guidelines and the Data Protection Act 1998. The document is submitted to Desklib by a student.

Application for School Research Ethics Approval
Before completing this form, applicants should read the School Research Ethics Committee Guidance Notes 2017-18.
Sections A to F of this form should not exceed 3 pages using 11pt font size.
1. Applicant Details
Student Name:
Student ID No:
Title of Course:
Dissertation/Project Module Code:
Supervisor:
UEL Email address:
2. Project Details
Dissertation/Project Title:
Duration of Dissertation/Project:
From: to:
Project Rationale: (Please provide a brief description of the project, including aims and objectives,
rationale, and potential contribution to knowledge) (Max. 200 words)
The Public Interest Disclosure act 1998 was enacted with the aim of protecting the interests of the public and has
disclosures for all the whistleblowers. This was introduced the Employment Rights Act 1996 with the aim of providing
rights against the unjustified dismissal; and victimization that makes a wider public disclosure. There is a wide
statutory decision to maximize the coverage of the Act. The 1998 Act did not have any problem in blacklisting the
whistleblowers. The employment Tribunal system (ET system) is not a low-cost, informal solution to resolve the PIDA
disputes. The costs are found to be high, the waiting times are long, and it often remains an area for the expensive
layers.
An employee or the contractor who reveal about the unscrupulous activities and the alleged misconduct in the
organization that is carried out by an individual or the group can refer to Whistleblowing as the disclosure of
information. A whistleblower constitutes the valuable source of information in the company because s/he is an insider
to the organization and has an insightful understanding about the organization. There have been wide ranges of
literature that have been concerned with the impact on the whistleblowers in an organization. However, most of these
studies are located in US. Therefore, the aim of this study is to discuss about the impact on the whistleblowers of
whistleblowing in an organizational setting with NHS as case study. It is reputed for its world-class services related to
mental health issues, catering to the unique needs of the aged population and commitment towards health issues.
Research objectives
 To explore the response of the organizations towards whistleblowing and protecting the interests of the
whistleblowers
 To understand what the organization (NHS) have learnt from the cases of whistleblowing.
 To seek recommendations to protect the whistleblower and make the organization more accountable
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Research question
 What have been the response of the organizations towards whistleblowing and protecting the interests
of the whistleblowers?
 What has the organization (NHS) has learnt from the whistleblowing cases in their organization or
similar organizations?
 What are the recommendations to protect the interests of the whistleblowers and make the
organization more accountable?
Methodology: (Please provide a brief outline of the methodology and research methods to be used, attaching
any interview schedules or questionnaires that are to be used. This must include a description of the expected
sample/main participants and how this sample will be identified/participants will be selected. Also, you
should include information about the precise location where the work will be carried out.) (Max 150 words)
This research would deploy both primary data collection as well as secondary data collection. The rationale behind the
adoption of the secondary method of collection would be to engage with the relevant literature and examine the
organizational structure of NHS and the history of whistleblowing to contextualize the study. The secondary methods of
data collection would involve examination of the NHS official records that includes the past cases of whistleblowing in
the organization, employee feedback on whistleblowing and workplace law related to whistleblowing (Matthews and
Ross 2010). The primary methods of data collection would be qualitative interviewing and case study of organizations
with a history of malpractice and the role of the whistleblowers in exposing that malpractice. A survey would be
conducted among the different companies with the data collection instrument of the questionnaire to gather primary
information about the company policies regarding the whistleblowers along with the demographic details.
3. Ethical Considerations:(Please ensure you complete sections 3.1 to 3.8 and respond to each section,
incomplete applications will be rejected)
3.1 Informed Consent and Anonymity (Please provide details of how informed consent is to be obtained
and anonymity of participants is to be protected).
The informed consent of the participants will be sought through informing them about the purpose of
the research and seeking their signature on the form
3.2 Participant Confidentiality(In order to comply with the Data Protection Act 1998, please provide
details of how you will ensure the confidentiality of participants’ data, particularly where audio and/or visual
data is to be collected)
Confidentiality of the participants and the protection of data will be maintained through the not sharing the
information with anyone
3.3 Will the project/dissertation involve minors (participants under 18 years old) or other
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ethically-sensitive methods/issues.
NO
If carrying out research with minors (although it is strongly advised that you do not) you must obtain
parental consent and, where necessary, attach a DRB certificate (previously CRB). For further guidance
please see:https://www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check/arranging-checks-as-an-employer).
3.4 Participant Withdrawal/De-Briefing protocol. Please describe briefly the protocol for participant
withdrawal from the research and de-briefing of participants once the research is completed
The participant organisations will be given an opportunity to ask questions at the end of the interview and/or
request a copy of the final report.
3.5 Researcher/Participant Welfare. Will either the researcher or participants themselves be exposed to
any risks or distress as a consequence of this research?
NO
If YES please provide details and complete a risk assessment form (see Appendices)
(http://www.uel.ac.uk/hrservices/hs/generaliskassessments/
3.6 Will any inducement (eg. monetary or ‘in kind’) be offered to participants? NO
If YES please provide details.
3.7 Will the research involve access to ‘commercially-sensitive’ or ‘restricted’ databases? NO
(You must ensure that you have the consent of any business/organisation, to access and publish excerpts
from any records or information that is not normally available to the public)
If YES please provide details.
3.8 Will the research involve travel away from UEL/overseas travel NO
If YES you will need to ensure that you have completed the Student “Permission to Travel” form available
on Moodle. This form must be approved signed by the Head of School or Head of Department at the Royal
Docks School of Business and Law. You may also be required to complete a separate risk assessment form,
which is available here: https://uelac.sharepoint.com/staff/pages/risk-assessment.aspx
4. Data security and disposal(Please ensure you tick all relevant boxes, incomplete applications will be
rejected)
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In order that the research is conducted in an ethical manner and that all information remain confidential in lie
with the 1998 Data Protection Act, It is vital that participant confidentiality is respected and ensured.
Assurances must be given to participants that personal details will securely stored and remain anonymous.
Please confirm by ticking the relevant boxes:-
 Research data, codes and all identifying information to be kept in separate locked filing cabinets.
 Access to computer files to be restricted to the research team (normally researcher and
supervisor) and accessible by password only.
 There will be no transfer of data to or via a third party.
 All electronic data will undergo secure disposal.
 All hardcopy data will undergo secure disposal.
 In line with the Data Protection Act (1998),personal data shall not be keptfor longer than is
necessary for that purpose or those purposes for which it was collected. In the case of UG and PG
dissertations this is usually 1-2 years, unless otherwise specified.
Please state how long personal data will be retained for:________.
5. Other Documentation check-list:
Please include the following documents with your application – please tick .
Participant invitation/information letter 
Relevant Consent form(s) 
Assent Forms 
Where applicable:
Permission letter from host business/organisation 
Overseas Travel/Fieldwork Risk Assessment 
Interview schedule/Copy of questionnaire(s) 
Is ethical clearance required from any other ethics committee? YES / NO
If YES, please state the name of the relevant committee(s)/organisation.
Declaration:
 I have read the School guidance notes about application for ethical approval. I am aware of my
responsibilities and agree to abide by them.
 I agree to inform my project supervisor and the School Research Ethics Committee of any changes to the
proposed programme.
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 I undertake to abide by accepted ethical principles and appropriate code(s) of practice in carrying out this
research.
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LIST OF APPENDICES
Please complete/delete forms as necessary. Please submit as one document
with the application.
Appendix I Participant(s) Information Letter
Appendix II Consent Forms
 Consent form
 Parental Consent form (please delete unless participants
are under the age of 18)
 Assent Form (please delete unless participants are under
the age of 18)
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APPENDIX I
(This is a Template Only – You must complete the participant information
form based on your own research study)
Participant Information Letter
Programme of Study:
Dissertation Title:
Dear Participant,
You are being invited to take part in a research study. Before you decide whether to participate, it is
important for you to understand why the research is being done and what it will involve. Please take
time to read the following information carefully and ask us if there is anything that is not clear or if
you would like more information. Take time to decide whether or not you wish to take part.
What is the purpose of the study?
- Outline the principal purpose and nature of the study
- Identify and explain the characteristics of the participants, and why they are being asked to take
part, specifying in particular if any personal data (age, income, ethnicity, gender, religion,
sexuality etc.) are to be collected as part of the research.
What will I have to do if I take part?
- Explain to participants the nature of the procedures/methods; how long it will take (eg length of
interviews) and where/when they will take place
What are the possible disadvantages or risks of taking part?
- Any potential discomfort/risk to participants
- If discomfort is expected, mention the expected frequency/duration
- If there is no disadvantage/risk, please state so.
Do I have to take part?
You are under no obligation to participate in this study. If you do decide to take part, you are free to
withdraw at any time without giving a reason. If you do not take part or withdraw from the study at a
later date, it will not disadvantage you. Except in the case of partially completed, anonymous on-line
questionnaires, all data related to your responses will also be safely destroyed unless you state
otherwise. Submission of a partially completed or fully completed questionnaire implies consent to
participate in the study and you will be unable to withdraw your data.
What will happen to the information?
Your participation in this study and all information collected will be kept strictly confidential in
accordance with the Data Protection Act (1998). Unless otherwise indicated, all personal information
and data collected will be coded and anonymised so that you cannot be recognised from it. The
collected data will be securely stored on a password protected computer and safely disposed of once
the project/dissertation has been completed.
The results of this study will be reported as part of my degree programme and may be further
disseminated for scientific benefit. The results will be available to you on request.
Who should I contact for further information or if I have any problems/concerns?
Include both student and supervisor details (Do not use personal phone or email details)
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APPENDIX II
CONSENT FORM
(To be used if participants are 18 or over)
Programme of Study:
Dissertation Title:
Supervisor:
Participant’s name:...............................................................................................................
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i. I consent to the processing of my personal information for the purposes
explained to me. I understand that such information will be treated in
accordance with the terms of the Data Protection Act 1998’. (Please tick in
the case ofquestionnaires/interviewsinvolving the collection of data falling
under the Data Protection Act 1998 definition of ‘sensitive personal data’)
ii. (Please tick whereanonymous questionnairesare used) By taking part in
this study I fully understand that ‘Submission of a partially completed or
fully completed questionnaire implies consent to participate in the study and
that I will be unable to withdraw my data’.
iii. I confirm that I have read the participant information sheet for the above
study and I have been given a copy to keep.
iv. I understand what the study is about and I have had the opportunity to
discuss with the researcher and ask questions about the study.
v. The procedures involved have been explained to me. I know what my part
will be in the study and how the study may affect me.
vi. I understand that my involvement in this study and particular data from this
research will remain strictly confidential. Only researchers involved in the
study will have access to the data.
vii. It has been explained to me what will happen to the data once the study has
been completed.
viii. I understand that I have the right to stop taking part in the study at any time
without reason or prejudice to myself.
ix. I know who to contact if I have any questions/concerns about my
participation and I have their contact details.
x. I fully and freely consent to participate in the study.
Please tick to agree

Participant’s signature:…………………………………………………………………….
Date:……………………
Researcher’s Name:………………………………………………………………………...
Researcher’s Signature:…………………………………………………………………….
Date:…………………..
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PARENTAL CONSENT FORM
(To be used where participants are under the age of 18 along with Assent Form for participants)
Programme of Study:
Dissertation Title:
Supervisor:
Parent/Guardian’s name:…………………………………………………………………..
Parent/Guardian’s signature:………………………………………………………………
Date:………………………….
Researcher’s Name:………………………………………………………………………...
Researcher’s Signature:…………………………………………………………………….
Date:…………………..
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i. I confirm that I have read the information sheet for the above study and I
have been given a copy to keep.
ii. I understand what the study is about and I have had the opportunity to
discuss with the researcher and ask questions about the study.
iii. The procedures involved have been explained to me. I know what my
child’s part will be in the study and how the study may affect him/her.
iv. I understand that my child’s involvement in this study and particular data
from this research will remain strictly confidential. Only researchers
involved in the study will have access to the data.
v. It has been explained to me what will happen to the data once the study has
been completed.
vi. I understand that I have the right to stop my child taking part in the study
at any time and I am not obliged to give any reason.
vii. I know that if I do withdraw my child, it will not disadvantage me or
him/her.
viii. I know who to contact if I have any questions/concerns about my child’s
participation and I have their contact details.
ix. I fully and freely consent to my child participating in the study.
Please tick to agree

ASSENT FORM
(To be used alongside Parental Consent Form if participants are under 18)
Programme of Study:
Title of Project:
Supervisor:
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i. I consent to the processing of my personal information for the purposes
explained to me. I understand that such information will be treated in
accordance with the terms of the Data Protection Act 1998’. (Please tick in
the case ofquestionnaires/interviewsinvolving the collection of data falling
under the Data Protection Act 1998 definition of ‘sensitive personal data’)
xi. (Please tick whereanonymous questionnairesare used) By taking part in
this study I fully understand that ‘Submission of a partially completed or
fully completed questionnaire implies consent to participate in the study
and that I will be unable to withdraw my data’.
ii. I confirm that I have read the information sheet for the above study and I
have been given a copy to keep.
iii. I understand what the study is about and I have had the opportunity to
discuss with the researcher and ask questions about the study.
iv. The procedures involved have been explained to me. I know what my part
will be in the study and how the study may affect me.
v. I understand that my involvement in this study and particular data from
this research will remain strictly confidential. Only researchers involved in
the study will have access to the data.
vi. It has been explained to me what will happen to the data once the study has
been completed.
vii. I understand that I have the right to stop taking part in the study at any
time and I am not obliged to give any reason.
viii. I know that if I do withdraw, it will not disadvantage me.
ix. I know who to contact if I have any questions/concerns about my
participation and I have their contact details.
x. I fully and freely consent to participate in the study.
Please tick to agree

Participant’s name:...............................................................................................................
Participant’s signature:…………………………………………………………………….
Date:…………………..
Researcher’s Name:………………………………………………………………………...
Researcher’s Signature:…………………………………………………………………….
Date:…………………..
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