Ethical approval, risk assessements and DBS clearance

Ethical Approval

All PBS students must complete a research dissertation in Part II. You should discuss with your supervisor whether or not your research requires ethical approval and, if it does, you should apply for it as soon as possible due to the length of time it can take for approval to be granted.

For research that has few if any ethical issues, you should apply to the Department of Psychology Ethics Committee. For research that cannot be submitted to this committee, you should apply either to the Psychology Research Ethics Committee, or the NHS National Research Ethics Service.

Risk Assessment

You should discuss with your supervisors whether, when conducting your research, you will be exposed to risk from any hazards. The Safety Office provides a Risk Assessment Handbook, which details how to properly assess hazards, as well as generic risk assessment forms.

Disclosure and Barring Service Clearance

The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) is now called the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), CRB checks are now called DBS checks. This document outlines the five types of checks that are available, and how they are applicable. If you are planning to work with children or vulnerable adults consult the document with your supervisor, to find out whether you require DBS clearance and what type of check you need. 

If you do require a DBS check your supervisor should contact the Student Registry (dbsstudents@admin.cam.ac.uk) on your behalf, giving your name and preferred address. You will be sent the DBS application form and any information required to complete it. You and your supervisor should then complete the form and return it for processing. It normally takes two months for clearance, and applications have different costs depending on the level needed.

For more information on this process refer to the University online guidance for applicants.