(1) The Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) is established as a Committee of the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer (VC & CEO) and has been delegated a number of functions in relation to animal research at the University. (2) The primary role of the AEC is to ensure that all activities relating to the care and use of animals are conducted in compliance with the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes 8th edition 2013 (updated 2021) (the Code). In carrying out this function, the AEC must: (3) The AEC must ensure that the care of all animals on (4) In applying these principles, the AEC follows what is widely regarded as best practice, namely the “three Rs” of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement in the use of animals. (5) The AEC is obliged to consider all ethical and welfare aspects, as well as the scientific or educational value of the use of animals for research and teaching purposes. The AEC does so in accordance with the UNE AEC Operating Procedures and associated governing provisions, including the Code. (6) In compliance with the Code there will be four categories of AEC members, with at least one person from each four categories of membership: (7) The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research (DVCR) may appoint additional members to assist the Committee to function effectively. These may include a person responsible for the routine care of animals within the University and others with skills and backgrounds of value to the AEC. (8) Research Services (RS) are required to provide the AEC with an annual training session to ensure that members are aware of their responsibilities and have access to the most up-to-date information regarding the governing provisions in order to make informed decisions. (9) Category A to D members will hold office for a two-year period and may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms unless invited by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research (DVCR) to continue as a member for an additional period in the event that no suitably qualified alternative members can be identified. (10) If a Category A to D member vacates office prior to the conclusion of their term, written resignation must be made to the Chair of the AEC. The replacement will be appointed for a new two-year term. (11) The Chair may ask a member to resign from the AEC, by providing not less than 24 hours’ notice in writing, if the Chair deems this course of action to be in the best interests of ensuring that the AEC is able to perform its functions effectively. If the member does not accede to the Chair’s request, the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer may initiate action through the DVCR to retire the member. The Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer may retire members at any time by providing not less than 24 hours’ notice in writing. (12) Members are recommended for appointment in writing to the DVCR by the AEC Executive, with the AEC's endorsement. For Category C members, this occurs after appropriate consultation with animal welfare organisations. The DVCR makes the final appointment. (13) Committee members are obliged to treat AEC business as confidential and to declare any conflict of interest to the Committee. Members are required to complete a confidentiality acknowledgement and conflict of interest undertaking prior to their appointment. If members have any questions or concerns about an application they may seek clarification from the researcher, prior to the meeting, after consulting the Chair. (14) The Chair should be nominated by the DVCR, in consultation with the Committee, following a selection process and approved by the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer. Appointment of the Chair must be approved by the NSW Animal Research Review Panel. (15) The Chair should either hold, or have previously held, a senior position at UNE, or may be external. The Chair is to be appointed in addition to Category A to D members (Code, 2.2.2, 2.2.3). (16) The term of office will be for two years. This period may be extended with the approval from the DVCR in consultation with the Committee. (17) The Chair shall be responsible for impartially guiding the operation of the AEC, resolving conflicts of interest related to the business of the AEC, and representing the AEC in any negotiations with the Institution’s management (Code, 2.2.13). (18) The Chair must be provided with the necessary support and authority to carry out the role. (19) Appointed from the membership and chosen by the DVCR, in consultation with the Committee. The person must be a UNE employee (i.e. a Category B member). The Deputy Chair will hold office for the term of their appointment to the AEC. (20) The Deputy Chair will act as Chair, if the Chair is not available. If the Deputy Chair is unavailable to act as Chair then most senior Category B member will act as Chair. (21) Gender representation shall accord with the Gender Representation on Decision Making and Advisory Committee Policy. (22) The functions of the Committee are to: (23) The AEC is established under the authority of the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer to perform the functions set out in these Terms of Reference and all matters ancillary to those functions. (24) The governing body as defined by the Code is the UNE Council. (25) The DVCR representing the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officeris the person responsible for overall institutional governance with respect to the care and use of animals. This includes providing adequate resources to ensure that the AEC and people involved in the care and use of animals can meet their responsibilities, including monitoring animals and managing adverse impacts on their wellbeing (2.1.5.1). (26) The AEC reports regularly to the DVCR. The AEC also provides the (27) The Committee will meet on a monthly basis. Extraordinary meetings can be called at the discretion of the Chair. (28) At least one member from each of the membership categories A, B, C and D must be present at meetings to establish a quorum for a meeting. Categories C and D together must represent at least one-third of those members present. (29) Unless the Chair directs otherwise, Committee business papers, and explanatory documents accompanying them, will be distributed to Committee members and any official attendees as required and with as much notice as is practicable in the circumstances. Any additional documents may be tabled at short notice with prior approval by the Chair. (30) The AEC delegates certain powers to its Executive (Refer to AEC Operating procedures - UNE AEC Powers of Executive) which consists of the Chair, the Secretary and at least one A or B member and one C or D member. Those AEC members participating in the AEC Executive may change depending on availability, provided that the above requirements for membership are met. The Deputy Chair acts as a reserve member for the Chair. Categories C and D together must represent at least one-third of the Executive. The Secretary serves on the Executive, as on the Committee, in a non-voting capacity. (31) The Executive may not approve new proposals but it may approve minor modifications (Refer to AEC Operating Procedures - amendments to approved projects) to existing projects for review at the next AEC meeting. It will also review responses to conditions set down by the AEC. (32) Meeting minutes will be prepared by the meeting Secretary and circulated promptly following the meeting. (33) Disclosure of business papers, minutes and other information received by the Committee should be made via the Chair or Secretary to the Committee. (34) Face-to-face meetings are the preferred mode of meeting, where this is not possible the Committee will use video-conferencing, or, in special circumstances teleconferencing as arranged by the Chair and/or Committee Secretary. Meeting papers will be distributed via an online secure sharing program. (35) Once every twelve-month period, the Committee shall devote at least one part of one meeting to the review of its policies, practices and procedures over the preceding twelve months. (36) Research Services is responsible for ensuring that the AEC has appropriate support to ensure it can meet its responsibilities under the Code. (37) Support for the AEC must include:Terms of Reference - Animal Ethics Committee
Section 1 - Overview
Establishment of Committee
Objectives
Section 2 - Committee membership
Terms of Membership
Obligations of Members
Chair
Deputy Chair
Gender representative objectives
Section 3 - Functions of the Committee
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Section 4 - Authorities
Section 5 - Conduct of Committee business
Reporting
Meetings
Quorum
Business papers
Executive
Minutes
Disclosure of information
Use of technology
Self-Review
Secretary to Committee
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