Ethics and Confidentiality Committee (ECC)

• BPSU studies are approved on the basis that there is no patient contact and consent is not sought.  An understanding of the reasons for this are laid out in the document Understanding data confidentiality & security within a BPSU surveillance study

• BPSU studies are required to collect minimal identifier information in order to discount duplication.  In order to do so BPSU studies need to comply with Section 251 of the NHS Act 2006.

• In order to comply they need to receive approval from the National Information Governance Board's Ethics and Confidentiality Committee (ECC). For further details click here.

• NIGB applications that have BPSU approval go through a fast track process so there should be little delay. Section 251 exemption documentation can be submitted via the on-line IRAS system whilst preparing your ethics approval submission. Completed application forms should be emailed to eccapplications@nhs.net.

• Specific advice regarding the ECC application procedure is available from the BPSU office. To make the application procedure easier the BPSU has produced templates which include suggested text to be used.

• ECC user involvement guide
• ECC template - System Level Security Policy (SLSP)

• We suggest you send the completed forms to the BPSU before submission for comment.
• Approved applications are placed on the Section 251 Register.
• Approved applications are reviewed/renewed annually.