Progress reports:
The Human Research Ethics Committee has a responsibility to monitor all ongoing research being conducted at Bendigo Health. This is done mainly by reviewing the regularly submitted research progress reports. Generally a progress report is required annually. Progress reports should be submitted on the Bendigo Health progress report proforma, and all questions must be completed.

2011 Bendigo Health progress report proforma 

Final reports:
In addition, a final report is required when all data collection on a project is completed and the research is effectively ended in terms of the participation of human research subjects. This final report can be provided on the Bendigo Health progress report proforma. A final report should also attach copies of publications, conference abstracts (with details) or other publications and presentations arising from the research. It is expected that researchers will also make available to participants, where possible, a summary of research findings. Finally, the committee encourages researchers to present their findings to the Bendigo Health unit or area in which the research was conducted.

Requests for extension:
Researchers may wish to extend their project beyond the original period for which the research was approved. The approval period is shown on the approval letter sent from the Human Research Ethics Committee at the commencement of the research. The need for an extension can arise from unforeseen consequences including difficulties with participant recruitment, delays in ethical clearance from other organisations or the deferral of studies of key researchers. In cases where research is unlikely to be completed by the end of the approval period, researchers should apply for a request for an extension. This should be completed on the progress report/request for extension proforma or as an amendment request at least 12 weeks prior to the expiry of your project.

Research should not be conducted without Bendigo Health Human Research Ethics Committee approval.

Auditing
As part of its monitoring responsibilities, the Human Research Ethics Committee conducts an auditing program on a percentage of all approved projects, regardless of their nature. The purpose of this program is to ensure that research conducted at Bendigo Health is being conducted as per project protocol and in compliance with Bendigo Health’s Conduct of Research Policy (see Research Proposal page for link). Once a project has been selected for auditing the HREC secretary will notify the principal investigator and advise them of the requirements.