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Research governance framework 

The Gambling Commission's Research Governance Framework.

Published
30 April 2026

Last updated
30 April 2026 - Changes

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Contents

Appendix 1: Ethics Checklist for projects requiring full Ethical Approval

General research ethics considerations

The following questions are asked about general ethics considerations:

  • Is the description of the research project understandable?
  • Are the research aims clear?
  • Has the research been adequately planned so it can be carried out in a timely manner?
  • Have the methods to collect and analyse data been outlined?
  • Are the sampling frame and number of participants specified?
  • Are any of the participants classified as 'vulnerable' and is the research design appropriate?
  • Is the recruitment process clearly described?
  • Is there a risk of coercion in the consent process?
  • Have potential participants been given adequate time to assess the information given about the research and their involvement?
  • Is it clearly stated that participation is voluntary and that there will be no adverse consequences of refusal?
  • Has the consent seeking process been adapted to cultural and local norms and expectations while respecting ethical standards?
  • Are the process and time point(s) for withdrawal from the project detailed as well as rights to request destruction of already collected data?
  • Does the research involve any social media research? If so, please provide details
  • Is there a clear provision for participant debriefing?
  • Does the project plan detail and justify any rewards for participation?
  • Are all incentives and rewards non-gambling related?
  • Are there any conflicts of interest apparent, and if so, have they been sufficiently addressed and justified in the project proposal?
  • Have the duration and security of storage of personal data, consent forms, transcripts and any audio and/or video recordings been specified and are they within recognised guidelines?
  • Have de-identification, data sharing and publication of the research been detailed?
  • Are there risks of stigmatisation? If so, has a mitigation strategy been specified?
  • If relevant, will participants be able to access the final study report and/or findings?

Participant Information sheets (PIS) and recruitment

The following questions are asked about participant information and recruitment:

  • Are information sheets for children and young people appropriate to their age-related cognitive and literacy levels?
  • Are the PIS title and text comprehensible and focussed to individual participant groups?
  • Does it explain the study and rationale?
  • Does it clearly explain what will happen when the study finishes (final report, publication and where to access this)?
  • Does it clearly explain what participants are asked to do and how long this will take?
  • Does it explain any reimbursements, rewards and incentives?
  • Do all incentives etc meet our guidelines and are not gambling related?
  • Does it address the limits to confidentiality in the event of disclosure such as harm to self or others, concerns for the neglect or abuse of children, security sensitive research, anti-terrorism legislation (Prevent) and the protocol for managing such events?
  • Are confidentiality, de-identification procedures and security procedures for data access clearly explained and sufficient?
  • Is it clear how long data or samples will be retained and by whom (institution or an archive)?
  • Does it explain the study publication policy (including where relevant maintenance of anonymity should quotations and images be published)?
  • Does it give details of any data sharing?
  • Does it refer to data protection legislation for example GDPR and the UK Data Protection Act 2018?
  • Does it give details of how research findings and other outputs will be shared with participants?
  • Does it specify who to approach as an alternative, independent point of contact for further information or to discuss concerns?
  • Are contact details clearly stated?

Consent forms will be assessed against the following statements.

  • The participant has read and understood the participant information sheet or other mode of informing and has been able to ask questions about the research and have them satisfactorily answered.
  • Participation is voluntary with no negative consequences for refusal.
  • Participants can withdraw from the research up to a certain time point without justification to the research team, and what will happen to the data collected up to that point.
  • Consent has been obtained for storage and destruction of data and/or recordings. The duration of storage and by whom should be specified.
  • Where relevant, consent has been obtained for data sharing.
  • Prospective consent has been obtained for all anticipated further studies, such as consent for future use of data or samples in other ethically approved studies.
Next section
Appendix 2: Data management plan checklist checklist
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