External Chair Of The Jigsaw Research Ethics Committee

DESCRIPTION:

We are currently seeking a candidate for the role of External Chair of the Jigsaw Research Ethics Committee (JREC). At Jigsaw, we’re one of the few non-profits in Ireland with an independent research ethics committee. The objective of the JREC is to safeguard the health, welfare and rights of participants in research and to ensure that all approved research is theoretically and methodologically sound, and consistent with Jigsaw’s research strategy and agenda.

The JREC aspires to provide timely, comprehensive and independent reviews of research studies, acting in good faith with respect to both applicants and the community and in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, statements of appropriate ethics practice, International Good Practice Guidelines, the Belmont Report principles, the CIOMS 2016 guidelines, relevant EU directives, National guidelines and relevant National legislation such as the HSE National Framework for Governance, Management and Support of Health Research.

The committee currently comprises Jigsaw staff members with experience in youth mental health research and/or services; Jigsaw Youth Advocates; and individuals external to Jigsaw with knowledge of, and current experience in, the area of research. The JREC convenes online four times per year (depending on number of applications).

WHO WE ARE:

Jigsaw is the National Centre for Youth Mental Health in Ireland with the mission to bring about significant change in how Ireland thinks about, responds to and supports young people's mental health. Our Jigsaw Service provides early intervention supports to young people aged 12-25 through 14 services across Ireland and through Jigsaw Online. Along with the direct supports within the community setting, we provide capacity building and education and training to a wide range of groups, including young people. We represent an innovative approach to promoting and supporting youth mental health, in line with best practices of clinical, financial and operational governance. Youth voice and engagement is a guiding principle of Jigsaw’s work and is a central feature of the design and planning of all Jigsaw projects. Jigsaw is closely guided by a nationwide network of 130+ Youth Advocates, aged between 16-25, who help guide our strategy, recruit our people, inform our research, ensure we are relevant to those we aim to support and are central to our work in reducing the stigma that surrounds mental health.

The Jigsaw Research Ethics Committee is coordinated by Jigsaw's Research Department. This Department leads a programme of health services research and evaluation focused on improving youth mental health services across Ireland. Our work is informed by evidence, shaped by learning, and aligned with Ireland’s National Mental Health Research Strategy. Our research activities are built on a foundation of ethics, transparency, and scientific rigour — driving real improvements in youth mental health services across Ireland. Our work spans service monitoring, real-world health services research, programme evaluation, and strategic learning, supporting Jigsaw’s mission to deliver early intervention and primary care mental health support to young people.

We have delivered landmark national studies, including the My World Survey series in partnership with University College Dublin, providing the largest and most comprehensive insights into youth mental health in Ireland. We are currently a partner in a major European-wide Horizon-funded study on access to mental health support for vulnerable populations (EQUICARES), working alongside academic and community partners to better understand and address barriers to care.

You can read more about our research department here.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Chair the meetings of the Jigsaw Research Ethics Committee
• Liaise with the Research Coordinator who will oversee the administration of the JREC
• Review and critically analyse assigned research applications, resubmissions and research amendments and provide clear feedback in line with best practice and ethical standards
• Collate feedback from assigned committee members on research applications and guide the REC to reach a consensus decision on applications
• In exceptional circumstances, review ethics applications outside of the proposed schedule
• Ensure that the Standard Operating Procedure and the Jigsaw Research Approval Policy are followed
• Declare any conflict of interest in relation to an application submitted for review to the committee as soon as possible
• Maintain confidentiality in respect of the work of the JREC at all times.

Please note: The External Chair of the JREC is a voluntary position and the successful candidate will not receive any remuneration in this role.

TIME COMMITMENT:

• At least four scheduled meetings per annum
• Attendance at JREC meetings and related preparation will require a maximum commitment of 6-8 hours per quarter.

SUPPORTS:

Induction and training will be provided on the structure and function of the JREC and administrative support will be provided as necessary.

TERM OF APPOINTMENT:

The External Chair will be appointed for a term of three years (subject to periodic review) with an option to extend. To qualify for selection, a person must not have any conflict of interest likely to interfere with his/her ability to assume the role of External Chair of the JREC.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

• A PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g. psychology, social science, health science or related area)
• At least 3 years’ postdoctoral research experience
• Be currently employed in an academic or research setting external to Jigsaw in Ireland or another jurisdiction
• Interest in and understanding of the research design process, research ethics principles and best practice
• Previous experience of reviewing applications for ethical review
• Previous experience of applying for ethical approval
• Candidates must have sufficient time available to fulfil the role.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

• Knowledge of youth mental health and of the work of Jigsaw
• Experience of working with young people.

SELECTION PROCESS:

• This role will be publicly advertised and promoted through social media, via relevant 3rd level institutions and professional bodies and across the Jigsaw network
• The list of candidates who apply will be reviewed by the Research Director, members of the Research Subcommittee and the CEO
• A shortlist of prospective candidates will be drawn up and an interview will be held with candidates by the Research Director, Research & Evaluation Coordinator, the CEO, and a Jigsaw Youth Advocate, as part of the selection process
• Application is by way of an online form outlining why you wish to be considered for the position of External Chair of the JREC and how you believe you and your experience might contribute to the role.

HOW TO APPLY:

• Please submit your application via the link provided below.
• The closing date for applications is 5pm Tuesday 1st September 2026
• For further information go to www.jigsaw.ie or contact the Research & Evaluation Coordinator, Dr. Siobhan O’Brien, siobhan.obrien@jigsaw.ie
• All documentation received by Jigsaw will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Acts, 1988 and 2003 General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR; 2018). The information will only be used by Jigsaw in the processing of applications and for ongoing administrative purposes with JREC member