The Western Cape Department of Social Development established a Research Ethics Committee (REC) in 2009.  The main aim of the REC is to promote ethical research and to ensure that the beneficiaries of its services do not experience harm as a result of participation in research.

All research undertaken in or about the Western Cape Department of Social Development falls within the scope of the REC. The Committee does not accept or review research applications from other Departments or entities outside the scope of its mandate.

The Department’s REC is NOT an accredited research ethics committee in terms of the national Health Act. It therefore cannot accept applications for health-related research. Information regarding the application process for health related research can be obtained at: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/general-publication/health-research-approval-process

The REC, through its policies, has to ensure that all beneficiary information is properly safeguarded and protected in line with ethical research practice and relevant legislation and policies.

Researchers and students, who are interested in undertaking research in the Department of Social Development, must apply to the Department’s Research Ethics Committee (REC) for approval.

Before making an application, the following should be considered:

• The Department’s main focus is on service delivery for vulnerable populations. Access to the Department for research purposes is subject to its operational and service delivery priorities and cannot be guaranteed.
• The Department’s Research Ethics Committee has to give ethical approval before any research can be implemented.
• Research applications must comply with the Department’s Research Ethics Policy as well as legislation, policies and codes of conduct regulating its services and staff.

Meeting Dates and Submission of Applications

The REC meets on a quarterly basis. The meeting dates for 2023/24 are as follows:

• 4th Quarter: 09 March 2023

The meeting dates for 2022/23 are (subject to confirmation):

• 1st Quarter: 11 May 2023
• 2nd Quarter: 10 August 2023
• 3rd Quarter: 13 November 2023

Kindly note that applications must be submitted to the REC Secretariat at least 3 weeks before the meeting. Due to the volume of applications received, the Committee cannot accept late applications.

Application Procedures

Application forms can be downloaded or requested from the REC Secretariat.

Research Reports

The research and evaluation reports in this section was compiled in order to improve service delivery and provide evidence based information for planning.The Department annually compiles a Research Programme that reflects  the research priorities of its Executive, Programmes and Service Delivery Regions.The Research Programme is implemented by the Directorate Research, Population and Knowledge Management.

• VEP Shelter Evaluation : July 2015
• An Evaluation of Family Reunification Services : November 2015
• A Situational Analysis of Youth in the Western Cape : August 2015
• Impact Assessment of Disability Programmes provided by Non-Governmental Organisations Funded by the Western Cape Department of Social Development: November 2013
• An Evaluation of the Safety Parent Programme: March 2017
• Evaluation of the Diversion Programme for Young Offenders Aged 12-17 years old in the Western Cape: May 2018

Additional documents

REC Application Form

REC Access Request Form

REC Letter of Introduction

Western Cape Department of Social Developemnt Policy on Research Ethics: Ethical Guidelines for Social Research