Research with Vulnerable groups
Vulnerable Groups
These are categories of people who are not legally able to provide informed consent due to age or incompetence:
- Children (legally those under 18)
- Older people (certain groups over 65 but this depends on the nature of the research)
- Students
- People with language difficulty
- People with an intellectual or mental impairment
- People who are confined (prisons, care homes)
- People in dependent or unequal relationships (teacher/lecturer-student, therapist-client, employees as
participants)
Other groups might also be included in this category depending on the nature, sensitivity and context of the research.
Research that involves vulnerable groups may require a proxy (parent, guardian or legal
representative) to provide consent. However, in such situations researchers should
provide an appropriate explanation of the research to each participant and obtain his or
her assent to participate, in addition to the appropriate permission gained from a legally
authorised person.
Research with Children & Garda Vetting
Researchers who as part of their research project may/will come in to direct and/or regular contact with children or vulnerable groups covered by the Children First Act (2015) and National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts (2012-2016), should make the necessary arrangements to be legally compliant.
UCD requires that staff and student researchers comply with the following university guidelines and policies:
UCD HR Guidelines & Policy on Garda Vetting
Student Garda Vetting Policy (UCD Registry)
(opens in a new window)Child Protection Policy & Guidelines (UCD HR)