# Research integrity and ethics

**Source**: https://www.bath.ac.uk/legal-information/training-requirements-for-the-human-tissue-act-2004/
**Parent**: https://www.bath.ac.uk/topics/research-integrity-and-ethics/

# Training requirements for the Human Tissue Act 2004

## In order to be compliant with the HTA we need to ensure that all researchers working with human samples are appropriately trained.

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Procedure

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Owner

Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research)

Version

v2

Approval date

13 May 2025

Approved by

Filipa Vance

Date of last review

07 Sep 2025

Date of next review

07 Sep 2030

Anyone working with human samples, whether [relevant or non-relevant material](https://www.hta.gov.uk/guidance-professionals/hta-legislation/relevant-material-under-human-tissue-act-2004), in research must undertake training on the [Human Tissue Act](https://www.hta.gov.uk/) and its related [codes of practice](https://www.hta.gov.uk/guidance-professionals/codes-practice-standards-and-legislation/codes-practice).

Any research with [relevant material](https://www.hta.gov.uk/policies/list-materials-considered-be-%E2%80%98relevant-material%E2%80%99-under-human-tissue-act-2004) must have [Sponsorship](https://www.bath.ac.uk/publications/guidance-applying-for-university-sponsorship-to-work-in-the-nhs/) from the University and approval from a [‘recognised’ REC](https://www.hra.nhs.uk/approvals-amendments/what-approvals-do-i-need/research-ethics-committee-review/). All other research with human samples will require ethical consideration from one of the exisiting [ethics sub-committees](https://www.bath.ac.uk/guides/getting-help-with-research-integrity-and-ethics-queries/).

The training is a mandatory requirement since *1st June 2021*. This training builds upon the Human Tissue Authority’s requirement that people working under the governance of an HTA licence/exemption are appropriately qualified and trained in techniques relevant to their work and are continuously updating their skills.

You can access training online through the [Medical Research Council’s Regulatory Support Centre](https://byglearning.com/mrcrsc-lms/login/index.php).

Once you have completed the training please take the [online assessment module](https://byglearning.com/mrcrsc-lms/course/view.php?id=83).

This assessment consists of 10 randomly selected questions and you need to score 70% or more to pass the assessment.

At the end of the assessment you will get the option to download a PDF version of your certificate.

**Please include a copy of this certificate together with a completed [risk assessment form](https://www.bath.ac.uk/publications/human-tissue-risk-assessment-form/) as part the documents submitted with your application for [Sponsorship](https://www.bath.ac.uk/publications/guidance-applying-for-university-sponsorship-to-work-in-the-nhs/).**

For more information about working with human tissue please see our [guide](https://www.bath.ac.uk/guides/working-with-human-tissue/).

[Find out more about how to obtain Sponsorship from the University](https://www.bath.ac.uk/publications/guidance-applying-for-university-sponsorship-to-work-in-the-nhs/)