Frequently Asked Questions

I want to repeat a previous study, do I need to re-enter all of the information?

No, if you have access to the previous study details in your work area you can select the project on your list of studies, then select duplicate on the left hand side. You can then update the submission details and submit. If you are duplicating a project you must update the form to the latest version using the link at the top of the screen.

How do I progress through the form?

To progress through the form you should select 'next' on the left hand side. To see the sections of the form you should select 'navigate' on the left hand side.

How do I unlock the form?

If the form is locked you should select ‘unlock’ on the left hand side. You should go to the form and click ‘start here’. You can then select ‘unlock’ on the left hand side, so that you can make changes. This will invalidate any existing signatures or signature requests, so these would need to be re-sent.

I have not selected any answers in Section A or Section B but the form is saying it is not complete. What do I do?

You need to select 'NONE OF THE ABOVE' for Section A and Section B if none of the other questions apply.

Can I share my form with the other investigators?

Yes, to share your form you should select share on the left hand side. You can see who already has access by selecting collaborators on the left hand side.

I want to share my submission with my supervisor or co-investigators. How do I share my form?

You can share your application by selecting 'share' on the left-hand side and entering the relevant details. You can select the level of permission that you grant co-investigators. You can view the list of current collaborators by selecting 'collaborators'.

I want to share my application but it says the user does not exist on the system. What should I do?

You should ask your colleague to log in to LEON. This will activate their account so that you can share your application with them.

Can I share my application with external investigators?

No, you can only share the submission with Loughborough investigators. External investigators will not be able to access the system. You can send them a pdf copy, by selecting print, if necessary.

A form has been shared with me, why does the form say 'read only'?

You have only been given permission to view the form. You will be able to add comments using the speak bubble at the top of each section. If you need to make changes you should ask the applicant to update your permissions so that you have 'write' access.

Should I include a copy of my DBS check or Occupational Health records?

No, please DO NOT attach sensitive personal documents. You will be asked to remove them.

My study does not have a consent form/information sheet. What should I attach?

Please attach a document stating that an informed consent form/information sheet is not required for the study. You will need to explain why they are not necessary within the submission. If the study is an online survey you should attach the text that is being used within the questionnaire to explain the study and obtain consent.

Do I need to request each signature in turn?

No, you can request all of the signatures at the same time.

How will I know if the signatory is available?

If you require an urgent response you should check that the signatory is available to authorise your submission before requesting a signature. You should email them directly to confirm they are available.

When I try to send a signature request the form says my supervisor does not exist in the system. What should I do?

You should ask your supervisor to log in to LEON. This will activate their account so that you can send your application to them.

When I am asked to sign a form for a project I am supervising it says it is locked. Can I still sign it.

Yes, the form will be locked once the applicant signs it or requests signatures. Supervisors can still review and sign the form.

When should I submit?

We recommend that you submit your signature requests by the 1st of the month in order for your submission to be considered during that month (unless your School issues other guidance). This will give the signatories time to sign your submission before the Sub-Committee's deadline, usually around the 10th of the month. See our website for deadlines and meeting dates.

How do I submit?

It does it automatically when the last person signs!

How will I know when my form has been submitted?

Once the signatures are completed the form will be submitted. You will receive a confirmation email confirming receipt or approval.

How can I check the status of my application

Applicants can check the ‘status’ of the form by going to the form outline page. Under the project title the ‘Form Status’ is displayed.

How do I submit an amendment?

Amendments are changes to studies that have received a favourable response. From the home page, select the relevant project. Then select 'Create Sub-Form' on the left hand side. From the drop-down list select 'amendment' and complete the form as required.

I have noticed spelling mistakes in my study documents. Do I need to submit these as an amendment?

No, you do not need to submit the corrected versions as an amendment. You can make the changes to correct spelling mistakes.

Can I ask for my personal details to be removed from the system?

Please contact researchpolicy@lboro.ac.uk in writing to request the removal of your personal information. If you are involved with research studies which require online ethical approval your personal details will be held in Loughborough University's online ethics system (LEON).  This system is provided by an external supplier, Infonetica.  This data will only be used for the purpose of processing the request for ethical approval and to retain records of approved studies.