Table 1.

Developing a competency framework for health research ethics (HRE) training programmes

Step	Definition	Critical questions to address	Key considerations for HRE
1	Define purposes, uses and scope	► What is the purpose of the framework? ► How will it be used? Who will use it? ► What will its scope be—to whom will it apply? ► What resource and time constraints apply to the competency framework development process?	► Define terms used when referring to HRE programmes. ► Identify general and specialised uses. ► Identify urgent HRE needs and what resources are available.
2	Describe the context of practice	► What system are individuals working in? ► What roles, jobs or positions do they have in that system?	► Consider using empirical methods to describe HRE systems and identify individual functions therein. ► Political boundaries may be useful for demarcating the HRE system.
3	Gather data to inform the competency framework	► What existing data could inform competency framework development? ► What new data are needed? How and from whom will they be collected?	► Draw on existing data and literature that have described core aspects of HRE. ► Use mixed/multiple methods when collecting new data to ensure the framework suits the HRE system.
4	Translate data into competencies	► Who will use the data to create competencies? ► How will competencies be organised and articulated?	► Consider reporting abilities required, activities performed and/or stages of progression of ability within a role. ► Develop and draft-specific competencies language with a small, qualified team. ► Validate the draft via different subject matter experts and stakeholders. ► Pilot the draft in settings where it might be used.
5	Report framework development and results	► How will the process and final framework be reported?	► Transparently report the development process. ► Share in multiple venues using versions appropriate for the venue.
6	Evaluate and update the framework	► How will the framework’s uses be evaluated? ► What criteria will determine when the framework will be updated? ► Who will be involved in the process of revising the framework?	► Evaluate its uses. ► Assign criteria to trigger revisions. ► Designate responsibility for updates.