 This is the first of three short video clips about research ethics review at the Open University. It is primarily aimed at OU staff and students, but our principles and practices may be of interest to a wider audience. The Open University's Human Research Ethics Committee, which we usually call HREC, provides a service to all staff and post-grad students. HREC must be consulted about any research carried out in the university's name, which involves human participants. This is because ethical principles are very important at the Open University and must underpin our approach to all research. Ethical research practice is enshrined in the university's code of practice for research, a code which sets the standards expected of all OU researchers. HREC operates on the basis that the OU's reputation for high standards is maintained whilst enabling researchers to carry out their projects. As in other institutions, researchers at the OU carry out studies, which may involve gathering or accessing data that can touch upon difficult and sensitive areas. In all research settings, we aim to protect research participants from unnecessary harm or distress. We also aim to protect researchers from any potential dangers and remind them of the Open University's highly prized reputation for an ethical approach.