This study appeared in full in the last issue of Research Ethics Review (2009; 5 (4): 159). There are three vacancies on the REC; one member has retired and left the area, a second has resigned because of pressures at work, and the third left because he was unable to attend the meetings. A fourth member will shortly be unavailable for several months because she is about to have her first baby. The day's agenda begins with a discussion about how (...) to attract new members. SG suggests that maybe members of the public should be invited to observe a meeting. DL feels that he can recommend two individuals who would be interested. (shrink)