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Please read the full role description before you apply - you can download this at the bottom of this web page. This role description has all the detail about the role, eligibility and application process.

»Ê¼Ò»ªÈË the BPSU Scientific Committee

The responsibility of the BPSU Scientific Committee is to deliver and implement the aims and objectives of the BPSU in terms of the studies that it supports and its reporting system. Its objective is to advance knowledge of rare or uncommon childhood conditions, disorders or infections, which are of public health importance, through active monthly reporting by paediatricians participating in a national reporting scheme that runs across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. 

You can read more about the committee on our web page.

Patient and public involvement (PPI) is embedded in our work. The unit works with investigators to encourage and support public and patient involvement in their research.

Role purpose and responsibilities

The role of the Patient and Parent Representative includes:

• Ensure adherence to the BPSU PPI Statement of Principle: ‘The BPSU is committed to ensuring that patient and public involvement is embedded in its work’ through regular attendance and participation of the Patient and Public Representatives in Scientific Committee meetings
• Contribute effectively and constructively to discussions that take place during Scientific Committee meetings
• Prepare for meetings by reviewing and commenting on applications and any other meeting papers and raising any issues for clarification with BPSU staff
• With other Patient and Public Representatives, provide a lay perspective on applications submitted to the Scientific Committee
• Participate in appropriate training and support activities to develop patient and public involvement
• Declare any conflict of interest in accordance with the policies of the BPSU
• Maintain the confidentiality of agenda papers, discussion and decisions, in accordance with BPSU guidance
• Participate in any evaluation and/or review of this role or the activities of the Scientific Committee
• Liaise promptly with BPSU staff regarding all administrative matters relating to the Committee, eg expenses, meeting dates and confirming attendance
• Be an advocate for the work of the BPSU

Eligibility

Patient and Public Representatives of the BPSU Scientific Committee are required to have either personal experience of disease during childhood, be the parent or carer of a child who has/had a significant disease or chronic condition, or have some other significant link to rare diseases and conditions, eg involvement with a rare disease charity in a non-professional role.

Knowledge, skills and experience required

Essential:

• Personal experience of disease during childhood, parenting or caring responsibilities for a child with a significant disease or chronic condition, or some other personal experience and knowledge of rare diseases
• An ability to raise relevant personal experience and knowledge to inform the work of the Scientific Committee and to draw on a broader range of patient/public perspectives beyond their own personal experience
• A demonstrable commitment to health research and to Patient and Public Involvement
• A demonstrable understanding of and interest in the objectives of the BPSU
• Experience of reading and reviewing written documents
• Experience of using email, internet and MS Office packages, including MS Teams
• Experience of participating in committee meetings
• An ability to work with the wide range of professionals involved in the work of the BPSU
• An ability to work and communicate effectively and appropriately as part of a committee
• A willingness to learn the skills of the role and to develop as a Scientific Committee member
• Attendance at Equality, Diversity and Inclusion training within the last 3 years (if you have not attended training in the last 3 years, this will be provided by the RCPCH upon successful appointment of the role)

Desirable:

• Experience of being actively involved in health research as a member of a research committee.

How to apply

To apply for this role, please send an email to bpsu@rcpch.ac.uk with a statement of up to 250 words outlining your relevant experience and why you feel you would be well suited to the role.