Job Overview

About the BMA

The British Medical Association (BMA) is the trade union and professional body for doctors in the UK.  We represent, support and negotiate on behalf of all UK doctors and medical students. 

To apply for this role you must hold BMA membership at the time of application but shall not have served on any BMA UK or a national council, standing committee, board or other BMA UK representative groups in the preceding 2 years or be a candidate for election to such groups

The Patient Liaison Group (PLG) provides the BMA with an informed patient view on matters of interest to the profession, and to patients. The Patient Liaison Group is made up of 12 patient lay members and 4 members from the medical profession.

We are looking to invite applications for one grassroot BMA doctor member commencing in autumn 2023.The duration of the role is for 3 years, with possible re-appointment on an yearly basis for another two years. We are seeking members from a broad range of backgrounds, demographics, and cultures to apply. We particularly welcome applications from people from under-represented groups and those with protected characteristics. We strive to create an inclusive environment where all experiences, views and ways of working are welcome, supported and valued on PLG.

This is a voluntary position and members can be based anywhere in the UK.  An honorarium fee is paid for attending committee meetings (on-line or face to face) in line with the BMA honoraria policy for committee members. Appropriate meeting expenses such as travel, accommodation, and childcare/carer dependent costs will be reimbursed. The BMA Family Friendly Fund provides a range of care arrangements to allow group members to fully participate in meetings and BMA activities.

We’re ideally looking for members with the following attributes and experience:

• Have a keen interest in improving the quality of healthcare services for patients, equitable patient care and promoting patient empowerment.
• Have some experience of working on, or with, committees. 
• Ability to express your ideas and opinions verbally and in writing, in ways which are accessible and appropriate to a range of audiences.
• Ability to understand complex policy ideas and see how they will impact on patients and the public.
• Ability to work collaboratively, supporting others to achieve team goals.

As a doctor member of the Patient Liaison Group, you’ll be expected to:

• Attend 3 full-day meetings (normally 10am to 3pm and a mix of online and in person)
• One full-day conference at BMA House in Central London.
• Up to two hours reading and preparation for PLG meetings.
• An average of two hours a week, reading, commenting on documents or contributing to discussions. 

As much of the group’s correspondence is conducted electronically, it is helpful for members to have regular access to a device and the internet where they can send and receive emails.

The meeting dates are notified in advance.  The meeting dates for the group are confirmed as 11 October 2023, 18 January 2024 and 22 May 2024.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a virtual interview over Microsoft Teams with the interview panel, which is made of the chair, deputy chair and one doctor member. If you require any reasonable adjustments or support at any point in the application or interview process, please email info.plg@bma.org.uk

The interviews will take place 24 and 25 July.

Please note that we will endeavour to contact everyone to let them know if they have been shortlisted or unsuccessful.

Why work for us?

Diversity & Inclusion Monitoring:

Our ambition is to work together to promote a more inclusive environment, which attracts everybody signals our commitment to celebrate and promote diversity.

BMA is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. We want people to bring their unique blend of experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and knowledge as we recognise that diversity makes us stronger.

Please note, we are unable to provide sponsorship under the UK Licenced Worker Scheme, as we do not hold a sponsorship licence.