Job Overview

Patient Liaison Group (PLG), British Medical Association

Lay Members Positions  
UK-Wide

The British Medical Association (BMA) is the voice of doctors and medical students in the UK. The Patient Liaison Group (PLG) provides the BMA with an informed patient view on matters of interest to patients, and to the profession. The Patient Liaison Group is made up of 12 patient lay members and 4 members within the medical profession.

We are looking to invite applications for new patient lay members to join our Patient Liaison Group commencing in Autumn 2024. The duration of the role is for 3 years, with possible re-appointment for a further 3 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. We particularly welcome applications from both (i) Scotland and (ii) people who identify as men, as these groups are currently under-represented within the PLG.

This is a voluntary position and members can be based anywhere in the UK. An attendance allowance will be paid for committee meetings (on-line or face to face). 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 who have experience of the following:

• Have been a carer or patient.
• Are a member of a health/illness/disease-interest group, or a local, community, or national patient-interest group.
• Are a patient advocate or expert patient programme facilitator.
• Have worked or volunteered in a healthcare or community health related settings.
• Have a genuine interest in healthcare, health policy or improving patient care for everyone.
• Have good communication skills with the ability to form and express ideas and views.
• Ability to understand and analyse concepts and ideas that will impact patient care.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

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

• Attend three full-day meetings (normally 11am to 4pm). Meetings will be a mix of remote and a hybrid meeting at BMA House in London.
• Attend one full-day symposium.
• Attend four full day or half-day meetings or conferences (a mix of hybrid and remote) in relation to projects or committee meetings (this is optional, will vary and will be discussed with you in advance).
• Approximately up to 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 of the beginning of every session, which at BMA runs from July to June. The meeting dates for the group for the 2024-25 session are confirmed as:

1. Tuesday 8 October 2024 (hybrid)
2. Friday 17 January 2025 (virtual)
3. Thursday 29 May 2025 (virtual)

For successful candidates, please note the following upcoming dates – Thursday 19th September, PLG induction session (virtual via MS Teams); Tuesday 8th October, PLG meeting (hybrid meeting at BMA House London/MS Teams).

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete a short exercise and attend a virtual interview over Microsoft Teams with the interview panel, which is made of the PLG chair, a PLG lay member and one doctor member. As a Disability Confident employer, the BMA offers a guaranteed interview to all candidates who are disabled and who meet the essential criteria for a role.

We do not want the process of applying for this role to be a barrier. Should you wish to submit your application by other means, require any adjustment or support throughout the process, and/or require information in another format, please do not hesitate to contact info.plg@bma.org.uk.

For further information about the PLG and the role please visit: https://www.bma.org.uk/what-we-do/committees/patient-liaison-group/patient-liaison-group

Application closing date: 28th August 2024

Interview dates: W/b 9th September 2024

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