Job Overview

The 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 critical matters of interest to the profession, and to patients. The PLG comprises 11 lay members and 5 members from the medical profession.

We are looking to invite applications for 2 new lay members commencing in June 2021. We endeavor to invite members from a broad range of backgrounds, demographics, and cultures. 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 and valued on PLG.

The individuals will have an active interest in influencing health policy and working to improve equitable patient care. Your experience may be as a carer or patient, as a member of a health and/or social care interest group, or as a member of a local, community, or national patient-interest group. Whichever your area of experience, you are asked to contribute to the PLG as an individual (not as a representative from another organisation). As much of PLG correspondence is conducted electronically, it is necessary for members to have regular access to a device and the internet where they can send and receive emails. Whilst not essential, it is helpful to have previous experience of working on, or with, committees. A broad understanding of the NHS, and/or community healthcare, and the role of doctors in the UK is required.

The successful applicants will be expected to attend three whole-day PLG meetings per session, a whole-day symposium, contribute to BMA work areas, put forward matters for debate, and depending on allocation sit on wider BMA committees. Successful candidates will also be provided with induction training and guidance to support them in their new role.

This is a voluntary position and an attendance allowance will be paid for committee meetings (on-line or face to face), and other meetings approved by secretariat. Appropriate meeting expenses, supported by receipts, are reimbursed. The BMA Family Friendly Fund provides a range of care arrangements to allow committee members to fully participate in meetings and BMA activities.

The meeting dates are notified in advance of the beginning of every session, which at BMA runs from July to June. Provisional dates for the meeting dates for the 2021-22 session have not yet been confirmed and will be provided at interview. 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 PLG doctor member.

If you have any other questions about the role or the Patient Liaison Group, please get in touch with us by emailing info.plg@bma.org.uk 

Interview dates:  15 – 16 April 2021

Why work for us?

As a BMA employee, you`ll receive:

• Generous annual leave provision, plus 1 company day and public holidays
• Double matching pension contributions up to 12% of salary
• Season ticket loan (up to £10,000) after completion of probationary period
• Additional flexible benefits.

You may be working remotely initially, but we`ll provide all the support you need. If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, please apply through our website. For any queries please email recruitment@bma.org.uk

Diversity & Inclusion Monitoring:
We need your support to make sure our staff come from a variety of backgrounds so we especially welcome applications from disadvantaged communities. Even if you`re not selected, it would be really helpful if you could complete the diversity & inclusion data when you apply for this role, because we can make sure we are encouraging a diverse mixture of candidates to apply. Thank you very much.