Job Overview

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. 

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 3 new patient lay members to join our Patient Liaison Group commencing in autumn 2023.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 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 people from under-represented groups.

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 an 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 setting.
• 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 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.
• To attend four full day or half-day meetings or online conferences 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.  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 24th and 25th 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.