The Patient and Lay Group
The Royal College of Surgeons' Patient and Lay Group (PLG) was first established in April 1999. It provides a direct patient and public voice across the everyday business of the RCS. The PLG works to:
- ensure an effective patient voice in RCS work
- influence RCS standards and policies
- proactively raise areas of patient concern to the RCS
- advise the RCS about the best way to engage with patients
- act as a critical friend to the RCS
Do you want to be a champion for patients?
The Royal College of Surgeons is looking to fill two lay member positions on its Patient and Lay Group (PLG). The PLG promotes the care of surgical patients through influencing the Royal College of Surgeons and its members, policies, and standards. It provides an independent patient and lay view on issues relevant to surgery and healthcare.
As a PLG lay member, you will act as a ‘critical friend’ to the College, providing the patient voice at RCS meetings; contributing to responses to consultations on issues affecting surgical patients; and raising areas of patient concern. Commitment and initiative are vital.
Candidates for the lay member position should be able to demonstrate previous experience and interest in working in health-related areas. This position is open specifically to those with a non-clinical background.
This position is voluntary, with travel expenses reimbursed. The appointment is for three years, renewable for a further two. PLG meetings take place five times a year in London and you may be required to attend a further four to six meetings a year. Time commitments vary, but you should be willing to give eight hours a month or more to this work (including meetings time).
Given that surgical patients represent a wide range of ages and backgrounds, we would like to encourage as diverse a group of people to apply as possible.
To apply, please send a CV and covering letter (outlining why you are interested in the lay role and any relevant experience you may have) to plg@rcseng.ac.uk by Friday 1st February 2019. Please provide the contact details of someone you have known for at least two years who would be willing to provide a reference.
Interviews will be held in London in early February.
For the role description and more information, please visit the RCS website or email plg@rcseng.ac.uk.