How to get involved

The Central and South Genomic Medicine Service Alliance and Genomic Laboratory Hub are committed to involving members of the public at every level of our work.

Opportunities to get involved include joining the Central and South Patient and Public Involvement Panel. More information on the panel, including how to express an interest in joining the panel, is detailed below.

Central and South PPI Panel

The Central and South GMSA and GLH are seeking to recruit NHS service users and other members of the public to join our panel, to inform and advise on the introduction of genomic medicine into routine NHS care with its potential to transform healthcare.

We are looking to recruit interested, enthusiastic people to our Patient and Public Involvement Panel, who will play a crucial role in the development of the Genomic Medicine Service in our region. Panel members will work closely with members of the CAS GMSA and GLH to develop and improve the service, and inform how genomic medicine is provided across NHS Trusts in our geography.

The panel will have 10 members, with one member of the panel acting as Chair. The panel will be supported by our Communications and Engagement Lead.

The panel will help bring the views of NHS users, family members and carers to the forefront of CAS GMSA policy-making. Topics to be addressed will be agreed by members of the panel, and are likely to include reviewing patient and public-facing communications, CAS project proposals, as well as acting as an ambassador for genomics and genetic medicine in the NHS.

Who we’re looking for

We are keen to hear from people with lived experience of genetic testing within the last three years. This could mean you have personally had genetic testing, or perhaps a family member or carer has. Genetic testing may have been for cancer, a rare disease or COVID-19. Expressions of interest are also welcomed from members of the public without experience of genetic testing but with an interest in improvements in the NHS through whole genome sequencing and genetic testing. Recent use of the NHS and some knowledge of genetics and genomics would be welcomed.

Panel members will be expected to live in the Central and South region, which includes the West Midlands, Thames Valley and Wessex.  

 We are particularly keen to hear from people from diverse communities and people from all ethnic groups, [1] and by those who historically have not been involved.

[1] GOV.UK 2021 Census of England and Wales: Asian or Asian British; Black, Black British, Caribbean or African; Mixed or multiple ethnic groups; White; Other ethnic group

https://www.ethnicity-facts-figures.service.gov.uk/style-guide/ethnic-groups [Accessed 16 September 2022]

More information

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and large alliance geographic  coverage, most meetings and activities are expected to be online. Alternative arrangements for panel members unable to join meetings online will be considered. 

Meetings will be held quarterly. Between meetings, panel members may be asked to work on activities raised at the meeting, with email communication and the reading and reviewing of documents likely. This is likely to mean a total commitment of 5-10 hours per month. Panel members will be requested to commit to a minimum of one year initially.

Training will be provided to panel members. This may vary depending on panel members previous experience of patient and public involvement.

This is a paid role, with the panel adhering to the National Institute for Health Research’s payment guidance for PPI work, with payment for people’s time and attendance at meetings.

Please note that any involvement payments may be classed as earnings or income by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs service (HMRC) or the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). You would be responsible for declaring this income to HMRC, DWP, Job Centre plus or other agencies as appropriate. If you are in receipt of state benefits, you should seek advice from the relevant agency, for example Jobcentre Plus, ideally in advance of applying and certainly before accepting an offer of a role which attracts an involvement payment, even if you intend to decline the payment.  

Who do I contact for more information?

Tom Hammond
Central and South GMSA and GLH Communications and Engagement Lead
07557759959
Thomas.Hammond@uhb.nhs.uk

How do I apply?

To apply, please email Thomas.Hammond@uhb.nhs.uk

In your email, please tell us a bit about yourself and your genomics experience. Please tell us why you are interested in joining this panel. People who are shortlisted for the panel will be invited to attend an informal virtual interview.

Person Specification

Please note that although all aspects of the personal specification are desirable, applications will be welcomed from individuals who do not meet every criteria.

  • Lived experience of genetic or genomic testing in the last 3 years
  • Live in Central and South geography (West Midlands, Oxfordshire or Wessex)
  • Enthusiastic about genomics, genetics, and its potential to transform healthcare
  • Good communication skills
  • Commit to respecting patient confidentiality
  • Ability to raise issues proactively in meetings and consider other views