Corporate report

UK NSC reference groups recruitment information

Updated 17 March 2023

1. Roles and responsibilities

Individuals who are interested in a role with one of the expert reference groups of the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) require the relevant knowledge, skills and experience to make sure they can contribute to the provision of high quality and well considered advice to the UK NSC. They will contribute to the goals of the UK NSC and help ensure that the benefits of screening outweigh potential harms.

They will be responsible for providing, from their specific perspective, advice, insight and constructive challenge to the expert group. They will ensure that the group adheres to its terms of reference and maintains focus on the bigger picture for the conditions within its remit. Members will ensure that evidence-based guidance forms the basis of advice to the UK NSC.

2. Qualities required

You must be able to demonstrate that you have the qualities, skills and experience described in the criteria below. Individuals considering making an expression of interest must not do so with the intention of representing or lobbying on behalf of any specific stakeholder, population or interest group. Members are appointed as individuals, bringing their skills and knowledge to the group.

Applicants must live in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

2.1 Criteria for expert roles

Expert roles are those where someone is appointed because of their professional experience.

Members must:

• be highly experienced and a practising expert with a track record in screening
• have a commitment to public health issues
• have appreciation of the complexities and wide-reaching implications of health screening programmes
• have an ability to absorb and analyse complex information and scientific/medical data
• have an ability to assess and apply relevant knowledge and skills to identify important issues and actions needed, from a neutral position
• have the capacity to commit and prepare for the 3 meetings per year for the reference group; this will involve reading and contributing to the development of evidence review products, both at and between meetings
• help develop evidence-based, workable solutions to complex issues
• offer sound judgement with an ability to consider issues from an impartial and balanced viewpoint
• be able to engage effectively, using knowledge and skills, to make impartial and persuasive arguments based on sound understanding of the evidence available
• have an ability to challenge and guide discussions
• have an understanding and commitment to providing independent advice to government

2.2 Criteria for patient and public voice roles

Patient and public voice (PPV) roles are those where lay members are appointed with personal experience or knowledge of the issues faced by members of the public as part of health screening programmes.

PPV members must:

• have a sound understanding of what population health screening is and is not
• be able to appreciate the complexities and wide-reaching implications of health screening programmes
• have a good understanding of how the NHS works and a desire to make an effective contribution as a representative of patients, carers and members of the general public
• have an ability to ensure that the patient voice is present and powerful; this will involve speaking confidently at meetings and presenting views in a coherent and concise manner
• have an appreciation of the necessity of considering varying points of view and respecting them
• have an ability to maintain a neutral/objective stance and to listen, add value and challenge appropriately
• understand and agree that they must bring an individual non-medical/scientific perspective to the discussion and decision-making process
• have the time and commitment to prepare for and attend the 3 meetings per year of the reference group; this will involve reading and assimilating large amounts of complex health-related information in a limited time-frame
• have an ability and willingness to commit to reading and providing feedback on research and review documents circulated by email between the 3 reference group meetings
• be self-motivated, independent and, after induction to the reference group, be comfortable participating without ongoing guidance or support and interacting with expert clinicians and health policymakers
• have some knowledge of research techniques and/or statistics to understand research findings
• have access to appropriate technology and be IT literate
• have an interest in supportive background reading and information assimilation
• have experience in working with committees in other settings

3. Details of the role

3.1 Time commitment

The expert reference groups meet 3 times a year for a full day, usually in January, May and September. These meetings take place just before the main UK NSC meeting so that advice from the expert groups can be fed into the committee.

There may be additional workshops or meetings pertinent to the conditions covered by the reference group that members can beneficially attend or participate in.

3.2 Travel/expenses and payments

This is a voluntary role. However, reference group members may claim travel and subsistence expenses, paid at a centrally set rate, that are properly and necessarily incurred in carrying out their role and responsibilities as a member of the group.

3.3 Accountability

Members will be accountable to the chair of the reference group and to the UK NSC secretariat for carrying out their duties and for their performance.

3.4 Conflict of interests

Members are required to declare any private interests that may, or may be perceived to, conflict with their role and responsibilities as a member of the group, including any business interests and positions of authority outside the role of the group.

If selected, members are required to declare these interests which are entered into a register and published.

4. How to apply

Please submit an expression of interest and a biography (up to 500 words or an A4 page) detailing your relevant experience and engagement with screening and how you can contribute to the workings of the reference group.

Applications will be reviewed by a panel of the reference group, including:

• the chair
• a member
• UK NSC secretariat

The information in your application form is pivotal in assessing whether you have the skills and experience required for this role.

Enquiries and your application should be sent to uknsc@dhsc.gov.uk. Please use the title ‘Reference group application – (post title)’ on your email.

5. After application

Once we receive your expression of interest:

1. We will acknowledge receipt of your application form by email (unless otherwise specified). If you do not receive an acknowledgement within 5 working days, please get in touch.

2. A panel will shortlist applications.

3. We will assess the application forms against the skills and experience outlined above and make our selection on that basis. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a telephone interview.

All applications will receive a successful or unsuccessful notification. The successful candidates will receive information about next steps.