Reference number: PHRSR/24/01
Our Public Health Research (PHR) Programme is looking for Public Health Specialty Registrars to join its Prioritisation Committee as Committee Member Development Scheme participants.
These one year development opportunities are for current Public Health Specialty Registrars across the UK, who have a good understanding and experience of front-line non-NHS public health practice.
We are particularly interested to hear from individuals with experience in and an understanding of the wider determinants of health.
About the Prioritisation Committee
The aim of the PHR Prioritisation Committee is to support the identification and development of research topics into commissioning briefs for advert and to prioritise the commissioned and researcher-led applications received.
Research topics and applications are considered in terms of their potential value to population health. This brings together the importance of the topic under consideration, the research question(s) and the potential impact on decisions affecting population health. The committee draws on the public health practice expertise of its members and is not focussed on academic or methodological issues.
Please see the PHR Programme area of our website for more information about the programme and our committees.
What is the Committee Member Development Scheme?
This scheme aims to give early career researchers and professionals the chance to experience committee membership earlier in their career than may usually be possible.
The aim of the scheme is to give individuals insight into how the NIHR generates commissioned research topics, how research is funded and how to write and deliver successful research proposals.
The scheme provides participants with a mentor (who will be an existing experienced committee member) throughout their one year tenure to provide support and guidance.
About the role
Due to the purpose of the committee, we are looking for registrars with an interest in, and expertise of, working in public health practice rather than those with more academic interests and expertise. The role will give Registrars a better understanding of the public health research system and an opportunity to network with senior Public Health leaders.
The term of office is normally one year starting from January 2025. The Committee meets three times a year, usually in January, May and September. If you are successful, you will be invited to observe the in-person Prioritisation Committee meeting in September 2024. You will mostly meet virtually but will need to be able to meet in person once a year in central London. We will pay any travel and expenses incurred for attending in-person meetings. You will be provided with a mentor throughout your membership and your level of responsibility within the committee will be at the discretion of the committee chair.
As well as attending the Prioritisation Committee meetings, you will occasionally be asked if you would like to join other smaller virtual PHR meetings or contribute to prioritisation activities.
Who we are looking for
We are looking for current Public Health Specialty Registrars with the following experience:
Essential
Applicants must have:
- relevant public health background
- knowledge and understanding of the importance of, and need for, public health research to inform public health practice
- current or recent experience of working in or with the UK public health practice
- relevant professional qualifications and registrations
- work-based or professional knowledge or experience relevant to the remit of the programme
- experience / understanding of influencing the wider determinants of health. The emphasis is on commissioning research on the most important population health issues and allocating resources to studies that have the most potential to influence decision-making and impact at scale, whether through targeted or broader population-level interventions.
Applicants must be able to:
- understand, review and summarise information from long documents
- confidently and constructively take part in meetings and group discussions
- clearly communicate and share feedback and thoughts
- use a computer-based management information system and be computer literate
How to apply
Read our guidance about becoming a committee member to find out more about the role. When you are ready you can then apply for the role using our online form. In the form you will be asked questions about yourself and your experience and will be able to upload any documents to support your application.
In section 3 of the form, we are interested in questions 3a, 3c and 3d. Question 3b is not relevant as we are interested in your front-line public health practice experience and not your research or academic experience.
Applications close on 22 May 2024.
If you have any questions about this opportunity or would like any support with your application, please email Louise Higgs at phr@nihr.ac.uk.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive culture by having committees and panels that are made up of diverse skills and experiences. We will work with you to make reasonable adjustments to remove any barriers during the application process. If you have any access needs or require any support throughout the application process, please let us know. If appointed, we will also work with you to identify adjustments to carry out the role. We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and communities.
After you have applied you will receive an email from our Equality and Diversity Recording System, asking you to complete an anonymous equality monitoring form. We monitor all applicants’ data carefully in line with our privacy policy.