Reference number: PHRPC/24/01
Our Public Health Research (PHR) Programme is looking for senior representatives from UK local government and relevant public and voluntary sector organisations to join its Prioritisation Committee.
This opportunity is for senior professionals across the UK currently active in population and public health practice in one or more of the following areas:
- local government
- other public sector organisations
- voluntary and community sector organisations
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 our 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.
About the role
The term of office is normally three years starting from January 2025. The Committee meets three times a year, usually in January, May and September. Successful applicants 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.
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 applicants with the following experience.
Applicants must have:
- a relevant public health experience in non-NHS settings.
- 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, UK public health practice at a senior level
- experience at a senior level in field of expertise
- 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 online form, we are interested in questions 3a, 3d and 3e. 3b and 3c are 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.