Reference number: HSDRFC/24/04
Our Health and Social Care Delivery Research (HSDR) programme is seeking to appoint social care professionals and commissioners to its Funding Committee to replace members coming to the end of their tenure, as well as to enrich the breadth of expertise on the committee.
This opportunity is for research-aware senior social care professionals or local authority and other commissioners of social services. We are particularly interested to hear from you if you are currently working in the organisation or delivery of care and also have an interest, or experience, in social care research and improving care through evidence-based practice.
About the HSDR funding committee
The HSDR programme funds independent and timely research which provides robust and useful evidence for professionals who provide health and care services, and for people who use these services. The HSDR Funding Committee assesses both stage-one and stage-two proposals at each meeting, received through the commissioned and researcher-led workstreams, to fund important, inclusive and impactful research. As a committee member, you would provide an expert voice in your specialist area and join a rich membership of NHS, Social Care, academic and public members who support the programme to fund this research.
About the role
Membership to the committee will provide you with an opportunity to broaden your own knowledge of both research and the delivery of care in health and care services, through critical appraisal of a wide range of applications at committee meetings. Through working alongside senior experts in health and social care research and delivery, you would also have an opportunity to develop your professional networks. Through participation in meetings you will hear about the latest approaches to services research, and new initiatives in health and care, which some employers recognise as continuing professional development.
The term of office is for three years initially, starting in autumn 2024/spring 2025, with a possible two-year extension after this. We invite successful applicants to observe a committee meeting before their tenure begins to see how the committee works.
As a member, we ask you to commit to attending three meetings per year, with each meeting usually lasting two full days, in either January, May and September or March, July and November.
Members will consider the same applications as they progress from stage one to two and, therefore, it is important to attend all meetings as far as possible. In addition, we occasionally ask committee members to attend supplementary meetings or provide expert opinion.
A mixed model of meetings is currently in use, with some meetings held online (using technology such as Microsoft Teams) during the annual cycle – dates are provided for the year in advance. Travel and accommodation expenses are paid when the committee meets face-to-face (in central London).
There is preparation required for each meeting, details of which can be seen below:
- a committee meeting will typically include up to 22 stage one and 16 stage two applications
- members pre-score all stage one applications 4-5 weeks before the meeting
- about 3 weeks before the meeting, the meeting papers and details of applications that you are allocated for detailed review, are made available
- written comments and scores are submitted a few days before the meeting for the applications where you are providing a detailed review
- at the meeting, each member presents several applications to the committee in detail and is welcome to contribute to the discussion on all applications
- all members vote/score on all applications, and therefore will need to have read the applications before the meeting. (We check for conflicts ahead of every meeting and a member would be excluded from reading, discussing, or voting on any application where a significant conflict exists)
Who we are looking for
We are looking for applicants with the following experience:
Essential
Applicants must have:
- relevant healthcare, social work or social care background, and/or academic background with a track record of research achievement and leadership
- knowledge and understanding of the importance of, and need for, health and social care research
- current or recent experience of working in or with the UK health and social care sectors at a senior level
- experience at a senior level in their field of expertise
- relevant experience, professional qualifications and registrations
- work-based or professional knowledge or experience relevant to the remit of the programme
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
Desirable
- knowledge and experience of peer review processes
- experience of peer review for the NIHR Programmes
- knowledge and experience of NHS, social care research and development (R&D), including research methods
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 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. Applications close on 22 May 2024.
If your application is successful you may be invited to observe a committee meeting before your tenure begins.
If you have any questions about this opportunity (including enquiries about accessibility) or would like support with your application, please contact Suzy Hopper at hsdr@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.