With an increased focus on the wider determinants of health, UK public health research is undergoing substantial evolution following the publication of the Academy of Medical Sciences report ‘Health of the Public 2040’ and establishment of the Strategic Coordination of Health of the Public Research (SCHOPR) Committee.
The Public Health Research (PHR) Programme has grown rapidly within the last five years with an increased focus on the prevention and population health agenda. With an increased budget for the main programme and initiatives such as Public Health Intervention Responsive Studies Team, Health Determinants Research Collaborations and Population Health Career Scientist Award the programme is helping push forward the public and population health research landscape.
The PHR programme funds research to generate evidence to inform the delivery of non-NHS interventions, intended to improve the health of the public, and reduce inequalities in health. The research we fund generates evidence to inform public health decision-making and aims to lead to sustainable population-level change. We are particularly interested in studies that focus on the wider determinants of health.
Expected time commitments
The overall time commitment is expected to be 1 day per week including attendance at meetings, providing specific advice and undertaking background and planning work.
Tenure
The tenure for this opportunity is 3 years in the first instance. The post holder must not be on another NIHR committee for the duration of the tenure
Key responsibilities
Key responsibilities for this role include:
- chairing funding committee meetings and providing leadership to the deputy chair and members of the funding committee to engage their support and participation in the programme, working with the programme team to ensure that an appropriate balance of member experience and expertise is maintained
- providing strategic direction, regarding the remit, relevance and positioning of the PHR Programme within the wider UK funding landscape, facilitating alignment with government strategies and policies
- supporting the programme team in strategic stakeholder engagement - embracing patient and public involvement as a core value throughout the programme, promoting wider patient and public engagement to enhance the chances of delivering patient benefit
- championing equality, diversity and inclusion in all activities undertaken and challenging a lack of regard for this
- chairing other ad hoc PHR funding meetings when needed.
The Chair will be supported in their role by the Programme Director, a deputy chair and committee members (made up of public members, academics, and subject matter experts), and by the committed and experienced programme team.
Expectations of the Chair
The Chair is expected to:
- read and contribute to meeting documentation prepared by NIHR in advance of meetings
- ensure Funding Committee meetings keep to time
- ensure NIHR PHR procedures and protocols are followed (referring to NIHR staff for guidance when necessary)
- facilitate the active participation of all Selection Committee members to provide sound and unbiased decision making on applications
- seek clarification of the Selection Committee views and ensuring there is appropriate discussion before the Selection Committee agrees on a recommendation for each application
- ensure the NIHR Programme Oversight Committee is provided with a final and agreed list of applications recommended for shortlisting or funding (as relevant)
- ensure NIHR PHR has the required feedback for applications from the Committee
- provide final approval for feedback and conditions on awards, where necessary
- advise on or recommend action regarding issues that arise post-decision meeting (e.g. on conditional awards or changes to programmes of research)
Wider NIHR responsibilities include:
- participate in Chairs’ or Programme meetings as required
- contribute to evaluations of the relevant scheme as required
- advise NIHR on adjustments to the relevant scheme
Person specification
Knowledge, qualities and experience
The following knowledge, qualities and experience are essential for the role:
- strong commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of programme activity
- knowledge of the National Institute for Health and Care Research
- ability to communicate efficiently and effectively
- confident negotiation skills
- discretion in the handling of confidential information
- proven track record of research leadership
- strong commitment to supporting Patient and Public Involvement as a core value throughout the programme
- experience of research commissioning
- experience of maintaining, and creating new, complex relationships
- proven chair experience of large committees
Experience of managing significant budgets is also desirable, but not essential.
Essential qualifications
The following qualification is essential for the role:
- Higher degree
General requirements
The following requirements are essential for the role:
- capacity to dedicate time to NIHR, including attending meetings and preparation work
- capacity to work at NIHR level, including, if required, represent NIHR at national and international level
Application process
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact:
- Claire Kidgell, Prevention and Public Health Strategic Lead: claire.kidgell@nihr.ac.uk
- Gemma House, Senior Research Manager, gemma.house@nihr.ac.uk
Please submit a CV and supporting letter by 1pm on Friday, 24 November 2023. Applications should be submitted to Gemma House via seniorexternalrecruitment@nihr.ac.uk.
Applications will be assessed by a shortlisting panel against the essential criteria set out in the specification for this role.
In December, shortlisted applicants will be invited for interview; interviews will be held virtually via MS Teams, on 31 January 2024. The successful applicant will be supported with a comprehensive induction programme.