Opportunity to shape how researchers conduct research involving human participants

Join the Quadram Institute Patient and Public Involvement Committee Review Panel

Role profile

We’re looking for members of the public to give opinions on new human studies which are at the centre of our research.

At the Quadram Institute, we’re committed to understand how food and microbes interact to promote health and prevent disease. Our researchers work closely with health professionals, funding bodies, charities, other researchers, and investors to make sure our science is able to benefit patients and the wider population.

We are looking for six members of the public to join our Panel and help us to:

• provide feedback on planned research studies
• review documents for the public
• create clear information for research participants

Length of appointment: 2 years with the possibility to renew

Location: 40 miles radius of Norwich

Application process

• Shortlisted candidates will be invited by email to attend an informal interview through a virtual meeting
• Interviews will be conducted at the Quadram Institute or can be conducted online if required
• We will notify applicants who have not been shortlisted by email. All applicants will be able to request feedback as part of our commitment to support the public to develop the skills to take on similar roles in the future

What is the panel and what would you be doing?

Alongside members of the public, our new review panel includes a professional representative from the Quadram Institute.

The role of this panel will be to assess ethics applications and participant-facing documents that describe how researchers will conduct new research studies recruiting human participants. Public members join our Review Panel on an equal footing with the other members and bring a valuable patient, consumer, or unique viewpoint to the discussion.

Examples of some of the questions you might address when assessing research applications and commissioning briefs:

• Is this research important or relevant to patients, carers or service users? Why is that?
• Does the plain English summary in the application form give a clear and simple explanation of the research?
• Will participants be asked to undergo too many assessments or invasive tests?

Public members of the Review Panel will need to contribute to the following activities:

• Prepare for committee meetings by reading and assessing meeting papers that can be long and complex.
• Attend and participate in monthly committee meetings. These are usually face-to-face but may also be online.
• Contribute to discussions and decision-making that take place during meetings as a member of the public and/or someone who has knowledge and experience as a patient, carer or service user.
• Present written and/or verbal assessments of applications, if required.
• Follow guidance provided to panel members, including policy on confidentiality and conflicts of interest.
• Communicate in a timely way with staff of the Quadram Institute Bioscience regarding the work of the Panel and any administrative matters.
• Be willing to attend appropriate free training, development, and support activities.

Are you eligible?

Essential requirements

• Passionate about improving health through quality research.
• Able to attend required meetings.
• Able to read and comment on documents within a period of 10 days.
• Able to consider a broad range of patient, service user, carer and public perspectives in addition to sharing your own personal experience.
• Able to take part in discussions and present views clearly and concisely.

Would you be paid?

You will be reimbursed for your time and expenses. Exact reimbursement will be confirmed for the successful applicants.

You will be offered a fee when we ask you to get involved in a task such as reviewing a research ethics application or attending a panel meeting. Fees are a form of reward and recognition offered for the contribution that you make to our work. You do not have a contract of employment with us.

You can choose not to accept a fee. If you prefer not to claim a fee, please let us know. Or you can donate the fee to a registered charity of your choice. Again, please let us know.

When we invite you to get involved in an activity we will tell you, in writing, what fee we are offering.

Contact us

If you would like more guidance on or support with the recruitment process, please contact us by email or you can also call us on 01603 255395

Quadram Institute Bioscience is a registered charity (No. 1058499) and is an Equal Opportunities Employer.