Thank you so much for your interest in joining our group!
We are looking for new members to join the Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) Patients and Research Strategy Group. We have vacancies for patient, carer and public members, and staff members.
This document provides more details about the role and how to express your interest in joining the group.
The Oxford Health BRC is a leading research centre focusing on mental health and dementia. We are a partnership between the University of Oxford and Oxford NHS Foundation Trust.
About the Patients and Research Strategy Group
The Patients and Research Strategy Group brings together patients, carers and the public, to work with staff, to help shape PPI at the Oxford Health BRC and support the delivery of the PPI strategy. Recent activities have explored how to understand the difference PPI makes to research, what makes good PPI, and how to increase diversity in PPI.
The group currently has 11 members and we seek to involve a diverse range of voices and experiences. We work collaboratively and members of the group contribute towards identifying priorities and setting the agenda.
We meet between 4-6 times a year, currently using Zoom, and previously at the University of Oxford’s Department of Psychiatry. Our meetings last between 1.5 and 3 hours. Meetings currently take place on weekdays, with dates and times being agreed by the group.
The group has a patient and staff co-chair. The PPI Manager facilitates and supports the group.
Role of group members
We want people to join our group because they want to work as partners to make our research as good as it can be for the patients it is designed to benefit.
Specifically, the role includes:
- Prepare for and attend PAR Group meetings
- Actively participate in the group’s work and PPI at the Oxford Health BRC
- Represent the interests of PPI at the Oxford Health BRC
- Contribute in line with the PAR Group Principles
We are especially interested in recruiting new members who can help us increase diversity in PPI at the Oxford Health BRC and build relationships with communities often under-served by research.
Members are asked to commit to their role for 2 years, with an opportunity to review after the first 9 months or 3 meetings (whichever is soonest).
What will you gain?
- Involvement in developing and guiding the Oxford Health BRC PPI strategy and its delivery.
- Access to PPI-related training and the opportunity to develop skills and relationships.
- An increased understanding of the work of the Oxford Health BRC and research into mental health and dementia.
Working closely and collaboratively with members of the PAR group has been very enjoyable. Meetings are friendly, productive, and everyone has a chance to contribute should they wish. Engaging with patients and carers has helped me to step back more often from my research and consider what it is truly important to those who will hopefully benefit from it. Personally, I have learnt a lot about developing and implementing strategy since joining the group.
Being a part of the PAR strategy group has given me really concrete insights into the PPI process and changed the way I manage my studies and communicate with participants.
PAR Staff Members, January 2021
Payment for time and expenses
For patient, carer and public members
We offer payment for your time at the rate of £75 per regular PAR meeting (to include preparation and follow-up): it is your choice whether to accept this or not.
Payment for time for other PAR related activity will be guided our Payment Policy.
We will reimburse you for any travel and/or carer-related expenses that result from your role. We will discuss these with you in advance of the first meeting that you attend.
Please note that if you are receiving state benefits, a pension, pension credits, tax credits or are liable for income tax and National Insurance, receiving any form of payment may affect you. See more information in the Payment Policy.
Selection Criteria
We are looking for people to join our group who that have the interests and experience outlined below.
Patient, carer and public members:
- Personal experience of or an interest in mental health and / or dementia
- Interest in making health research the best it can be
- Interest in contributing towards our PPI strategy
- Commitment to contribute in line with PAR Group Principles
- Commitment to equality and diversity
- Willingness to contribute in meetings of up to 20 people
- Commitment to attend meetings and participate in projects as agreed (health condition allowing)
- Willingness to join meetings via Zoom (If you do not have resources to take part in online meetings please get in touch with us to discuss what support we can provide.)
Staff members:
- Connected to, or have worked with, either the Oxford Health BRC or Clinical Research Facility
- Commitment to improving PPI in research
- Interest in contributing towards our PPI strategy
- Commitment to contribute in line with PAR Group Principles
- Commitment to equality and diversity
- Willingness to contribute in meetings of up to 20 people
- Commitment to attend meetings and participate in projects as agreed
- Willingness to join meetings via Zoom
We are especially interested in recruiting new members that will help us increase diversity in PPI at the Oxford Health BRC and build relationships with communities. If you have specific interest or experience in this area please also tell us about this.
How to send us your expression of interest for joining the group
We are looking for up to 4 patient/carer/public members and 4 staff members to join the group.
To express an interest please get in touch by 2 February 2021 outlining:
- Why you would like to join the group
- How you meet the selection criteria listed above
You can share this information with us by:
- Sending an email to: Claire.Murray@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk
- Completing this online form
- Calling Claire on 07827 348 486
Shortlisted people will be invited to a call with the PPI Manager and members of the group.
If you would like more information about the group or the role please get in touch with Claire.Murray@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk.
