Please contact us at england.voice-crg@nhs.net if you have any specific support needs to be able to apply to this role or would like information in another format.

Introduction

Thank you for your interest in becoming an independent member of the Patient and Public Voice Assurance Group (PPVAG) for specialised commissioning.

We are seeking applications from individuals to undertake the role of independent members as part of a refresh of the PPVAG membership.  If you are employed by an organisation which works in a relevant area, you are welcome to apply in a personal capacity. Appointments to PPVAG will be based on the experience and knowledge of the individual applying, the role of independent members is not to represent a particular organisation.

Public Voice Assurance Group (PPVAG) provides strategic assurance to NHS England that patients and the wider public have been involved in the development of the national specialised services portfolio. You’d be joining 14 other PPV Partners on this group, which meets online monthly.

NHS England is committed to ensuring that public and patient voices are at the centre of shaping our healthcare services. Every level of our commissioning system needs to be informed by insight from those who use and care about our services. Our commitment to supporting our PPV Partners is set out in our PPV Partners Policy.

Please read this application pack before completing an application form, to ensure you fully understand the application process and to determine whether you have the skills and time to become a PPV Partner on a Programme of Care (PoC).

Diversity and equality of opportunity

NHS England values and promotes diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity for all. To help us understand if we are achieving this, we ask you to fill out an equal opportunity monitoring form. You will find details within the application form.

How to apply

Please complete an application form and return to england.voice-crg@nhs.net

We rely on the information you provide in the application form to assess whether you have the skills and experience required for this role.

Once we receive your application

• We will acknowledge receipt of your application form via email 
• Applications will be assessed against the skills and experience required, outlined in this application pack
• Selection for interview will be based on the content of your application form
• Interviews will take place online via Microsoft (MS)Teams
• All applicants will receive a successful or unsuccessful notification
• If you are successful and accept the role, we will take up your two references

This role does not require Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance (formerly known as a ‘Criminal Records Bureau’ (CRB) check’).

If you have any queries about the application process, please contact england.voice-crg@nhs.net.

About Specialised Services

The specialised services commissioned by NHS England are grouped into six national Programmes of Care (PoC) and these have associated Clinical Reference Groups (CRGs).

These Programmes of Care are: Mental Health, Cancer and Acute, which covers four separate PoCs (Trauma, Women’s and Children, Internal Medicine and Blood and Infection).There are also clinical programmes for Genomics and Gender

Key responsibilities of Patient and Public Voice Assurance Group (PPVAG) members

• To regularly participate in monthly online meetings of PPVAG
• To prepare for the meetings by reading and reviewing papers
• To take part in workshops or events where participation is helpful for the work of the PPVAG as agreed e.g. wider network meetings
• Comply with the Standards of Conduct, respecting the confidential nature of discussions when it is made clear by the Chair that this is a requirement.   

Public interest, accountability and knowledge

• Strong commitment to maintaining a patient focus in the commissioning of health services
• Understanding of the legal framework and relevant guidance relating to specialised health commissioning
• Good understanding of public service values and accountability
• Understanding and interest in specialised health services issues, NHS England and the wider environment in which it operates
• A commitment to the principles of public life.

Sound judgement, motivation and flexibility

• Able to absorb complex information and situations before reaching a recommendation
• Able to display sound judgement and objectivity and understand the need for confidentiality.
• Open minded and willing to modify thinking in view of new information/discussion
• Tests and probes constructively to achieve the best outcome for patients
• Sees the bigger picture and can think and act strategically
• Able to think clearly and objectively when dealing with emotive issues.

Effective communication

• Able to communicate and debate with others at all levels
• Ability to give and receive advice
• Good interpersonal skills and open to change.

Personal qualities

• High level of organisation, self-motivation and drive for performance
• Emotional intelligence and resilience
• Ability to challenge constructively
• Personal integrity and commitment to openness, inclusiveness and high standards
• Independence of mind
• Ability to work effectively, constructively with senior multi stakeholder colleagues
• Experience of working in a Committee setting, and prepared to contribute actively to the discussions and work of PPVAG
• Able to maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Understanding of the needs of the patient communities related to the remit of the group and commitment to improving outcomes and experiences of care.

Time commitment

• Membership of the group/committee is for 12 months initially, at which point membership will be reviewed to agree a full term of three years in total.
• Meetings are mostly online and take place during working hours
• Any in-person meetings are likely to be in London
• There are three online mandatory training courses which attract the honorarium and can be done in your own time

Honorarium and expenses

PPV Partners are Level 4 PPV roles which attract an involvement payment or honorarium which is paid through the NHS England payroll system.

You can claim an honorarium of £75 per half day and £150 per full day (unless you are attending in paid work time). The honorarium covers your travel time, if required, reading meeting papers and meeting time.

Honorarium (involvement payments) may be classed as earnings or income by His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs service (HMRC) or the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

If you are in receipt of state benefits, you should seek advice from the relevant agency, such as Jobcentre Plus, even if you do not intend to claim the honorarium payment.

NHS England will reimburse any reasonable expenses in line with the PPV Partner Expenses and Involvement Payments Policy. Payments are subject to statutory deductions including tax and national insurance (NI), dependent on earnings and tax code. Contact the NHS England participation team england.engagement@nhs.net if you have queries about payments and expenses.

Support for PPV Partners

• New PPV Partners are invited to an online Welcome meeting with the Specialised Commissioning Engagement Team.
• New PPV members are briefed ahead of their first PPVAG meeting by the Chair
• There are a range of learning and development opportunities available to PPV Partners

Future PPV Partner roles will be advertised on NHS England » Specialised commissioning patient and public voice (PPV) partner roles and you can sign up to relevant stakeholder lists via CRG Stakeholder Registration