Help give cancer patients a voice and shape research in Wales

Become the Lay Lead Research Partner with Wales Cancer Research Centre and manage their public involvement group.

What experience do I need to help?

 You will need:

• To be based in Wales and have experience of cancer as a patient or carer
• Excellent organisational skills with good record keeping
• Proficiency with IT particularly Zoom and Microsoft Teams
• A willingness to review information and documents
• To feel comfortable taking part in discussions
• Confidence to speak at meetings (and at conferences where necessary)

Experience in any of the following areas would also be advantageous:

• Previous public involvement experience
• Experience of working with patients, patient representatives, service users and academic and clinical researchers.
• Previous committee experience
• Experience of being a member of any panel or group

More information

Wales Cancer Research Centre (WCRC) works with members of the public, cancer patients, academics and clinicians to develop and deliver excellent research across Wales.

WCRC are looking for one person from Wales to become their Lay Lead Research Partner and head up their Patient and Public Involvement group.

The group is made up of public members with experience of cancer as a patient or carer and provide invaluable public perspective on the work that the centre undertakes, sharing personal experiences, providing feedback and influence on long-term research aims and helping to develop resources through participation in strategic groups and committees.

What will I be asked to do?

The Lay Lead Research Partner will be required to manage and deliver the Lay Research Partner Group including leading Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) quarterly group meetings.

You will act as a core member of the senior leadership group of WCRC and represent PPI within WCRC governance structures.
You will need to review documents and contribute to WCRC’s reports, applications and communications.
You will promote best practice in Patient and Public involvement to cancer researchers in Wales and WCRC’s PPI work to the wider research community.
Where appropriate, you will also represent WCRC’s PPI activities on external groups.

You will be required to attend around 12 meetings/events a year, lasting between two to three hours. There will be occasional in-person meetings in Cardiff. 

Preparation will also be required, so it is estimated that there will be around 10-20 hours of work per month.

How long will I be needed for?

Three years with the possibility of renewal.

What are some of the benefits for me?

Benefits to you:

• Help improve cancer research in Wales
• Payment for time of £25.00 per hour (people can ask for less if they receive state benefits).
• Payment of reasonable travel costs to attend WCRC meetings
• Range of Incentives such as access to university libraries and opportunities to take short courses

Have a look at our guidelines for more information about this.

If you are receiving any benefits, you can access confidential advice from the Benefits Advice Service for Involvement.  

What support is offered?

The Wales Cancer Research Centre will provide support and a designated contact person. The outgoing Lay Lead has also offered to provide training and assistance.

How do I apply?

Complete the online form and tell us how you meet the required experience. 

Not sure how to complete the online form or would you like to discuss an opportunity further?

Then the team can help you, contact us by email to set up a chat. 

Access to any information you share with us is secure, restricted and dealt with confidentially. 

What happens next.

If your application fits the required experience, it will be sent to the project lead.

We will contact you with updates on the progress of your application.

If you have any questions, please contact us by email or call 02920 230 457.