Public champion

Public Champion

What does being a “Public Champion” involve?

1.  Each Imperial BRC research theme has a Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) Champion Pair made up of a Public Champion and an Imperial BRC Research Theme Champion (who will usually be a researcher from the theme). As a Public Champion, you will advise and encourage the other half of your “Champion Pair” i.e. the theme PPIE champion, (or researchers within your theme) how they could do meaningful PPIE. N.B. You will not be expected to provide your perspective on all projects within your theme but you will be asked to provide wider advice, for example, ways to find the right people to help design a certain research project.
2. You will also be a member of the Imperial BRC Public Advisory Panel which is made up of all the PPIE Public Champions and a chairperson who is a member of the public. The Panel will meet 4 times per year (each meeting will last approximately 2 hours) where PPIE progress within each Imperial BRC theme will be discussed. The Panel’s purpose is to act as a critical friend and adviser to the Imperial BRC and PERC in the delivery of the Imperial BRC’s PPIE Strategy

What experience do I need?
You don’t need to be an expert in any of the theme subjects to apply, although it would be preferable if you had an interest in one (or more) of the research themes. Those with more experience in patient and public involvement in research would be more suited to the PPIE Public Champion roles as you will be providing strategic advice to your theme champion. PERC offers support and training.

 We encourage applications from young people and those from diverse communities as “broadening the diversity of lay partners and participants” is a key part of our vision.

What is the time commitment?
We think that this role will take up to 5 hours per month although this will depend on how much activity is going on in your theme and how involved you wish to be. You will also need to attend 4 meetings of the Public Advisory Panel per year (which last approximately 2 hours per meeting).

Term: The role of the PPIE Public Champion is initially from September 2018 until 31 March 2020, and after that is able to be renewed for one or two further periods of one year.

Where?  The Imperial BRC Public Advisory Panel meetings will take place at Imperial College's St Mary's campus in Paddington. The majority of researchers within the Imperial BRC’s research themes are based at the Imperial College campus next to Hammersmith Hospital on Du Cane Road, W12. It is likely you will need to travel to the Hammersmith campus to meet with the researchers. Travel expenses will be paid in accordance with INVOLVE’s Policy on Payment of Fees and Expenses (February 2016).

Payment: PERC and the Imperial BRC believes that members of the public should be rewarded for their time and follows NIHR INVOLVE’s Policy on Payment of Fees and Expenses (February 2016).

Apply here: To apply, please complete this online form.

Contact us: If you have any questions about these opportunities or applying, please email ppi@imperial.ac.uk  or call (+44) 020 7594 9774.