Patients representative volunteer roles
Chair of PatientsVoices@RCoA
Voluntary and unpaid but reasonable expenses will be paid.
Remote with some travel required.
Time commitment: Approx. 4 days per month for 3 years.
Close Date: Friday, 10th of April 2026
Would you like to help improve the quality-of-care patients receive at the time of surgery and anaesthesia?
We are the professional body responsible for the specialty of anaesthesia, perioperative care, intensive care and pain medicine across the UK, and we are seeking an enthusiastic and committed Chair of PatientsVoices@RCoA, the group of volunteers who support, advise and influence the College by providing patients’ views on its activities.
As Chair of PatientsVoices@RCoA, you will lead a diverse group of volunteers and champion meaningful patient involvement across a wide range of workstreams. This role offers a unique opportunity to help shape the quality-of-care patients receive in the NHS and other healthcare settings.
As Chair of PatientsVoices@RCoA you will:
- Champion the work of the group and raise the profile of the patient voice across the College.
- Encourage participation and engagement within the group.
- Work with College staff and Committee Chairs to deliver impactful patient engagement where most needed.
- Be an ambassador with external partners and stakeholder organisations.
- Chair the meetings of PatientsVoices@RCoA three times a year and the away day once a year.
- Be co-opted to College Council and report to Council on behalf of PatientsVoices@RCoA.
- Attend and report to the Clinical Quality and Research Board on behalf of PatientsVoices@RCoA.
- Represent PatientsVoices@RCoA at the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges’ Patient Liaison Group.
We are looking for someone with:
- Experience of leading a group and working with a diverse range of people and views.
- Experience of chairing committees and meetings and leading discussions so that every voice is heard.
- A collaborative mindset and the ability to build positive relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
- Strong leadership, interpersonal and organisational skills.
- Passion about strengthening the patient voice in the work of the College.
- Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
- The ability to use basic IT systems (e.g. email, Word, Teams etc.).
- The ability to commit an average of four days per month to the role.
- Flexibility and responsiveness to a varied workload and schedule.
To maintain independence and avoid conflicts of interest:
- You cannot join PatientsVoices@RCoA if you hold an anaesthetic qualification.
- You cannot currently be working, practising or managing services in healthcare (including policy making).
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check may be required for some College activities.
At RCoA equality, diversity and inclusion is a core part of our culture, so it is important to us that this is reflected in everything that we do. We welcome all individuals irrespective of age, race, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion or belief, disability, marital or civil partnership status, or parental and caring responsibilities to ensure we actively embrace an inclusive and representative culture that encourages, supports and celebrates our differences.
Please note we will ask for contact details and a CV initially when you apply. You will then be sent an email with an application form.
We are looking for up to three talented people to bring wider expertise to our board and complement the skills of our elected pharmacists and the Chair, Joe Irvin OBE. Our Trustees will help steer our strategic direction and ensure the good governance and financial wellbeing of the College.
With a proud history of more than a century, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society is now transforming itself into the Royal College of Pharmacy, a registered charity providing public benefit, to sit alongside the other medical royal colleges. This change is due in Spring 2026.
As we already have expertise in pharmacy, this is not a requirement however one of the new trustees must have specialist expertise in charity finance. This is a voluntary role, and you would be expected to attend formal board meetings (in person and online) four times a year – and annually for a full-day strategic review and planning session. Trustees serve for a term of up to three years with an option for appointment for a further two terms.
Principal Duties as a Board Member:
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Contribute actively to the Board, in giving firm strategic direction to the charity, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets
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Ensure that the charity complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
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Ensure that the charity pursues its mission, as defined by the objects in its governing document and uses its resources exclusively for the delivery of that mission
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Ensure effective and efficient administration of the charity
Person Specification:
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Demonstrable strategic leadership – with ability to focus on long-term direction and outcomes rather than operational detail
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Experience leading or advising organisations through growth, change, or uncertainty
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Experience within or exposure to sectors with particular sensitivities or complexities, e.g. healthcare, membership, safeguarding or equality-focused work.
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It would be desirable to bring expertise in any of the following areas: change management, marketing and communication, commercial success of a trading subsidiary, safeguarding, education, professional accreditation
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Knowledge of the wider healthcare environment and in particular patient voice would also be an advantage.
About The RPS:
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) is the professional leadership body for pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists in Great Britain. We support pharmacists in their education and development, promote pharmacy in the media and government, and lead the way in medicines information across Great Britain and around the world. Our mission is to put pharmacy at the forefront of healthcare. Our vision is to become the world leader in the safe and effective use of medicines.
To apply, please send a CV or Profile and a supporting statement via the link on our website. We are committed to making the application process inclusive.
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Briefly describe how your skills, experience and personal qualities make you a good candidate for this role. Refer to the role description and person specification for inspiration. (800-word limit)
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Your specific areas of expertise that will be beneficial to our board of trustees
Each candidate will be shortlisted based on merit, and interview and appointment selection will be strictly based on the agreed selection criteria. The Equality Act 2010 permits reasonable adjustments that may give preferential treatment to an individual with a disability.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Provide a welcoming and supportive first point of contact for clients and visitors across our Dudley and Wolverhampton offices.
Role Responsibilities:
• Provide reception cover and welcome clients into the Information Hub.
• Carry out initial triage by listening to clients’ needs and directing them appropriately.
• Book in clients who have appointments with advice staff
• Handle calls and emails, and record client information accurately.
About You:
• Friendly, approachable, and empathetic.
• Good communication and basic IT skills.
• Organised, reliable, and able to work independently and in a team.
• Willing to travel between Dudley and Wolverhampton offices.
Commitment:
• Volunteer 1 day a week (you can volunteer if you want up to 5 days a week), volunteering between the hours of 9am – 3pm, for minimum 6 months commitment.
NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED, FULL TRAINING WILL BE PROVIDED
Plus, we'll reimburse your travel expenses (fuel or bus fares, car parking), so volunteering won't cost you anything but your time.
Why Volunteer with Us?
✨ Valuable Experience: Gain practical skills and a sense of fulfilment with a trusted charity that has over 80 years of experience.
✨ Training and Support: Enjoy comprehensive training and ongoing support to help you succeed.
✨ Social Connection: Meet like-minded individuals and become part of our wonderful team.
✨ Personal Fulfilment: Experience the joy of making a real difference in someone's life.
✨ Flexible Hours: We offer flexible volunteering hours to suit your lifestyle.
✨ Health and Wellbeing: We prioritise the wellness of our volunteers, contributing to professional success.
✨ Professional Development: We're committed to continuous development and growth opportunities.
✨ Diversity and Inclusion: We embrace individuals from all walks of life and encourage authenticity.
What Our Volunteers Say:
"Now that I am retired, volunteering at Citizens Advice gives me a purpose in life. I feel I can serve my community and make a difference to local people who are in difficulty. I learn a lot, use my skills and discover new skills as well as having new and varied experiences every day."
-Volunteer Generalist Advisor
"I now feel braver when looking at new job opportunities. I can utilise my skills and experience from volunteering in the hubs."
-Cost of Living Support Hub Volunteer
Ready to make a difference?
For further information about the individual roles, please visit our website:
If you require any of the information in an alternative accessible format, please let us know and we will be happy to assist.