Public Engagement Panel Member

Help review our health information! 

Could you help review our public health information?  

We are looking for UK-based volunteers to help us make sure the information we put together is as clear and accessible as possible. 

You don't need any expert knowledge or personal experience of breast cancer – we are seeking people who can look at the information we produce and decide if it is easy to understand.  

About Breast Cancer UK: 

At Breast Cancer UK we are striving for a world where everyone is empowered to reduce their breast cancer risk. Our mission is to lead a movement to empower individuals, advance scientific research, and reshape policy to reduce breast cancer risk for all. We are the only UK charity dedicated to the prevention of breast cancer by focusing on lifestyle and environmental risk factors of the disease, including diet, physical activity and exposure to harmful chemicals. 

Breast Cancer UK produces its own literature and publications on a range of breast cancer risk factors and holds the Patient Information Forum (PIF) trusted mark. We are also a member of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC). Our purpose is to provide practical information and advice about reducing the risk of breast cancer that is evidence-based, easy to read and user-involved. 

About the Public Engagement Panel: 

The main purpose of the Public Engagement Panel is to review and feedback on key information for the Breast Cancer UK website produced by the Science and Health Education Team. You’ll help us ensure the information is easy to read, understand and use, and is inclusive so that it reflects our diverse audiences. 

Additionally, the Public Engagement Panel will provide helpful insight and suggestions on future science and education resources so we can ensure they are relevant, accessible and engaging. 

As part of the Public Engagement Panel, you will: 

1. Undertake periodic reviews of Breast Cancer UK content on chemicals, diet, lifestyle or other risk factors for breast cancer, and/or our public health information and advice leaflets. 

1. Provide feedback to help inform content and resource development to reflect the public’s needs. 

1. Be invited to participate in an annual meeting organised by Breast Cancer UK. Participants in the annual meeting will be reimbursed for reasonable economy travel costs. 

You may also be invited to help review research grant applications to provide a public perspective on the proposed projects, alongside our Science Panel.  

Members of the Public Engagement Panel are expected to spend approximately 4 hours each year on Panel-related work for Breast Cancer UK (excluding our annual in-person meeting).  

Membership in the Public Engagement Panel is voluntary and will have an initial fixed term of 3 years that can be extended by up to another 3 years. 

About you: 

You don't need any experience reviewing health information, expert knowledge or personal experience of breast cancer.  

To be eligible to be on the panel, you should not hold a science qualification higher than GCSE level or equivalent. This helps to provide insights from people who do not have a specialist background. If you are not sure whether this applies to you, just get in touch. 

You will need to have at least an intermediate level of English proficiency. 

To apply for this role please use the link to our webpage and application form. 

The closing date for applications is Friday 4th September. However, we are reviewing applications for this role on a rolling basis and reserve the right to close recruitment early if all panel member positions are filled before the deadline. We therefore encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible. We aim to contact you on the outcome within a fortnight of application. 

Breast Cancer UK is committed to being a caring and welcoming place, where all volunteers and employees feel like they belong. Our vision is to create a supportive and inclusive culture where our volunteers and employees can reach their full potential, without prejudice and discrimination. We are committed to a culture where respect and understanding is fostered and the diversity of people's backgrounds and circumstances are positively valued. 

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and abilities. 

It is important to us that our Public Engagement Panel reflects the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve, enabling us to hear a wide range of voices, experiences and perspectives. 

Following a recent review of the Panel's composition, we have identified some groups that are currently under-represented. We would therefore particularly welcome applications from people aged 25–45, people from Black African, Black Caribbean and other Black backgrounds, men, and people who identify as LGBTQIA+. 

Selection will be based on the skills, experience, perspectives and qualities required for the role, and we encourage anyone who feels they can make a valuable contribution to apply.