We are now recruiting for our next CPOC Patient Lead to commence in post in summer 2025 for a three year tenure on the CPOC Board. We are seeking an enthusiastic and committed individual to represent the patient voice on the CPOC Board and lead the team of patient representatives.

A Patient Lead will be someone who is familiar with the wider healthcare landscape and can demonstrate collaborative engagement with colleagues or stakeholders at board level. You should be keen to help advance the cause of perioperative care in the UK.

CPOC is committed to ensuring the patient’s voice is at the centre of everything the organisation does, therefore we are seeking a Patient Lead to strengthen and direct the patient voice and agenda.
This is an unpaid, voluntary role although reasonable expenses will be paid. Much of our work is done remotely but some travel may be required to meetings in London.

The role

This is an unpaid, voluntary role although reasonable expenses will be paid. Much of our work is done remotely but some travel may be required to meetings in London.

A Patient Lead will be someone who is familiar with the wider healthcare landscape and can demonstrate collaborative engagement with colleagues or  stakeholders at board level. You should be keen to help advance the cause of perioperative care in the UK.

You are interested in and have the following skills;

• An interest in the NHS and delivery of high standards of healthcare
• An interest in understanding the practice of perioperative care
• The objectivity to consider health issues from an unbiased patient’s perspective
• The flexibility to arrive at shared judgments on a variety of issues and to support the majority decision
• The confidence to work with a wide range of clinical colleagues
• The ability to communicate your ideas to a wide range of stakeholders in a variety of ways e.g. meetings, presentations, events, articles and blogs.

Experience of board work would be an advantage but is not essential to apply for this role. Having an interest in sharing your patient perspective on a range of challenging healthcare issues is most important.

Many CPOC meetings take place virtually to give flexibility around working commitments, an ability to use standards windows software including Microsoft Teams, word and email therefore is essential alongside personal access to the internet. This will ensure you are able to undertake the requirements of the role and get involved in everything CPOC has to offer.

The Patient Lead will ideally be able to join online weekly meetings, attend quarterly Board meetings and Executive meetings, Chair the Patient & Public Engagement Network (PPEN) and ad hoc discrete projects as appropriate. We are looking for an individual with strong team working and communication skills with a variety of stakeholders. 

Application Details

Applicants should submit a CV (no more than 2 pages) and a short personal statement (maximum 450 words) explaining why your appointment as the Patient Lead is of interest to you and what you specifically would bring to the role, to CPOC@rcoa.ac.uk. This must include contact details (daytime telephone and email address).

At CPOC, diversity, equality and inclusion is an integral part of our culture so it is important to us that this is reflected in everything that we do. We welcome applications from all individuals irrespective of age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion or belief, disability, or parental/caring responsibilities to ensure we actively embrace an inclusive and representative culture that encourages, supports and celebrates our differences.

Closing date: 09 May 2025

Interview date: 06 June 2025 (Ideally in-person in London)