We have several opportunities for people to join our influential Lay Committee, initially for a period of three years with a possibility of a further three years. This is an unpaid, voluntary role although reasonable expenses will be paid. Much of our work is now done remotely, however some travel may be required.

Our Lay Committee of volunteers was established in 1998 to provide a patient and public perspective on the College’s activities. The role offers you the opportunity to influence the College’s work focusing on improving patients’ care and their experience of anaesthesia, intensive care and pain medicine.

You will have the opportunity to work alongside senior doctors, other health care professionals and College staff and contribute your views as a member of the public to discussions and decisions covering a range of issues.

Lay members make sure that patients are at the heart of everything the College does, for example helping develop guidance about care and treatment and contributing to reviews of anaesthetic services throughout the UK.

Most importantly you will ensure the patient and public voice is heard throughout the work of the College.

We welcome people from all backgrounds and areas of the UK. You do not need any specific qualifications or experience, although it would be useful if you have had experience of surgery and anaesthesia as a carer or as a patient.

The most important requirement is that you want to help make a difference to the healthcare people receive.

You do need to be enthusiastic and willing to discuss healthcare issues from the patient and public perspective. You need to be able to use and have access to email, internet and basic Office programmes, including Teams.

We offer induction, support and mentoring to new members.

You cannot join the Lay Committee if you hold an anaesthetic qualification or if you are currently working, practising or managing services (including policy making) in health care. Background checks may be required for some College activities.

Please apply by submitting a CV of no more than three pages with the names and contact details of two referees. Make sure you tell us why you would like to join the Lay Committee and what you would bring to the role.

For more information on the Lay Committee please visit the RCoA website here. If you would like to talk to a member of the Lay Committee about this role please contact laycom@rcoa.ac.uk.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 03rd December 2021.

Interviews will take place virtually using Microsoft Teams.