Detailed job description and main responsibilities This is a unique and exciting opportunity for an experienced or aspiring public involvement professional to join the research workforce at University Hospitals of Leicester. We actively encourage applications from individuals new to the field who have an appropriate skill set and offer a training and mentoring package to less experienced personnel. We encourage applications from people who have experience in community settings as well as in the NHS or a university, and we are particularly interested in working with people who have experience working with under-represented groups. Person specification Training & Qualifications Essential criteria Educated to degree level or equivalent in related area * Desirable criteria Degree in a relevant area such as sociology, psychology, communications, healthcare, science Experience Essential criteria At least 3 years' experience in similar role Experience finding out about other people's thoughts, feelings and experiences e.g. consultations, research, customer service, care * Use of platforms for online engagement including Teams, google meet and zoom Basic administrative experience, including tasks such as filing, data entry, handling correspondence, maintaining records, or supporting routine office processes. Coordinating events, conferences and activities Customer service or communicating with the public * Experience building community networks or 'social capital' (setting up a group for example, or building a contacts list) * Experience of reflecting on and evaluating own/teams work constructively and positively Desirable criteria NHS Experience Work in research or academic environment Communication and relationship skills Essential criteria Excellent communication & interpersonal skills Active listening skills Willing to develop and participate in team-wide constructive reflection and evaluation * Evidence of having worked effectively within a team Analytical and Judgement skills Essential criteria Approachable and confident dealing with the public including where sensitive health issues are involved Understands confidentiality Skills Essential criteria Competent at planning delivery of KPIs for multiple projects and researchers/managers Recording activity and associated impacts and outcomes, evaluating and responding to evaluations Ability to draft and produce variety of content for a range of media and audiences Microsoft Suite * Social media * Website maintenance SAP Understanding of research in healthcare settings and the NIHR * Understanding of public involvement and engagement in the NIHR Understanding of brand standards in the public sector Desirable criteria R&D and ethical approval process Understanding of NIHR branding guidelines Planning and organisation skills Essential criteria Ability to prioritise workload Organised and methodical * Able to plan and deliver events and activities e.g. focus groups and conferences Good at managing own workload and conflicting demands on time Ability to work efficiently, maintaining accuracy and attention to detail in all tasks. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Essential criteria Able to demonstrate a commitment to and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect appropriate to their individual needs. All staff are expected to engage in compassionate and inclusive leadership in the provision of high quality care and interactions with others Other requirements specific to the role Essential criteria Willing and able to work antisocial hours Flexible approach * Working as a team member Demonstrate an ability to self-supervise and self-motivate Ability to arrange and host study days, training sessions and patient/public events * Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours Essential criteria Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's Values and Behaviours Additional Information Please submit your application form without delay to avoid disappointment; we will close vacancies prior to the publishing closing date if we receive a sufficient number of completed application forms. Please check the email account (including your junk mail) that you supplied as part of your application on a regular basis following the closing date and throughout the recruitment process, as this is how we will communicate with you. UHL is an equal opportunities employer. We aim to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds who match our job criteria. Applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria for the job will be interviewed if you indicate you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme. If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process please make the recruitment services team aware as soon as possible. UHL is committed to helping colleagues balance the demands of both their work and personal needs through flexible working arrangements wherever reasonably practicable and subject to service needs. Disclosure and Barring Service Check Please note if you are successful in obtaining this position and the post involves regulated activity you will be required to undertake a Disclosure & Barring Service check. The Trust will pay for the check initially and the money will then be deducted from your salary over a three month period commencing on your first month's payment. The current price of a check is £38 for an enhanced and £18 for a standard check. COVID 19 Risk Assessment Due to the current Covid pandemic we have introduced a staff risk assessment into our pre-employment process. This now forms part of the mandatory pre-employment checks that will be carried out if you receive a conditional offer. The risk assessment is intended to ensure you are able to safely perform your duties in any of our work areas, and if you have been identified as being particularly vulnerable to coronavirus. Our main aim is to reduce risk and to ensure the safety of all new starters to the Trust as well as current staff, patients and visitors. If it is identified that you are within a vulnerable category, we will endeavor to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate this through discussions with both Occupational Health and your recruiting manager. Covid Vaccination Status Covid-19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, family, colleagues and our patients/service users from the Covid-19 virus. We therefore continue to encourage our current and potential colleagues to get vaccinated. University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust holds the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of everything it does and all that it stands for. We are committed to developing a workforce that is representative of the community we serve. We welcome applications from the diverse community of Leicester, Leicester and Rutland, to help deliver healthcare services that meets the needs of our diverse communities. Employer certification / accreditation badges