Lived Experience Research Ambassador (LERA)
The closing date is 05 April 2026
Clinical Research is an important strategic element of the work of Sheffield Health University Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SHPU) through the Research Development Unit (RDU). To deliver this we have a wide range of research projects ranging from small student projects through to complex and intensive clinical trials within the organisation. These run across a variety of disciplines including mental health, dementia and specialist community services. SHPU is keen to improve access to research opportunities for service users and encourage the importance and benefits of clinical research.
The Lived Experience Research Ambassador will act as a role model and be responsible for promoting and raising awareness of the opportunities available for service users and their carers - not only to become involved in research as participants, but also as volunteers, and or collaborators. Service user engagement and co-production is an integral part of research and effectiveness in SHPU. This role will ensure that service users and carers have the opportunity to participate in research which is relevant and of value to them.
Main duties of the job
Clinical Research is an important strategic element of the work of Sheffield Health University Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SHPU) through the Research Development Unit (RDU). SHPU is keen to improve access to research opportunities for service users and encourage the importance and benefits of clinical research.
The Lived Experience Research Ambassador will act as a role model and be responsible for promoting and raising awareness of the opportunities available for service users and their carers - not only to become involved in research as participants, but also as volunteers, and or collaborators. Service user engagement and co-production is an integral part of research and effectiveness in SHPU. This role will ensure that service users and carers have the opportunity to participate in research which is relevant and of value to them.
General requirements
* Lived experience of mental health as a patient or service user.
* Have a strong interest in clinical research and capacity to learn.
* Confident and outgoing, keen to engage in conversation and able to discuss lived experience in a way which engages and motivates other patients or service users and carers.
* Able to be proactive and use own initiative to build networks and relationships with relevant organisations both within and outside SHPU
* Interest and willingness to develop skills and experience within the role
About us
We are passionate about providing the very best care to the people we support, and we're looking for amazing people who share this passion to join us.
What is it that makes our Trust such a special place to work? Well, it's all about the people. Our staff, service users, carers and families all come from such diverse backgrounds and all have expertise and stories to share.
It's important that you feel supported in your role, that the people who you work with are as passionate as you are and that your health and wellbeing is taken care of.
If you're interested in developing your career, you'll have access to a range of training and education opportunities, including apprenticeships, work experience and placements, as well as the chance to get involved in research.
We are very proud of the difference we make to people's lives each and every day and if that's something that you'd like to be part of we'd love to have you with us.
Job responsibilities
* Be a resource for patients, service users, carers and the public who are interested in research.
* Participate in local campaigns to help raise awareness of our research to patients, carers and the public (for example via events and health awareness days).
* Become confident in promoting individual studies with service users and the public in and outside the clinical environment. Assist in recruitment to studies with support from the team in the Research Development Unit (RDU).
* Review studies alongside research staff and advise on possible improvements order to facilitate recruitment from a diverse range of people including ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
* Network with other Lived Experience Research Ambassadors across the region, as part of national initiatives such as the NIHR I Am Research campaign.
* Facilitate the Lived Experience Research Partnership (LERP) group within SHPU providing support to members to increase engagement, raise awareness of research
* Strengthen relationships with our stakeholders including community groups, lived experience networks and Universities.
* Support and facilitate people with lived experience to take part in research development and delivery (either by supporting or participating in research themselves)
* Facilitate people with lived experience to access training and get involved in research at all levels including development, identifying research priorities, and work as lived experience researchers.
* Advise and support developments and improvement related to service user engagement for research
* Establish links with other Service User networks in SHPU via the Service User Engagement and Experience team and other special interest groups external to SHPU
* Undertake relevant training. This will include an overview of the structure of clinical research in the UK and any other training deemed applicable.
Person Specification
Knowledge and Skills
* A good understanding of how service user involvement and co-production works in practice
* Ability to work and actively contribute to group and team settings, as well as work alone
* Ability to understand local, national, and regional policies and procedures regarding Patient and Public Involvement in research (PPI)
* Ability to effectively plan, manage and prioritise workload
* Ability to work and communicate at all levels (i.e. meetings with service users, carers, staff, committees/working groups) and offer role specific peer support, where appropriate
* A clear understanding of confidentiality, and boundaries, when dealing with matters relating to staff, service users and carers
* Demonstrable self-awareness, and an ability to manage self and maintain professional conduct in difficult and challenging situations
* Ability to work in partnership with a range of stakeholders
* Understanding of research methodologies and recruitment strategies
Training and qualifications
* Knowledge of user involvement and co-production involving knowledge of a range of practices and procedures,
* Evidence of further personal development and learning in areas which would contribute to the fulfilment of this role
* Willingness and ability to attend training as appropriate once in post
* Research training and/or qualifications
Experience
* Qualified through experience as a service user or carer within NHS mental health services
* Experience of user involvement and co-production work, with effective skills in planning and co-leading service developments or willingness to learn
* A willingness, and demonstrable evidence, of the capacity and ability to bring these experiences and that of others to the work of the Research Development Unit
* Experience of working with a wide range of people including other service users/Experts by Experience, and NHS staff
* Experience of managing a diverse workload and competing demands
* Previous experience of research either as collaborator, participant or researcher
Other
* Ability to read and understand minutes of meetings
* Ability to use email including opening attachments
* An ability and willingness to travel within a geographical area in a timely and effective manner
* Good communication skills, both verbal and written, including ability to use Microsoft applications including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
* Willingness and ability to attend training as appropriate
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer name
Sheffield Health Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
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