Help shape the future of cancer care

Do you have lived experience of cancer, either as a patient or care-giver? Are you passionate about improving cancer services and ensuring patient voices are heard?

Wessex Cancer Alliance is looking for a Patient and Public Involvement Steering Group Lead to help lead our volunteer network and influence cancer care across Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.

About the role

Working alongside the Help & Care Volunteer Lead and Wessex Cancer Alliance Involvement Team, you will provide leadership to our Patient and Public Involvement Steering Group, ensuring the experiences of patients and carers help shape cancer services.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and supporting the Steering Group.
• Planning and chairing four online meetings and two in-person away days each year.
• Helping welcome and support new volunteers.
• Representing the Steering Group at quarterly Wessex Cancer Alliance Board meetings.
• Contributing to reports and preparing for meetings.
• Promoting an inclusive, supportive and collaborative environment.

About you

You will have:

• Lived experience of cancer services, either personally or as a care-giver (essential).
• A commitment to improving cancer care and patient experience.
• Strong communication and facilitation skills.
• The ability to represent a range of patient perspectives.
• An understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).
• Experience of involvement, engagement, co-design or co-production.
• A compassionate, collaborative approach.

What we offer

• Ongoing support from Help & Care and Wessex Cancer Alliance.
• Opportunities to influence cancer services across Wessex.
• Reimbursement of expenses.
• Briefing, debriefing, and training sessions including Influencing and Partnership working, EDI, Safeguarding and Governance and Understanding the Health and Care System.

Time commitment

We are looking for someone who can commit to the role for up to two years.

Make a difference

This is a rewarding opportunity to use your lived experience to help improve cancer care for people across Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight, now and in the future.

Express an interest

Please email lucy.fitzgerald@helpandcare.org.uk or call 07971 755079 to express an interest or if you have any questions. Our current chair, Eileen Stonock, is also happy to spend time answering any questions you have about the role.