Research Group Member - PPIE (Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement)

Role description

St Columba's Hospice Care is committed to improving palliative and end of life care through research, innovation and learning. To ensure our research reflects the experiences, needs and priorities of patients, families, carers and the wider community, we have established a Research Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) Group.

As members of the Research PPIE Group, volunteers contribute their perspectives and experiences to help shape hospice research and are represented within the Hospice Research Steering Group. They work alongside researchers to review ideas and materials, inform decision-making, support the development of research projects, and help ensure research is relevant, accessible and meaningful to the people it aims to benefit.

The Research PPIE Group provides a welcoming and inclusive forum where patients, carers, members of the public and researchers can learn from one another and work in partnership to improve hospice care through research.

 All hospice staff and volunteers are expected to reflect our hospice values in the way they carry out their roles and in their interactions with colleagues, patients, family members and visitors. Our values are: Care and Compassion, Respect, Trust and Partnership.

What will I be doing/involved in?

As a member of the hospice's Research PPIE Group, you will work with researchers to help shape and improve hospice research. You may be involved in:

• Providing feedback on research ideas and priorities.
• Reviewing participant information leaflets, consent forms and other study materials to help ensure they are clear and easy to understand.
• Sharing views on how patients, carers and members of the public can be involved in research in a respectful and meaningful way.
• Advising on how research studies can be designed and delivered in ways that are practical and acceptable for participants.
• Reviewing materials used to share research findings with patients, families, staff and the wider community.
• Acting as a link between researchers, hospice service users and the wider public.
• Promoting awareness and understanding of hospice research.
• Attending quarterly meetings of the Research PPIE Group and the Hospice Research Steering Group

What experience or skills do I need?

You do not need previous research experience to join the Research PPIE Group. We welcome people from a range of backgrounds who have an interest in helping to improve hospice care through research.

We are looking for people who:

• Have experience as a patient, carer, family member, volunteer, or member of the community, and are willing to share their perspectives and experiences.
• Have an interest in research and improving palliative and end of life care.
• Are able to listen to and respect different viewpoints.
• Feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and opinions in a group setting.
• Can read and provide feedback on written information and materials.
• Are willing to work collaboratively with researchers, staff and other group members.
• Are committed to attending meetings and contributing to discussions.

Training and support will be provided to help you feel confident in your role.

Time commitment and duration

You will:

• Attend quarterly meetings of the Research PPIE Group and Hospice Research Steering Group (usually around 90 minutes).
• Read papers and documents shared before meetings and provide feedback where possible.
• Contribute to discussions and support the group's priorities and activities.
• Occasionally take part in additional meetings or consultations relating to specific research projects.
• The time required outside meetings will vary depending on the activities being undertaken.

Research PPIE Group members are typically appointed for a three-year term, with the option to extend this by mutual agreement.

Where will I be based?

St. Columba’s Hospice Care, 15 Boswall Road, Edinburgh and the Education Centre, 17 Boswall Road, Edinburgh

Who will be supporting me?

Julie Young, Education Lead

Who else will support me?

Giorgos Tsiris, Director of Education, Research & Creative Arts

Lesley Rowand, Education and Research Team Administrator

Recruitment checks

• Interview with Volunteer Services Manager and Julie Young
• Application Form
• Two references
• Level 1 Disclosure

Training

• Hospice Volunteer Induction Programme
• Hospice Orientation
• Education & Research Team / role induction and training

Additional Information

The Hospice Spiritual Care Team are always available to support volunteers

Volunteers may claim reasonable travelling expenses for transport to and from the Hospice, or the place you volunteer, e.g. one of our retail shops. Please speak to your manager about this.

The Hospice provides complimentary tea and coffee to all volunteers, staff, patients and families as part of the hospitality strategy.

If you volunteer for a full day at the Hospice, you can claim a free meal from the staff café or Iona Café. Please speak to your manager about this.

 You can apply online here

Alternatively, please email us at volunteer@stcolumbashospice.org.uk to ask us any questions about the role

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