Lay Member-Patient Liaison Group
Job Overview
Patient Liaison Group (PLG), British Medical Association (BMA)
Lay Member Positions UK-Wide
The British Medical Association (BMA) is the voice of doctors and medical students in the UK. The Patient Liaison Group (PLG) provides the BMA with an informed patient view on matters of interest to patients, and to the profession. The PLG is made up of 12 patient lay members and 4 members within the medical profession.
We are looking to invite applications for new patient lay members to join our Patient Liaison Group commencing immediately. The duration of the role is for 3 years, with possible re-appointment for a further 3 years. We are seeking members from a broad range of backgrounds, demographics, and cultures to apply. We particularly welcome applications from people from under-represented groups and those with protected characteristics. We strive to create an inclusive environment where all experiences, views and ways of working are welcome, supported and valued on PLG. In this round of recruitment, we particularly welcome applications from (i) Scotland (ii) Northern Ireland and (iii) people who identify as men, as these groups are currently under-represented within the PLG.
This is a voluntary position and members can be based anywhere in the UK. An attendance allowance will be paid for committee meetings (online or face-to-face). Appropriate meeting expenses such as travel, accommodation, and childcare/carer dependent costs will be reimbursed. The BMA Family Friendly Fund provides a range of care arrangements to allow group members to fully participate in meetings and BMA activities.
We’re ideally looking for members who have experience of the following:
- Have lived experience of being a carer or patient.
- Are a member of a health/illness/disease-interest group, or a local, community, or national patient-interest group.
- Are a patient advocate or expert patient programme facilitator.
- Have worked or volunteered in a healthcare or community health related settings.
- Have a genuine interest in healthcare, health policy or improving patient care for everyone.
- Have good communication skills with the ability to form and express ideas and views.
- Ability to understand and analyse concepts and ideas that will impact patient care.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
As a member of the Patient Liaison Group, you’ll be expected to:
- Attend three full-day meetings (normally 11am to 4pm). Meetings will be a mix of remote and a hybrid meeting at BMA House in London.
- Attend one half-day symposium.
- Attend four full day or half-day meetings or conferences (a mix of hybrid and remote) in relation to projects or committee meetings (this is optional, will vary and will be discussed with you in advance).
- Approximately up to two hours a week reading, commenting on documents or contributing to discussions.
As much of the group’s correspondence is conducted electronically, it is helpful for members to have regular access to a device and the internet where they can send and receive emails.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete a short exercise and attend a virtual interview over Microsoft Teams with the interview panel, which is made of the PLG chair, one PLG lay member and one doctor member.
We do not want the process of applying for this role to be a barrier. Should you wish to submit your application by other means, require any adjustment or support throughout the process, and/or require information in another format, please do not hesitate to contact info.plg@bma.org.uk.
For further information about the PLG and the role please visit: https://www.bma.org.uk/what-we-do/committees/patient-liaison-group/patient-liaison-group
Application closing date: 4 June 2026
Interview date: 19 June 2026
Please note that we will endeavour to contact everyone to let them know if they have been shortlisted or unsuccessful.