Public Engagement Manager (Lived experience & patient engagement)

Reports to: Head of Public Engagement with Science

This is a full-time, permanent position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

Interviews will be held 25th and 29th June

About us

The Francis Crick Institute is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions.

The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture. We’ve removed traditional boundaries of departments, divisions and disciplines and instead have an open approach that supports every researcher. This gives us the freedom to take risks and carry out high-quality, pioneering research. Creating a space for discovery without boundaries helps us to turn our science into benefits for human health and the economy.

About the role

We are looking for a Public Engagement Manager (Lived experience & patient engagement) to join the Public Engagement with Science team at the Francis Crick Institute.

As the Public Engagement Manager, you will lead the development and delivery of a strategic framework to ensure that patient perspectives, lived experience and public priorities meaningfully inform research, public engagement programmes and other institutional activities at the Francis Crick Institute. The role will build trusted relationships with diverse patient and community groups, helping to embed inclusive, ethical and impactful engagement practices across the organisation.

Working closely with researchers, colleagues across Public Engagement and Communications, and external partners, you will create opportunities for meaningful involvement in science and support the Crick’s commitment to public engagement. You will also contribute to building a culture of engagement by developing training and engagement opportunities for staff.

This role is an excellent opportunity for an experienced public or patient engagement professional with experience connecting patients and audiences with lived experience to science and researchers. You will be highly motivated, strategic, and creative with a commitment to the principles and practice of equality, diversity and inclusion.

What you will be doing

Lived experience and patient engagement

• Lead the strategic development of a framework to engage and involve people with lived experience, and deliver a programme to connect these audiences with Crick science and our public programme. Develop and implement an evaluation framework and measures of success, working with external evaluators when necessary.
• Build relationships with charities, patient groups, and under-served communities, and work with these audiences to deliver events and projects that meet their needs and create space for conversations and mutual learning with Crick researchers.
• Initiate, recruit, and manage a new Lived Experience Advisory Panel for the Crick.
• Work with colleagues across the Institute to support public and patient involvement in research and ensure alignment with clinical and research priorities.

Embedding a culture of engagement

• Work closely with other PE Managers on a coordinated approach to embed public engagement throughout the institute; raising awareness, building capacity and skills, and supporting participation.
• Develop and deliver patient engagement training open to all Crick staff to build understanding, skills, and confidence.
• Act as a key institutional contact for patient engagement and provide expert advice to senior colleagues on best practice in patient and public involvement (PPIE)
  

About you

You will have:

• Extensive experience working in public engagement and/or patient and public involvement, and a comprehensive knowledge of good practice in the field.*
• A track record of leading strategic engagement programmes, including defining outcomes and demonstrating impact.
• Demonstrable experience designing and leading participatory or co-produced events, exhibitions, or projects with public audiences or special interest groups (e.g., patients, community groups, young people) that connect public perspectives meaningfully with research or clinical practice. *
• A deep understanding of how to successfully bring patients, public, and/or communities and researchers together to shape and share scientific research for mutual benefit.
• Demonstrable experience supporting researchers to engage effectively and sensitively with diverse public or patient communities, including delivering training and providing guidance. *
• Experience/understanding of patient and public involvement techniques and approaches.
• Familiarity with funding or regulatory expectations around PPIE
• Significant project management experience, including experience of developing, implementing and evaluating events or projects which involve multiple partners and stakeholders.