Volunteer - Marie Curie Research Voices Group Member - Home Based

Marie Curie set up the Research Voices Group in 2013 to make sure we're engaging meaningfully with people in our research activities who have personal experiences of living with terminal illness or who have cared for someone with a terminal. Our aim is to enable members of this group to contribute at all stages of our research and policy work and in a variety of research projects that we fund. All you need to join is personal experience of living with terminal illness, caring for someone with a terminal illness or of bereavement. You'll also be interested in supporting research in these areas. We would welcome volunteers from diverse backgrounds and who have lived experience in the past few years. As part of the group, volunteers will help the Research and Policy teams to better understand the views of people living with a terminal illness, supporting people who have a terminal illness or of bereavement and help inform Marie Curie's decisions on research funding,dissemination and campaigning activities. This is a great opportunity to play an important role in helping to improve the future provision and quality of end-of-life care. It is also a chance to learn about the research and policy work in the sector. What we would like your help with Your role will include some of, but is not restricted to, the following tasks. You will be able to choose what you get involved with and how.

• providing your opinion on research proposals that we're planning to fund
• helping to identify key questions for palliative and end of life care research
• advising on research projects, for example as a member of a research steering committee
• talking about research at external events and conferences
• helping our team to plan and facilitate key events and workshops
• sharing your experience at policy-making forums, speaking at conferences or attending Government events
• reviewing posters submitted for the Annual Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Conference
• reviewing grant reports and offering feedback on findings and achievements to grant holders
• being a member of a committee such as the Marie Curie Research Funding Committee, The opportunity to help us improve palliative and end of life care both within and beyond Marie Curie's services
• Opportunities to enhance your skills and gain useful experience
• Induction, training, support and supervision in your role
• Reward and recognition for your time including out-of-pocket expenses
• Support from the Marie Curie research and policy teams and fellow members of the group
• The opportunity to share your experiences to improve care and support for others
What we ask of you
• To provide two references from non-family members and other relevant documents related to the role
• To keep to all the charity's policies and guidelines
• To complete an induction and any training relevant to the role
• The group meets bi-monthly, mostly on-line and occasionally in person. Any other time you choose to give is up to you.(home-based), with occasional visits to MC Head Office, Vauxhall, London
  
  An interest in improving end-of-life care and in research and its evaluation
• Desire to understand and engage with national and local decision makers to drive change
• Good communication and organisational skills
• Ability to read and comment on research summaries
• Confidence in taking part in discussions in a committee situation
• Respect for different opinions
• A willingness to take an active part in meetings
• To use your skills and experience gained through your professional or home life to support the work of the group
• Access to phone or internet would be particularly useful