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Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities

Current voluntary posts available with the College and how to apply.

Voluntary opportunities available with RCEM

National Board, Regional Board & Committee positions are shown on this page, categorised accordingly, as well as a section for FAQ’s.
See the “On this page” menu.

Are you interested in Global EM?

Please let us know via your Member account!

We have added a ‘Global EM Interest’ box that you can tick when you log in to your Member account which is found on the ‘About you’ tab. This way we can keep you updated on GEM issues, events and you can help us work towards creating a real network for our Members with an interest in this area.

National Board Opportunities

There are no vacancies for National Board Opportunities at present.

Regional Board Opportunities

+ Applications Open for Regional Boards

Applications Open for Regional Boards

We have an exciting opportunity for members to get involved in College work!

We are now recruiting members to join our new Regional Boards. We currently have regional Boards in the East of England, South Central, South East Coast, South West, West Midlands, and Yorkshire and Humber regions.

A Regional Board Member is an Associate Member, Member or Fellow* of the College who is appointed on behalf of the Council to the role.

The role includes these additional responsibilities.

  • Act as a local point of contact for colleagues and peers on issues relating to the objectives of the College, including professional standards, clinical standards, research, education and CPD, training, policy, and other professional matters.
  • Represent your localities, gathering information to inform the Regional Chair, RCEM Council and Officers, as well as to provide a mechanism for the flow of information, ideas, and documents from the College to colleagues and peers.
  • Bring an understanding of the issues and successes in urgent and emergency care closer to the population we care for.
  • Attend four regional board meetings a year and support the work of the Board.
  • Engage with emails and information pertaining to the Board, College and speciality.
  • Willing to support the work of the Regional Board and representing the membership in the Region at Board meetings.
  • Support the Regional Chair in their activities and duties.

Who can get involved?

To be eligible to become a Regional Board Member you need to meet these requirements:

  • Associate Member, Member or Fellow* of the College in good standing
  • Be a UK registered doctor or health professional in good standing with your regulator with no limitations on practice and, where appropriate, a licence to practice
  • Have a track record that will not negatively impact the College’s own reputation
  • Employed in a current substantive post in the region on which you will serve on the Board in the UK or Republic of Ireland usually for at least one year
  • Strong interpersonal skills and able to build consensus with colleagues.
  • Experience of participating constructively in meetings.
  • Ability to listen and communicate clearly.
  • Time commitment is approximately 1-2 PAs per quarter.

If you work in a region where there is no Board, contact the Policy and Public Affairs team to discuss other ways to get involved.

What experience is needed?

No previous College experience is necessary – just an interest in representing your region and a passion for Emergency Medicine. We are particularly keen to engage with those new to the College.

How can I get involved?

To apply, please fill out an Expression of Interest form explaining why you would like to get involved in a Regional Board and send it to the email below.

For applications or further enquiries, please get in touch with our Policy team at policy@rcem.ac.uk.

Committee Opportunities

+ RCEM Sustainable Working Practices Committee (SWPC) - Welsh Representative Committee Member - Closing date 15 May 2024

RCEM Sustainable Working Practices Committee (SWPC)

Welsh Representative Committee Member

Are you passionate about improving working conditions in Emergency Departments and ensuring Emergency Medicine workers have safe, sustainable careers for years to come?

Are you ready to represent Wales when key guidelines and standards for working conditions are created by RCEM?

The college is looking for a Welsh representative to represent Wales in the Sustainable Working Practices Committee. Apply now and ensure your nation is represented in our committees vital work.

Role Overview:

The Sustainable Working Practices Committee (SWPC) is focussed on improving sustainability of the working life of emergency physicians and improving the working conditions in the workforce in Emergency Medicine.

As a national representative, you will be a committee member who contributes to the committees work alongside providing insight and feedback for Wales.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Support and advocate for the work of SWPC
  • Attend committee meetings and contribute to discussions
  • Undertake any tasks delegated by the group and provide feedback on work produced
  • Provide insight and feedback on behalf of your representative country.

Essential Criteria:

  • RCEM Member
  • Currently employed in a Welsh Emergency Department
  • Commitment to a three-year term on the committee
  • Capacity to Engage: Capacity to engage with group and undertake tasks, either individually or as a group
  • Collaborative Approach: Strong interpersonal and communication skills to support collaboration
  • Interest in subject matter: Demonstrable passion and engagement in improving working conditions and working life of EM workers
  • Availability: Able to attend 3-4 meetings each year.

Desirable Criteria:

  • Advocacy and Representation: Experience in effectively representing committees or organizations in external forums
  • EDI Training: Training and understanding of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
  • Understanding of Regional Variations: Knowledge of regional variations in healthcare systems, particularly in the UK and Northern Ireland
  • Engagement with Stakeholders: Experience engaging with stakeholders such as
    government bodies, healthcare organisations, and professional associations.

How to Apply:

  • Email grant@rcem.ac.uk with a statement of less than 250 words describing why you are interested, and what you will bring to the work in terms of expertise or experience. Selection will be based on the statements received and successful applicants will join members of SWPC who have already volunteered for this work.

Closing date: 15 May 2024

+ RCEM Sustainable Working Practices Committee (SWPC) - Scottish Representative Committee Member - Closing date 15 May 2024

RCEM Sustainable Working Practices Committee (SWPC)

Scottish Representative Committee Member

Are you passionate about improving working conditions in Emergency Departments and ensuring Emergency Medicine workers have safe, sustainable careers for years to come?

Are you ready to represent Scotland when key guidelines and standards for working conditions are created by RCEM?

The college is looking for a Scottish representative to represent Scotland in the Sustainable Working Practices Committee. Apply now and ensure your nation is represented in our committees vital work.

Role Overview:

The Sustainable Working Practices Committee (SWPC) is focussed on improving sustainability of the working life of emergency physicians and improving the working conditions in the workforce in Emergency Medicine.

As a national representative, you will be a committee member who contributes to the committees work alongside providing insight and feedback for Scotland.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Support and advocate for the work of SWPC
  • Attend committee meetings and contribute to discussions
  • Undertake any tasks delegated by the group and provide feedback on work produced
  • Provide insight and feedback on behalf of your representative country.

Essential Criteria:

  • RCEM Member
  • Currently employed in a Scottish Emergency Department
  • Commitment to a three-year term on the committee
  • Capacity to Engage: Capacity to engage with group and undertake tasks, either individually or as a group
  • Collaborative Approach: Strong interpersonal and communication skills to support collaboration
  • Interest in subject matter: Demonstrable passion and engagement in improving working conditions and working life of EM workers
  • Availability: Able to attend 3-4 meetings each year.

Desirable Criteria:

  • Advocacy and Representation: Experience in effectively representing committees or organizations in external forums
  • EDI Training: Training and understanding of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.
  • Understanding of Regional Variations: Knowledge of regional variations in healthcaresystems, particularly in the UK and Northern Ireland
  • Engagement with Stakeholders: Experience engaging with stakeholders such as government bodies, healthcare organisations, and professional associations.

How to Apply:

  • Email hazel.grant@rcem.ac.uk with a statement of less than 250 words describing why you are interested, and what you will bring to the work in terms of expertise or experience. Selection will be based on the statements received and successful applicants will join members of SWPC who have already volunteered for this work.

Closing date: 15 May 2024

+ Research Committee Members x 2 - Closing Date 03 May 2024

VACANCIES ON RESEARCH COMMITTEE OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Research Committee Members

Two vacancies have arisen on the Research Committee of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine.

Further details about the post can be found at https://rcem.ac.uk/board-committees-structure/ under ‘Research Committee’ in the ‘Academic Cluster’, or by contacting either Professor Matt Reed (Chair; research@rcem.ac.uk) or policy@rcem.ac.uk.

Essential criteria:

  1. A track record of involvement in research in the field of emergency medicine.
  2. Must possess an enthusiasm and commitment to develop research opportunities for the Fellows and Members of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine.

Desirable characteristics:

  1. Has obtained or is studying for a higher degree.
  2. RCEM are engaging in critical debates about structural inequalities. We value the creativity and variety of experiences that a diverse committee can provide. As such, we particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates. We also encourage applications from candidates in the devolved nations to enhance the committee’s understanding of the issues facing researchers across the UK.

Applications are invited using the nomination form below along with a CV. Please email enquiries and applications to: policy@rcem.ac.uk

Closing date: Friday 03 May 2024

View the Nomination Form

+ eLearning Committee - Committee Chair - Closing date 30 April 2024

eLearning Committee – Committee Chair

Do you have a passion for delivering innovative and high-quality educational resources?

Then we’d love to hear from you.

RCEMLearning is looking for our next Clinical Chair on the eLearning Committee.

The eLearning Committee oversees the strategic and educational development of the RCEMLearning platform, and its members play a key role in embedding RCEMLearning into the educational practice of RCEM members and the wider EM community.

Why apply:

Being the Chair of the eLearning Committee presents a unique and profoundly impactful opportunity. Drawing experience in eLearning, medical education, and user experience:

  • Driving Innovation in Medical Education
  • Influencing the Next Generation of Emergency Medicine Professionals
  • Enhancing User Experience
  • Collaboration and Leadership
  • Professional Growth and Recognition
  • Contributing to the Advancement of Emergency Medicine.

How to apply:

Send us a brief statement (max 500 words) outlining why you’d be a good fit for Chair of the eLearning Committee. Ensure you include the below items.

  • Your statement – highlight your relevant experience and alignment to Person Specification
  • Your CV

Please email enquires and applications to; James.Folan@rcem.ac.uk

Closing date: 30 April 2024

Download a pdf of the Job Description and Person Specification

+ Gender Equity Committee: committee member x five - Closing date 26 April 2024

Gender Equity Committee: committee member x five

Are you passionate about breaking down gender barriers in Emergency Medicine? The College is looking for five new Gender Equity Committee (GEC) members to tackle gender disparities head on. Apply now and make your voice heard!

Why Join?

  • Become part of a dynamic team dedicated to promoting equity and inclusivity for all genders
  • Make a tangible impact on those working in Emergency Medicine
  • Help raise awareness and develop strategies to support all in the field regardless of their gender identity
  • Network with like-minded professionals who are also advocating for change.

Who we’re looking for:

  • Members or Fellows of the College who share our commitment to gender equity
  • Individuals with experience in advocacy, mentorship, or project leadership
  • Passionate campaigners ready to roll up their sleeves and drive real change
  • No previous College experience is necessary – just an interest in tackling gender disparities in Emergency Medicine.

How to apply

Send us a brief statement (max 500 words) outlining why you’d be a good fit for the GEC. Tell us about your credentials, experience, and importantly, why gender equity matters to you. Email policy@rcem.ac.uk

Closing date: 26 April 2024

Please read below for more details.

Gender Equity Committee – Member – Role Profile

Reports to: Chair of GEC

Responsibilities

The Members of the committee are responsible for contributing the work of the committee. They will attend meetings, contribute ideas, contribute to projects and also represent the views of the committee to other stakeholders.

The aim will be for the committee to:

  • Increase awareness about gender issues in medicine
  • Access resources to fuel discussion about gender topics
  • Foster and facilitate a culture of open communication about gender-specific issues
  • Construct solutions to emphasise the positive and mitigate the negative consequences of gender bias
  • Develop strategies to promote wellness, career sustainment, and career progression
  • Ensuring that the College takes into account the experience and involvement of all genders in all appropriate activities
  • Contributing to the development of College policies
  • Responding to requests for comments from Council, its Boards and Committees
  • Highlighting the work of the College whilst safeguarding the College’s reputation.

Member Specification

Member or Fellow of the College in good standing.

Members must take an interest in and have some working knowledge of gender disparities in the NHS and how it relates to the practice of emergency medicine. No previous College experience is necessary – just an interest in tackling gender disparities in Emergency Medicine. We are particularly keen to engage with those new to the College.

Experience of:

  • Participation in support networks or experience of mentorship
  • Providing moral and ethical leadership and motivating others to be involved in the committee’s initiatives
  • Experience of advocacy or participation in a campaigning or voluntary group
  • Project work experience including ability to demonstrate having led a project from start to finish.

Skills set to include:

  • A passion for addressing gender disparities in emergency medicine
  • Ability to influence key stakeholders
  • Ability to inspire, support and communicate with a diverse range of people including peer-to-peer engagement, public speaking and listening skills.

Place of work

It is anticipated that we will utilise video conferencing and other media to reduce the need for travel and so we expect that duties will be primarily conducted from your normal place of work.

Hours of work

  • Up to 4 committee meetings (2 hours each) per year
  • This will be a productive committee and members will be expected to take ownership of work-streams, as agreed by the group
  • Anyone wishing to stand for a position will need to discuss this with their clinical colleagues and employers. NHS Trusts and Foundation Trusts are reminded that the NHS allows such special leave as it is in the interests of the NHS.

Remuneration and expenses

The post is honorary. Reasonable expenses for travel and subsistence will be payable on production of receipts and vouchers. As with all travel on College business, sub-committee members will be expected to travel in accordance with the College policy.

Quality Improvement

There are no vacancies for Quality Improvement at present.

Examinations Opportunities

There are no vacancies for Examinations Opportunities at present.

EMTA Opportunities

Opportunities to join the Emergency Medicine Trainees’ Association (EMTA) There are no vacancies with EMTA at present.

Other Voluntary Roles

There is a new role available for a Physician Associate on a short life working group and for a Consultant EM Doctor with International as a Global Volunteer.

+ Global Volunteer Opportunity: Consultant Emergency Medicine Doctor - Closing date 30 April 2024

Global Volunteer Opportunity

Consultant Emergency Medicine Doctor

Are you an experienced and dedicated Emergency Medicine Consultant seeking a unique international opportunity? The Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) is offering an exciting position for Consultant Emergency Medicine Doctors to contribute to RCEM funded programs aimed at enhancing Emergency Medicine education, fostering bi-directional learning, and capacity building, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

RCEM have recently received two grants to help develop PG training in Uganda and Ghana and our local partners and the Ministry of Health have backed calls for Consultants from RCEM to join the programmes to support plans for their development.

Role Overview:

As a Consultant Emergency Medicine Doctor, you will play a crucial role in developing and implementing educational strategies to improve Emergency Medicine services, primarily in LMICs. Collaborating with local EM faculty, you will identify key areas for development and implement effective educational initiatives, fostering bi-directional learning.

Full information can be found here: Global Volunteer Opportunity

Application Process:

Interested candidates should review the advert and submit a CV and cover letter outlining their relevant experience and interest in the position by 5pm 30 April 2024 to globalem@rcem.ac.uk

Frequently Asked Questions

+ Are committee roles only for those who have been closely involved with the College before?

No, certainly not. Our committee roles are open to all members not just those who have worked in Emergency Medicine for years! This includes trainees. We are always keen to help those who have not previously had a role with us to get involved.

+ So, should I apply even if I have not been involved in the College before?

Absolutely! We are very keen to encourage those who have not been involved in the College to apply; if you have the skills and the passion, please do apply.
We can provide induction into College processes to support those who are not familiar with committees in the medical Royal College sector.

+ I have the passion and the skills but not enough experience, should I still apply?

Yes! You might think that you do not have the experience, but if you are working in the field of Emergency Medicine, you probably do!
Aside from clinical skills, Emergency Medicine requires a depth of interpersonal skills: management, communication, influencing skills for example. Emphasise the skills you have, and think about soft skills such as communication, leadership, and team working.

+ How should I go about writing my application?

To apply we ask you to write a one-page personal statement. This statement is an opportunity for you to explain why you are suitable for and interested in the role and detail your objectives for your time as a committee member.

Before you write your application, you should study the role profile in detail. Pay particular attention to the member specification aspect of the profile and ensure your application addresses the points outlined.

+ I am really interested in becoming a committee member, but I am not sure about the time commitment.

College staff are currently working remotely, and we will utilise video conferencing and other media to reduce the need for travel. We expect that duties will be primarily conducted from your normal place of work or from the comfort of your own home. Committee meetings take place 4 times per year on average.

+ Will my expenses be covered if there’s in-person meetings?

It is highly unlikely that there will be regular face-to-face committee meetings in 2021, however if RCEM decides to meet once it is safe to do so then travel expenses will be covered as per our Expenses Policy. RCEM staff member responsible for Regional Chair recruitment can provide more information.

+ Who can apply to the committee member positions?

For the committee member roles, we welcome applications from College Fellows working in the region advertised. We encourage all fellows to apply, regardless of how experienced you are or how long you have been a fellow for. For this SIG, we are encouraging SAS, Nurse, trainee and ACP grade EM staff to apply. You do not need to be a Fellow to join this SIG.

+ Can I ask my Trust to support me with time off?

Given the pressures the system is experiencing, we do understand that our Members and Fellows are needed for frontline services. However, there is often support provided to allow some recognition for College work, particularly as it can be developmental. In the past, the Chief Medical Officers have written to Trusts about this (see attached letter) and if you need help in how to approach your Trust for help please let us know.

+ Will I have any support from the College?

Absolutely! The College is always here to support you in the role and with all responsibilities and duties you may have. We can send out email communications on your behalf to all members in the region and those in the College more generally. We take responsibility for organising any meetings as well as setting up and providing guidance with regional press coverage. We want to ensure that you can carry out the role to the best of your abilities and are therefore happy to provide as much support as you need to fulfil the role effectively.

+ Do you have any questions that have not been covered?

Get in touch with us! We would be very happy to talk to you.
Email: quality@rcem.ac.uk



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