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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 - Older Emergency Clinicians Workstream Members - Closing date Friday 29 March 2024

RCEM Sustainable Working Practices Committee (SWPC)

Older Emergency Clinicians Workstream Members

We would like to invite expressions of interest to contribute to this workstream from any members and fellows who are passionate about how we plan for, lead for, and support colleagues as they get older.

Role Overview:

We aim to produce guidance relating to this topic based on evidence, experience and opinion. Work will be distributed amongst interested colleagues and the group will have 3-4 meetings to guide this workstream. The group will be overseen and supported by RCEM’s SWPC.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Support in creating guidance for older emergency clinicians in the UK.
  • Undertake any tasks delegated by the group and provide feedback on work produced.
  • Attend the workstream meetings and contribute to discussions.

Essential Criteria:

  • RCEM Member
  • 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 supporting older EM workers.
  • Availability: Able to attend a minimum of 2 meetings held.

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.

+ RCEM Paediatric Emergency Medicine Professional Advisory Group Chair - Closing date 20 March 2024

RCEM Paediatric Emergency Medicine Professional Advisory Group Chair

Honorary post

The College is looking to appoint a new Chair to the Paediatric Emergency Medicine Professional Advisory Group

Accountable to: Ian Higginson, Vice President, Quality Care Cluster lead, RCEM Council.

Key working relationships: As Chair, you will be leading and inspiring the Paediatric Emergency Medicine Professional Advisory Group (PEM PAG) members. This PAG is part of the Quality in Emergency Care Committee (QECC) which is part of the Quality Care Cluster. PEM PAG has a remit that spans paediatric issues across the whole of RCEM.  The role will involve working closely with the RCEM Quality Team and the Chair of QECC, James France.

Role responsibilities:

The PEM PAG Chair will chair committee meetings, coordinate guidance and policy in emergency medicine, and ensure the College is appropriately represented on national bodies that relate to Paediatrics.

Committee remit:

  • ensure that children’s interests are represented within all relevant aspects of College structure / business, and that PEM is recognised and developed as both a sub-speciality, but also a normal part of practice in most emergency departments
  • To help facilitate internal and external requests for representation on matters or documents relating to paediatric emergency care, ensuring that the College membership is fairly represented and is engaged
  • Developing standards, training and tools for members and fellows
  • Collaborating with other professional bodies nationally
  • To advise DoH, NICE, CQC etc on best practice for Emergency Medicine Paediatrics
  • Contributing to the work of QEC committee particularly through collaboration with Audit and QI planning, Best Practice guidelines and Patient Safety
  • Publication of resources on the RCEM website.

What can you expect from us?

  • The chance to influence EM policy and produce cutting edge new guidance
  • Meet and work with new consultants/EM staff with similar values
  • Opportunities to get involved in EM study days, presentations and represent RCEM at stakeholder events
  • To work closely with the RCEM Quality Improvement Projects to raise the overall quality of care in Emergency medicine
  • Support and guidance in the role from the RCEM Quality Team and cluster chair
  • This is an honorary post and while no financial honorarium is offered for the postholder, the College will reimburse all post related expenses (e.g. travel to meetings).

What can we expect from you?

  • Attend and chair all Paediatric Emergency Medicine committee meetings (Formal Quarterly virtual meetings with ad hoc additional meetings as required. One of the quarterly meetings per annum would be face to face)
  • Making decisions on behalf of the committee and escalating any concerns to the cluster lead
  • At times you may be required to attend other meetings to represent the College
  • Draft an annual Committee work plan and report for RCEM Council.

How to apply: To apply for the position please send a CV and single A4 page personal statement to the Quality Team – Quality@rcem.ac.uk by 20 March 2024.  Please ensure your personal statement covers your relevant experience and how you meet the person specification. Please note that the interviews are likely to be carried out via ZOOM or telephone call.

Person Specification

Practical experience and skills: The role would suit a current consultant in EM who has a demonstrable interest in Paediatrics.

Essential Desirable
Practical experience and skills  
  • Fellow of the College (all categories of membership welcome)
  • Demonstrable interest and expertise in Paediatrics
  • verbal and written communication skills
  • Evidence of continuing personal development
  • Record of successful experience in quality work
  • Excellent knowledge of developments in the emergency medicine field
  • Computer literate: excel, word
Personal Qualities  
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to prioritise and work to tight deadlines
  • Self-motivated and innovative
  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Professional manner and appearance
  • Ability to work independently
  • A commitment to upholding the organisation’s values
  • Ability to motivate others to perform to deadlines by using influencing skills

Frequently Asked Questions

+ 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

+ Research Committee - Nursing Representative - Closing date 29 March 2024

RESEARCH COMMITTEE OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE

Nursing Representative

Person Specification
A vacancy has arisen on the Research Committee of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine for a nursing representative. Further details about the post can be provided by Matt Reed, Chair, research@rcem.ac.uk or Emily Marr and Tom Burgess (PAs) via the RCEM head office.

Applications are invited using the nomination form below along with a CV.

Essential:

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

Desirable characteristics:

  • Has obtained or is studying for a higher degree.
  • 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.

Please submit a supporting statement as follows:

  • Please outline your contribution to the development of emergency medicine research.
  • Please outline how you would like to see emergency medicine research developing in the future.
  • I hereby consent to be nominated as a member of the Research Committee

Check for your enclosures for your application:

  • A signed copy of the nomination form (available below)
  • Your supporting statement
  • Your CV

Please email enquiries and applications to: policy@rcem.ac.uk

Closing date: 29th March 2024.

Download a pdf of the Nomination Form.

Download a pdf of the Person Specification.

+ RCEM Clinical Leadership and Service Design Committee Chair and Members - Closing date 11 March 2024

RCEM Clinical Leadership and Service Design Committee Chair and Members – Honorary posts.

Are you passionate about shaping the future of emergency medicine and contributing to the improvement of healthcare systems? The Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) invites applications for volunteer positions on the Clinical Leadership and Service Design Committee. This committee takes on topics that are relevant to clinical leaders, but which are applicable across the Emergency Care system.

1. Committee Chair – Clinical Leadership and Service Design Committee

Role Overview:

Lead strategic discussions and decision-making processes related to Clinical Leadership, Emergency Department Service Design, and Delivery. Provide visionary leadership, collaborate with committee members, and contribute to the development of College guidance.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide visionary leadership to fulfil the committee’s remit
  • Facilitate effective committee meetings and encourage collaboration
  • Act as a key advisor to the Council on Clinical Leadership matters.

Essential Criteria:

  • RCEM Fellow: Hold the status of RCEM Fellow in good standing with the College, demonstrating a significant commitment to the field
  • Leadership Skills: Proven leadership experience, preferably in a healthcare or emergency medicine setting
  • Strategic Thinker: Ability to think strategically and contribute to the development of College guidance
  • Collaborative Approach: Strong interpersonal and communication skills to foster collaboration among committee members
  • Expertise: Demonstrable expertise in Clinical Leadership and Emergency Department Service Design and Delivery
  • Advocacy and Representation: Experience in effectively representing committees or organizations in external forums.

Desirable Criteria:

  • Experience in Committee Leadership: Previous experience in chairing committees, preferably within a healthcare or medical context
  • 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.

2. Committee Members – Clinical Leadership and Service Design Committee

Role Overview:

Contribute expertise and insights to discussions on Emergency Department Workforce Planning, Emergency Department Design, Service Design and Delivery, and Emergency Medicine System Design. Collaborate with committee members and stakeholders to formulate College guidance.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide expert advice and insights in relevant areas
  • Actively participate in committee meetings and discussions
  • Contribute to the development of College guidance and other resources.

Essential Criteria:

  • Clinical Leadership Expertise: Possess expertise in Clinical Leadership, Emergency Department Service Design, or a related field
  • Professional Experience: Hold a professional qualification in a relevant healthcare or medical discipline
  • Collaborative Approach: Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively within a diverse committee
  • Committee Engagement: Ability to actively engage in committee meetings and contribute constructively to discussions
  • Advocacy: A commitment to acting as an ambassador for the Royal College, supporting and reinforcing its strategic objectives.

Desirable Criteria:

  • Committee Experience: Previous experience as a committee member, particularly in healthcare or medical contexts
  • Regional Knowledge: Understanding of regional variations in healthcare systems, particularly in the UK and Northern Ireland
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Experience in engaging with stakeholders, such as healthcare organizations, government bodies, or professional associations.

How to Apply:

Interested Fellows and members of the Royal College are invited to apply by submitting a cover letter and detailed CV to Emily Lesnik (Quality Manager) quality@rcem.ac.uk by 5pm on 11 March 2024. The cover letter should be a maximum of 250 words, describing why you are interested, and what you will bring to the role in terms of expertise or experience.
View the Personal Specifications and Terms of Reference.

Commitment:

Committee members are expected to attend three of the four main meetings per year, conducted primarily through video conference calls. They are also expected to actively contribute to the work of the committee

Application Deadline:

5pm on 11 March 2024
Join us in making a positive impact on emergency medicine and healthcare systems. Your expertise and commitment can help shape the future of our profession.
Interested in discussing more about this role? If you would like to speak to one of the Quality Team at RCEM to discuss the committee roles please contact Emily Lesnik (Quality Manager) quality@rcem.ac.uk or Ian Higginson (Vice President) vicepresident@rcem.ac.uk

Download a copy of this vacancy

Frequently Asked Questions

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 role available with International as Global Volunteer

+ Global Volunteer Opportunity: Consultant Emergency Medicine Doctor

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 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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