Volunteering Opportunities

East Midlands Regional Chair

Call for Nominations – Closing Date Tuesday 31 December 2024

RCEM is looking for a new East Midlands Regional Chair!

Regional Chairs play a crucial and rewarding role in advocating for their region and representing their members in the College and key decision-making. Chairs provide leadership and act as a voice and conduit for members.

You will work closely with RCEM’s Policy and Communications teams, who will support you in your role to engage with Members, develop regional networks and relationships with local policymakers and the media. Your contribution as East Midlands Regional Chair will strengthen the College’s ability to flag challenges faced by emergency departments in the region and beyond, improving patient care and the working lives of members.

Who can apply?

To be eligible to become a Regional Chair, you need to meet these requirements:

• A Member and Fellow of the College in good standing.
• Employed in a current substantive consultant role in the region.
• In good standing with your regulator with no limitations on practice.
• Have a track record that will not negatively impact the College’s own reputation.
• Strong interpersonal skills and able to build consensus with colleagues.
• Experience ideally of facilitating or at least participating constructively in meetings.
• Ability to listen and communicate clearly.

If you are a Fellow, work in a substantive consultant role in the East Midlands and you are interested in representing your region, developing your career and your influencing skills then we would be delighted to hear from you.

What experience is needed?

No previous experience with the College 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.

Application Process

The application process is non-competitive. To apply, please complete a nomination form, with a personal statement (max 300 words) and signatures from two Fellows who are happy to support your application.

In the event that multiple candidates apply, a ballot of eligible regional members will be conducted. In this instance we will share your statement with voting members.

For further information please see the job description, application guidance and FAQs. Please find here the Nomination form.

If you are interested in the role or have any questions, please feel welcome to get in touch with the Policy team at policy@rcem.ac.uk.

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.

RCEM Quality in Emergency Care Committee Chair (Honorary Post)

The Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) is looking to recruit an outstanding Chairperson to lead the Quality in Emergency Care Committee (QECC). This post will include membership of the Quality in Emergency Care Committee.

Job Description

Accountable to: RCEM Council and RCEM Head of Quality Cluster/VP

Key working relationships:

The Chair will work closely with the Chairs of 10 Sub-committees, Special Interest Groups and Professional Advisory Groups. The Chair will be appointed to the RCEM Executive Committee and RCEM Council and is expected to attend meetings. The Chair will also work closely with the RCEM Quality Manager and other staff in the Quality Team.

Role purpose:

The Quality in Emergency Care Committee is a key strategic part of RCEM. The Chair will chair committee meetings, coordinate the work of 10 Sub-committees, Special Interest Groups and Professional Advisory Groups to ensure the College is appropriately represented on national bodies that relate to quality of care.

You will have oversight responsibility for 10 Sub-committees, Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and Professional Advisory Groups (PAGs):

• Best Practice Sub-committee
• Older People in Emergency Medicine SIG
• Public Health SIG
• Toxicology SIG
• Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response PAG
• Mental Health Sub-committee
• Paediatric Emergency Care PAG
• Pre-hospital Emergency Care PAG
• Quality Assurance and Improvement Sub-committee
• Safer Care Sub-committee

This role will be for three years, potentially renewable for a further three years if applied for a second term.

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).

Role responsibilities:

In this role you will be expected to attend and chair four committee meetings a year, 3 virtual and 1 in-person in London Bridge and at times attend other meetings to represent the College. Two of the annual meetings will be “full” meetings, to which all members of the Committee and Sub-committees are invited. The other two meetings will be business meetings of the main Committee and Sub-committee Chairs only. Other business will be conducted by tele-conferencing and e-mail.

Executive Committee and Council members are expected to attend or dial into approximately monthly London-based meetings (dates provided on request).

Committee remit:

• To develop and review Evidence Based Guidelines for the speciality of Emergency Medicine
• To develop Consensus Best Practice Statements/ Endorsements for the speciality of Emergency Medicine
• To set and monitor standards of Clinical Care, Best Practice and Clinical Procedures in Emergency Departments
• To develop and disseminate patient safety strategies for the speciality of Emergency Medicine
• To develop and maintain the Quality section of the Royal College website

What can you expect from us?

• The chance to:
  • Influence Emergency Medicine policy and produce cutting edge new guidance
  • Meet and collaborate with new consultants / Emergency Medicine staff with similar values, as well as multi-disciplinary colleagues in national pre-hospital care
  • Become involved in the development of Emergency Medicine study days and presentations
  • Represent RCEM at stakeholder events
• Support and guidance in the role from Quality Cluster lead.

What can we expect from you?

• Attend and chair all Quality in Emergency Care Committee meetings (formal quarterly meetings with ad-hoc additional meetings as required. One of the quarterly meetings per annum can be face to face)
• Make decisions on behalf of the Committee and escalate any concerns to council or the VP cluster lead
• Attend / nominate attendance at other meetings to represent the College (including JRCALC, NASMED, AACE, FPHC, IBTPHEM)
• Draft an annual Committee work plan and bi-annual report for RCEM Council
• To draft the RCEM annual report

How to apply: To apply for the position please send a single A4 page personal statement to Emily Lesnik by emailing quality@rcem.ac.uk. Please ensure your personal statement covers your relevant experience and how you meet the person specification below.

Interviews will be conducted by Emily Lesnik (Quality Manager) and Dr Ian Higginson (RCEM Vice President and Cluster Lead). The most suitable applicant will be recommended by the Quality Cluster and appointed by the Royal College Council.

Please note that interviews are likely to be carried out via video conference. The deadline for applications is 10am on Monday 13^th January 2025.

Person Specification

The role would suit an exceptional current Consultant in emergency medicine who has a demonstrable interest in quality in emergency care and quality improvement.

Essential Practical Experience and Skills

• Member of the Quality in Emergency Care Committee for 2 years
• Current substantive consultant in emergency medicine for 5 years
• Excellent knowledge of developments in the emergency medicine field
• Fellow of the College
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Evidence of continuing personal development

Desirable Practical Experience and Skills

• Experience of participating in the RCEM clinical audits and national QIPs
• Computer literate: MS Excel, Word

Personal Qualities

• Demonstrable interest in quality.
• Ability to motivate others to perform to deadlines by using influencing skills
• Ability to prioritise and work to tight deadlines
• Attention to detail
• Self-motivated and innovative
• Good interpersonal and collaborative skills
• Professional manner and appearance
• A commitment to upholding the organisation’s values
• Ability to work independently

• Demonstrable interest in quality.
• Ability to motivate others to perform to deadlines by using influencing skills
• Ability to prioritise and work to tight deadlines
• Attention to detail
• Self-motivated and innovative
• Good interpersonal and collaborative skills
• Professional manner and appearance
• A commitment to upholding the organisation’s values

Frequently Asked Questions

Download a copy of this vacancy

Education Resources Committee Member (Honorary Post)

The College has a Member position open on the Education Resources Committee.

Accountable to: Education Resources Committee Chair

Key working relationships: Education Resources Committee, Head of Marketing and Events, and Marketing and Events Team.

Term of office: The term of office for this role will be for three years. Post-holders may apply for a second and final term of office subject to the approval of College Council.

Role purpose:

• Attend and contribute to committee meetings of the Education Resources Committee held four times a year via Zoom
• Attend and contribute to one in-person meeting in London each August to review and approve study day proposal forms with other committee members (travel expenses covered via the existing College expense policy)
• Proactively contribute and support the development of education resources to support the education and training needs of the College membership base
• Ensure the ongoing access to a CPD programme of events linked to the curriculum for the multidisciplinary EM workforce
• Proactively seek opportunities to enhance the College’s CPD offering and work with relevant stakeholders to see appropriate opportunities come to fruition.
• Proactively seek opportunities to develop and provide technology enhanced education resources to support the College membership base
• Support any other Education Resources Committee activities as outlined in the Terms of Reference

Person specification:

• Current RCEM member (regardless of grade or role)
• Commitment to a three-year term on the committee, and attendance at meetings
• Capacity to engage with the group and undertake tasks, either individually or as a team
• Capacity to review study day proposals during July/August each year
• Demonstrable passion and engagement with CPD, education resources, conferences or events

Committee remit: The aim of the Education Resources Committee is to oversee the provision of the College’s educational resources for all members and fellows.

Remuneration and expenses: This post is honorary. Reasonable expenses for travel and subsistence will be paid in accordance with the College’s expense policy. Fees for attendance at certain events may be covered by the College if applicable for the role.

Application process: Please email the Head of Marketing and Events, Harriet Ambroziak on harriet.ambroziak@rcem.ac.uk if you are interested in applying for this role outlining in no more than 300 words any relevant experience you have for the post and why you are interested in applying for it.

We welcome applications from any current member of the College regardless of grade or role as long as you can demonstrate enthusiasm, commitment and relevant experience for the position. Previous experience in a College role is not necessary.

The deadline for applications is Monday 13 January at 09:00 You will be informed of the outcome of your application during the week commencing 27 January and the first committee meeting of the year will be held on Tuesday 4 February.

Appointment: Selection will be based on the statements received which will be reviewed by the Head of Marketing and Events and Education Resources Committee Chair. Successful applicants will join existing members of the Education Resources Committee.

Further information or any questions: If you have any questions about the position or would like to discuss it before applying, please contact Harriet on the email address above, or Dr Matthew Mak, Education Resources Committee Chair on cpd.director@rcem.ac.uk.

You can also view a list of frequently asked questions about volunteering opportunities with the College online here.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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