GovWire

Expert Members play an integral part on the Secretary of State for Transports Honorary Medical Advisory Panels, providing advice about medical standards for fitness to drive that accurately reflects the current understanding of a medical condition and its effect on the ability to drive.

Vacancies

DVLA is looking for General Medical Council (GMC) registered licensed consultants, and medical practitioners who have an outstanding record of achievement, personal credibility and senior level experience to join the Secretary of State for Transports Honorary Medical Advisory Panels.

All candidates should be able to demonstrate they are:

• GMC licenced to practice with full registration - for the vision positions we will also accept candidates registered with the General Optical Council (GOC) or Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• a member or fellow of a relevant Royal College, academic institution or equivalent body
• currently active in clinical practice or research in their professional field

Number of vacancies

For each of the 6 medical panels, we have the following vacancies:

• one Psychiatry Expert Member - specialist knowledge of ADHD essential
• one Cardiovascular Expert Member - Cardiac Imaging expertise essential
• 2 Vision Expert Members - a general ophthalmologist or optometrist with expertise in medical retina, macular degeneration, and a general ophthalmologist or optometrist with expertise in vision related neurology and paediatrics

The deadline for applications closes at midnight on Sunday 15 September 2024.

Person specification

We welcome applications from medical professionals with a broad range of experience in the relevant fields. While your professional background and experience is important, what we are most interested in is the way in which you use your experience.

Were looking for engaged and enthusiastic panel members who can support our panel, challenge constructively and robustly, and provide a rich diversity of information and advice that will help DVLA to licence drivers appropriately.

Expert Member roles

As an Expert Member you will be expected to:

• play an integral part in this by providing advice about the medical standards for fitness to drive that accurately reflects the current understanding of a medical condition and its effect on an individuals ability to drive
• notify the panel of developments in area of own specialism which could have an impact on the standards, guidance or DVLA processes
• attend a full day panel meeting twice a year plus up to one day beforehand to consider papers in preparation for the meeting
• during the course of the discussions, make the panel aware of the full range of opinion within your area of specialism
• challenge assumptions on which advice is formulated and question and comment on information provided
• be available to attend joint panel meetings to discuss issues or cases, which cover areas relevant to more than one panel
• where appropriate, produce written reports for consideration at panel meetings - this would include reports with recommendations on specific issues identified by DVLA or the panel for presentation to and discussion by the panel (for example, identification and evaluation of current research and literature)
• respond to requests on issues (other than individual licensing cases) that cannot wait until a routine meeting in a timely manner, but within a maximum of 4 weeks
• identify new areas of research that will affect drivers and DVLA policy in the future and present research findings to the panel
• be prepared to act as an expert witness on a licensing standard in cases where a licensing decision is being challenged, explaining the advice underlying the medical standards and their application - this may involve preparation of a report or attendance at hearings (it is not possible to predict the exact number of requests involved but they are likely to be rare)
• as a panel member, explore and research any identified gaps in the evidence base through panel discussions or working and subgroup work and make proposals for how these are to be addressed, for example, recommendations for departmental sponsored research and agreeing relevant terms of reference
• contribute to an annual horizon scanning exercise that will be used to inform discussions on a forward work plan at an annual review

All panel members will be expected to abide by the Seven Principles of Public Life, sometimes referred to as Nolan Principles.

Location

Panel meetings take place in a hybrid format in London and over Microsoft Teams.

Remuneration

In line with DfT policy, these posts are voluntary and are not salaried but members will be reimbursed for travel and subsistence costs. One-off fees will also be paid to Expert Members for looking at complex casework outside of panel meetings.

Time requirements

The time requirement is between 2 to 4 days per annum. There would also be an additional expectation for occasional ad-hoc support in meeting agenda setting, the possibility of looking at complex casework, and providing ad-hoc advice to DVLAs team of doctors.

Pensions

Civil Service pension schemes will not be available for successful candidates.

Security

Successful candidates must pass basic security checks. Due diligence checks will also be carried out.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK, Commonwealth and European Economic Area (EEA), and certain non EEA nationals. Check the information on nationality requirements.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commissions recruitment principles.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. We guarantee to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post. If you are submitting an application as a DCS candidate, please ensure you inform the vacancy holder when you submit your application.

How to apply

For information on how to apply, please see the applicant information and guidance for panel members and the terms and conditions.

You can submit your completed application form to: medicalpanelapplications@dvla.gov.uk

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Contact point for applicants

For further information on the roles and responsibilities for these vacancies, please contact Dr Nick Jenkins, DVLA senior doctor:nick.jenkins@dvla.gov.uk

Sift and interview dates and location

The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 15 September 2024.

Short listing dates are to be confirmed.

Panel Expert Member interview dates are to be confirmed. These will be conducted over Microsoft Teams.

Successful candidates will be recommended to the minister for appointment and advised of the date they will join their panel.