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Lay Members play an important role on the Secretary of State for Transports Honorary Medical Advisory Panels, providing a balanced and objective opinion that is independent of the medical expertise, while remaining independent and not representing the views of any particular organisation.

Vacancies

Were looking for Lay Members to join the Secretary of State for Transports Honorary Medical Advisory Panel.

DVLA plays a vital role in making Britains roads safe. To ensure that every motorist meets the required medical standards for driving, we actively work with the medical panels to set the standards and shape policy and guidelines for more than 50 million driving licence holders.

The panels help maintain and improve road safety by providing the Secretary of State for Transport, the Department for Transport (DfT) and DVLA, with expert advice about various medical conditions and their impact on driving.

Number of vacancies

We are looking to appoint Lay Members in the following medical panels:

• Disorders of the Cardiovascular System - 1 post
• Psychiatric Disorders - 1 post
• Diabetes - 2 posts
• Neurological Disorders - 2 posts
• Alcohol and Drugs - 2 posts
• Vision - 2 posts

The deadline for applications closes at midnight on Sunday 1 September 2024.

Person specification

Were looking for someone who is passionate about driving and road safety. Apply to become a Lay Member if you have an interest in medical conditions and their impact on safe driving.

As a Lay Member, you would not be expected to represent the views of any organisation. We would expect you not to have any relevant business interests, positions of authority or other connections with commercial, public or voluntary bodies, which might give rise to a conflict of interest. You would however demonstrate excellent communication skills and the capacity to understand the issues involved with medical conditions and driving.

If successful, we would expect you to be fully committed to the panels aims, objectives and values and to contribute effectively to discussions. You may also be required to attend an induction day in Swansea. All your travel and subsistence will be paid in line with DfT policy.

Lay Member roles

As a Lay Member, you will be expected to:

• attend panel meetings which take place in a hybrid format (London and Microsoft Teams) at least 2 days a year
• be fully committed to the panels aims, objectives and values, and demonstrate the capacity to understand the issues involved and to contribute effectively to panel discussions
• consider whether the questions on which the panel offers advice are those which are of interest to the public and other interested parties outside the scientific community in relation specifically to road safety
• ensure that panel advice is comprehensible from the point of view of a lay person
• undertake the work of Lay Member in a sensitive manner while treating all information received in a confidential manner, including the safekeeping of documents and information
• be a skilled and confident communicator with the ability to ask relevant questions and constructively challenge the assumptions and views of Expert Members
• ask for explanations and clarification of any medical terms and concepts that are not clear from the point of a lay person, while offering your own knowledge and experiences of the relevant medical condition
• demonstrate the ability to listen and contribute to the panels work while remaining objective and focused on road safety in general, rather than the likely effect on any one individual
• attend induction and training days within the first year of membership as required

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.

Length of service

The length of service is 5 years.

Remuneration

In line with DfT policy, these posts are voluntary and are not salaried but members will be reimbursed for travel and subsistence costs.

Time requirements

The time requirement is 4 days per annum. Panel meetings take place twice a year. One meeting will be held in London and the other will take place on Microsoft Teams. As a panel member, wed like you to commit to a minimum of 4 days (2 days for panel meetings and 2 days for meeting preparation).

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.

Selection process details

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 these vacancies, please contact Leigh Bromfield by email to: leighandrew.bromfield@dvla.gov.uk

Sift interview dates and location

The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 1 September 2024.

Short listing will take place between Monday 2 and Friday 6 September 2024.

Microsoft Teams interviews will take place between Monday 16 and Friday 27 September 2024 (subject to change).

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