We are recruiting two service user representatives for our Board

MVP recruitment advert

An exciting new opportunity has arisen for two service users, or lay people to sit on the Local Maternity and Neonatal System (LMNS) Board.

You will be one of a team of three public representatives having accessed and used maternity services in the North East or the North Cumbria in the last five years. We are looking for public representatives who are there to offer advice and guidance as well as facilitate and support our regional network of Maternity Voices Partnerships (MVPs). They will be there to challenge and place the voice of service users at the forefront of decision making for the maternity and neonatal system.

Patient voices are crucial as part of the overall maternity and neonatal system and this is a great opportunity to shape the strategy, transformation and service design for the North East and North Cumbria.

The LMNS are a partnership of NHS organisations based in the North East and North Cumbria who work with women, their families and healthcare professionals to improve the safety and experience of maternity and neonatal services.

We work on behalf of the North East and North Cumbria to co-ordinate quality and safety initiatives, digital transformation and maternity voice partnerships which together help us to improve how maternity and neonatal services are provided.

The Local Maternity Systems facilitate the co-production of services and transformation through the sustainable establishment and funding of MVPs, and we host a Northern England wide forum, the Maternity Engagement Group (MEG), bringing all MVPs together to influence and share in local decision-making.

The purpose of the MEG is to link up as many MVP groups and parent groups who will offer peer support and share best practice as well as work in co-production with the Local Maternity Systems to help improve maternity services across the North East and North Cumbria.

About the role

We are looking for people who are interested in understanding the NHS strategic landscape and who we can learn from their experiences of interacting with local maternity and neonatal services. In addition to the board, the postholder will play a key role in linking with the MVP network.

This role is for a fixed term until March 2023.

What do we ask for?

The role is for three days per month which will be allocated across the month.  The role is categorised as patient and public voice (PPV) partner in a senior PPV Expert Advisor role. This means the post holder demonstrates strategic and accountable leadership and is involved in decision making. Based on NHS England guidance, the fee for the role is £150 per day.

Who would the role suit?

Someone who has lived experience of using maternity and possibly neonatal services at any of the hospitals based in the North East or North Cumbria. We are keen to find people who are passionate about how care is delivered and how it can be improved. Having a range of voices and diversity at the board is vital to ensure that decision making is fair and considers the impact on service users and others.

The role would suit someone who is passionate, confident and happy to challenge. We need someone who can lead other MVP groups so good organisational and people skills would be of benefit. A lot of communication and meetings are virtual so being able to access and use technology would be a benefit.

What does the role include?

Attending the LMNS board meetings and sharing updates on maternity engagement for the region. Leading on the development and chairing the MEG and acting as the key service user link between the different groups across the system and the Board. As part of the portfolio of the three service user representatives, there will be a focus on diversity, equity and equality and lead on the development of training and support for the MVPs.

How to apply

Download and return the application form on or before 26 August 2022 to [email protected]

Download the role description.

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