Topic Adviser - Bladder Cancer guideline update committee in Daresbury

We are looking for a topic adviser to join our NICE update committee on Bladder Cancer. The Topic Adviser will provide expert knowledge on bladder cancer and act as a source of professional advice to the guideline Chair and NICE staff in the identification and review of evidence. This includes providing input to the early development of the scope, assisting with queries, contributing to discussions at the committee meetings and quality assuring the content of the guideline.

We are looking for a urologist, oncologist or other senior specialist actively involved in the management of patients with bladder cancer. Strong interpersonal skills and excellent communication skills are required, along with an ability to communicate complex issues to differing audiences.

Main duties of the job:

• Set aside enough time to attend committee meetings and use their personal and professional knowledge to inform the development of the guidance.
• Raise any concerns about process or details in the draft guidance with the committee, and try to resolve these issues within the committee, with support from the guidance developer or the NICE guidance project team.
• Contribute positively to the work of the committee and to developing the guidance.
• Take full account of the evidence in developing recommendations.
• Consider the analysis and interpretation of evidence prepared by the evidence review team.
• Act in a professional manner, show good manners and be courteous to colleagues and staff at all times.
• Be impartial and honest in conducting their duties for NICE, using public funds entrusted to them to the best advantage of NICE.
• Ensure strict adherence to NICE's Principles and equality policy.

About us:

NICE will pay reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, including train fares and hotel costs when necessary, for attending committee meetings. Other expenses: NICE recognises that in some circumstances individuals will need to arrange for carers or support workers to accompany them to a meeting, or to take over unpaid caring responsibilities while they are at a meeting.

Time commitment: Committee members are expected to attend all scheduled committee meetings over a year of development. Membership will be for 3 years and will be eligible for renewal.

Job responsibilities:

• Regularly attend Committee meetings (up to 10 per year) as well as an annual awayday and occasional training.
• Contribute to the panel deliberations from their own specialist knowledge whilst respecting input from non-specialists and lay persons.
• Apply their own experience and judgement to the topics under discussion.
• Work with the other members of the Committee and NICE staff to identify key issues and review evidence.
• Agree the final recommendations and guidance.
• Advise on implementation issues as required.
• Ensure appropriate consideration of the implications of guidance for duties under equalities legislation.
• Follow agreed decision-making procedures and accept the collective decisions of the Committee.
• Prepare for the Committee meetings by reading the substantive papers and gathering any additional information on the proposed topics.
• Participate in review(s) of the functioning of the Committee and accept changes to the membership, remit, procedures, etc.
• Participate in induction training and other training which may be offered periodically.

Person Specification:

• Ability to contribute to the work of the committee.
• Experience in health or social care (as appropriate).
• Active registration with the appropriate professional body.
• A license to practice.
• An understanding of the social, political, economic and professional influences on NICE.
• Ability to understand and interpret multiple complex data sets.
• Ability to gather data, analyse, critique and synthesise complex information.
• Commitment to eliminating unlawful discrimination and advancing equality.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.