Topic Adviser for VTE prevention update in Manchester

We are looking for a topic adviser to join our NICE update committee on Venous thromboembolism in over 16s: reducing the risk of hospital‑acquired deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. They will provide expert knowledge on orthopaedic surgery, particularly experience in either hip replacement, knee replacement or surgical repair of fragility fractures, 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.

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 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• Raise any concerns about process or details in the draft guidance with the committee, and try to resolve these issues within the committee, with support from the guidance developer or the NICE guidance project team.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 duties for NICE, use public funds effectively, and avoid deliberately damaging confidence of the public or stakeholders.
• Ensure strict adherence to NICE’s Principles and equality policy.
• Read and adhere to NICE’s policies on hospitality, declarations of interests and travel and subsistence.

About us:

NICE will pay reasonable out‑of‑pocket expenses, including train fares and hotel costs, when necessary, for attending committee meetings. 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 - this includes childcare or care of a family member with a disability or other additional needs. The circumstances in which NICE can provide reimbursement for such costs are outlined in the non‑staff reimbursement policy.

Time commitment:

Committee members are expected to attend all scheduled committee meetings over a year of development. Our committees have been meeting virtually using online software since the COVID‑19 pandemic. We will review this regularly but currently anticipate a small number of meetings may be held in person. Committee members will have to spend time reading substantial committee documents and helping to produce consultation documents. Membership will be for 3 years and will be eligible for renewal. The second and further periods of office will be for periods of up to 3 years by mutual agreement, up to a maximum of 10 years.

Job responsibilities:

• Regularly attend Committee meetings (up to 6 per year) as well as occasional training.
• Contribute to the panel deliberations from own specialist knowledge whilst respecting input from non‑specialists and lay persons.
• Apply own experience and judgement to the topics under discussion, rather than act as a representative of their organisation.
• 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.
• Abide by NICE’s code of conduct for Committee members, including declarations of interest and follow the Committee’s operational procedures.
• Prepare for the Committee meetings by reading the substantive papers and by gathering any additional information on the proposed topics which may be helpful to the discussions.
• Participate in review(s) of the functioning of the Committee and accept changes to the membership, remit, procedures, etc., of the Committee as a result.
• 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), either as a practising health or social care professional, or working in or in association with the wider aspects of health or social care or the healthcare industries and experience and interest in VTE prevention update (interventions for people having Orthopaedic surgery).
• Active registration with the appropriate professional body.
• A licence 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 synthesize complex information, as evidenced by relevant experience and/or academic qualifications.

Equality, diversity and inclusion:

• Commitment to eliminating unlawful discrimination, advancing equality and an understanding of the issues of inequality in health, public health and social care settings.
• Commit to work within the NICE equality scheme.
• Commit to keeping committee discussions confidential as needed.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check: 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 (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.