Commissioner of the Commission on Human Medicines

The CHM serves a vital role in public health in the UK, impacting on the lives of almost every person in the country. Ministers are looking to appoint 5 new Commissioners to the board of the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM). Commissioners are required to:

• possess or develop a working knowledge and understanding of the UK medicines regulatory procedures
• attend all scheduled and unscheduled meetings of the CHM (and to be present for the whole meeting)
• consider, comment and contribute by drawing on their individual expertise and judgement, as appropriate, on all agenda items and to assist the CHM to frame clear and unequivocal advice to Ministers in accordance with the CHM’s terms of reference
• be able and prepared to speak on a range of relevant issues and not just on their own areas of specialism
• provide formal and informal advice to Ministers between meetings when required
• contribute to and ensure the CHM’s advice takes account of a wider view of risk and benefit, particularly as it is perceived by patients, carers and other members of the public.

Length of term: Ministers will determine the length of the appointment, which will be up to 4 years.

The Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) was established in October 2005. Its functions are set out in regulation 10 of the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 (SI 2012/1916). The CHM is responsible for:

• advising on applications for both national and international marketing authorisations
• considering further representation against our provisional advice in respect of national applications
• advising on the need for, and content of, risk management plans for new medicines
• advising on the impact of new safety issues on the balance of risks and benefits of licensed medicines – e.g. adding warnings, restricting or suspending use of a medicine
• advising the licensing authority on changes to legal status of marketing authorisations.

The functions of the Commission on Human Medicines are:

• to advise the Health Ministers and the Licensing Authority (LA) on matters relating to human medicinal products including giving advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of human medicinal products where either the Commission thinks it appropriate or where it is asked to do so
• to consider those applications that lead to LA action as appropriate (e.g. where the LA has a statutory duty to refer or chooses to do so)
• to consider representations made (either in writing or at a hearing) by an applicant or by a licence or marketing authorisation holder in certain circumstances
• to promote the collection and investigation of information about adverse reactions to human medicines so advice can be given.

The Commission is similarly involved in respect of medicinal products to which relevant EC legislation applies.

Board composition: The time commitment is approximately 22 days per year, including 11 meetings and any ad-hoc meetings based on need. Board meetings are either held virtually with the occasional face-to-face/hybrid meeting. The main office is located at 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London E14 4PU. Upcoming meeting dates are scheduled for: 26/27 March, 23/24 April, 21/22 May, 25/26 June, 30/31 July.

Person specification: The Department of Health and Social Care values and promotes diversity. We encourage applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and across the whole of the United Kingdom. Boards of public bodies are most effective when they reflect the diversity of views of the society they serve. To be considered, you must be able to demonstrate that you have the qualities, skills and experience to meet all the essential criteria for appointment. We are looking to recruit 5 specialist members.

• be a skilled communicator, able to operate effectively on a national expert scientific committee and prepared to contribute actively to the work of the CHM;
• be able to assimilate complex scientific information at short notice;
• have an understanding of the importance of patient engagement to the work of CHM and be able to proactively incorporate patients’ lived experience in committee’s discussions.

In addition, for the 5 specialist posts successful candidates should be recognised by their peers and/or be Fellows of the relevant Royal Colleges in one or more of the following areas:

To apply, all candidates are required to provide:

• equality information
• information relating to any outside interests or reputational issues
• a Curriculum Vitae (CV), we ask that you limit your CV to around 2 pages
• a supporting statement (2-page limit) setting out how you meet the criteria for appointment as set out in the person specification for the role
• a short professional biography (150 words).

Guidance on what to include in your CV/supporting statement and tips for applying can be found in the corresponding sections below and on the public appointment website: Public appointments – GOV.UK. You will be asked to check and confirm your personal details to ensure your application is accurate. You will also have the opportunity to make a reasonable adjustment request or apply under the disability confident scheme before you submit your application. You will also be required to make any declarations related to standards in public life and ensuring public confidence in your supporting statement.

If you are unable to create an account and apply online, or if you have any problems submitting your application online, please contact Karen Dinsdale on 0113 2545625 or Ben Jones on 0113 2546557. Applications must be received by midday on Wednesday, 14 January 2026. The Advisory Assessment Panel reserves the right to only consider applications that contain all of the elements listed above, and that arrive before the published deadline for applications.