Interested in joining South Sefton CCG & Southport & Formby CCG as lay representative?

Health commissioners in Sefton are each looking to appoint a new lay representative and they are welcoming applications from enthusiastic candidates with a knowledge of and interest in the communities served by NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG.

The two CCGs, which are made up of the 50 local GP practices, both have vacancies on their governing bodies for a lay representative to lead on public and patient involvement.

Governing bodies make decisions about the work of CCGs on behalf of their wider practice membership. Lay representatives bring external, professional experience to these decision making committees for specific areas of work.

As well as attending bi-monthly governing body meetings, lay members are involved in the strategic work of the CCGs, providing professional advice and support, as well as representing the organisations on a number of cross sector programmes, forums and committees.

Current lay representatives – Rev Roger Driver for NHS South Sefton CCG and Roger Pontefract for NHS Southport and Formby CCG – are both stepping down from the roles, which they have held since the CCGs were established in 2013.

Roger Driver said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in the role and would encourage anyone who is passionate about south Sefton and committed to ensuring the CCG involves patients and the public in its work to apply.

Roger Pontefract added: “It is an extremely exciting and challenging time for the local NHS and this role is a great opportunity for the right person to influence the future of local healthcare in Southport and Formby.”

Fiona Taylor, chief officer for both CCGs, said: “We have greatly valued the contribution that our lay reps have made over the past three years, and we wish both well for the future: Roger Pontefract in his retirement and Roger Driver in his move to a new parish outside the area.

“The knowledge and understanding of our local communities that they have brought to the governing bodies will be difficult to replace.”  

Anyone who is interested in applying for the roles can find full details and recruitment packs online from the NHS Jobs website www.jobs.nhs.uk  

Deadline for applications is Wednesday 24 February 2016.