NHS Highland is seeking to recruit two independent members to the Highland Health and Social Care Committee.
Gerry O'Brien, Chair of the committee, said: "The committee has a wide range of responsibilities for health and social care services across the Highland Council area and it is essential that we have the public's input to the decisions it makes. It is important to hear the views of people who use our services, carers alongside those of clinicians, managers and partners and I would encourage patients, carers and members of the public with an interest in how we run NHS Highland to consider applying."
Successful applicants will be able to read and comment on written reports and contribute to debate during committee meetings. However the most important qualification is an interest in improving health and social care services across the region.
The committee meets six times a year in the afternoons, for around three hours. The work also involves reading committee papers in advance and attending occasional informal meetings in the morning of the committee. Meetings are held in public, usually in Inverness but occasionally elsewhere in Highland and are held on Microsoft Teams.
This role is a voluntary post, however NHS Highland will ensure that appropriate travel and accommodation arrangements are made on the member's behalf and any necessary costs are reimbursed. An induction programme and ongoing support will also be provided.
If you would like to apply, or would like further information on the role of an Independent Member of the committee, please contact NHS Highland's Board Secretary, Ruth Daly, for an application form:
- email ruth.daly2@nhs.scot
The deadline for completed applications is Friday 17 May 2024 and these should be submitted by email to Ruth Daly or by post to the head office.
Established in 2012, the Highland Health and Social Care Committee is responsible for the co-ordination of the planning, redesign, development and provision of adult health and social care services in the Highland Health and Social Care Partnership area. Services are delivered by the Highland operational unit of the NHS Highland Board, including social care services delivered on behalf of the Highland Council.
As a governance committee of NHS Highland Board, it monitors, reviews and challenges performance of the Highland operational unit, escalating significant risks and issues to NHS Highland Board. The committee is also responsible for providing assurance to the Board about the delivery of those children's health services which are the responsibility of Highland Council.