Committee Terms of Reference
- To raise awareness of the science and practice of pharmaceutical medicine and the benefits that the specialty brings to the health of the public
- To manage the production of FPM member communications
- To oversee and advise on the use of digital communications, including the FPM website and social media channels
- To manage external PR and stakeholder relations
- To undertake, oversee and manage policy projects on topics connected to pharmaceutical medicine on behalf of the FPM Board and in line with FPM strategy
- To facilitate the appointment and work of the Expert Groups and to co-ordination their input into FPM policy development, external consultations and related activities
- To co-ordinate press, media and public relations activities
- To organise symposia, conferences, conversation events and other events that do not fall under the remit of another FPM group or committee
- To co-ordinate FPM activities relating to the provision of information about careers in pharmaceutical medicine
Composition
- Members of the Policy and Communications Group (PCG) will include its chair, one to two lay members and up to ten other members of the FPM (twelve members). FPM’s Head of Policy and Communications and Marketing and Digital Communications Manager will also be additional full members of the Group. FPM’s Membership and Events Manager will additionally be included as required for specific activities.
- The appointments of the chair and membership of the PCG must be in accordance with the regulations for the appointment to committees.
- A number of the FPM members appointed to the Group will be the lead member with responsibility for a specific areas of the Group’s activities as set out in Group member role specifications. In addition to the chairperson, these roles may include:
- Editor of the newsletter
- Assistant Editor
- Press and media lead
- Consultations lead and expert group coordinator
- Symposium lead
- FPM Conversation, and other events lead
- Raising awareness and careers lead
Proceedings
- The PCG will normally convene as a formal meeting at least four times each year. At other times work will be undertaken within smaller workgroups which may include input from members and staff who are not members of the core PCG.
Reporting
- The PCG chair and FPM Head of Policy and Communications will periodically report on their activities to the Coordination Committee and the FPM Board of Trustees.
Governance of the committee and general responsibilities
Responsibilities of the Chair, Policy and Communications Group
- To ensure that the committee’s Terms of Reference are implemented proactively and effectively
- To lead and coordinate the activities of the committee
- To attend and to chair meetings of the committee, to ensure that a programme of committee meetings is planned and agreed in advance and to ensure that an accurate written record of the proceedings of meetings is maintained
- To provide additional written reports on committee activities as required
- To attend meetings of the Senior Leadership and Coordination Committees and to communicate effectively with the Board, President, CEO and other FPM staff to ensure the work of the committee complements the rest of FPM’s activities
- To identify individual committee members to undertake specific tasks or to be the lead member on specific topics
- To act as spokesperson for the committee and/or FPM when required to do so
- To be aware of current issues that might affect the committee/wider FPM
- To be the arbiter in discussions and to balance the views of the committee in reaching a position
General responsibilities of all committee members
- To ensure that the group’s Terms of Reference are implemented proactively and effectively
- To lead and coordinate the activities of the Group
- To work with FPM staff to organise the schedule of Group meetings, and ensure minutes are prepared and circulated in a timely manner
- To chair PCG meetings in a fair and democratic manner which align with FPM’s values, and ensure that all voices are heard
- To provide additional written reports on group activities as required
- To attend meetings of the Coordination Committee and to communicate effectively with the Board, President, CEO and other FPM staff to ensure the work of the group complements the rest of the FPM’s activities
- To identify individual group members to undertake specific tasks or to be the lead member on specific topics
- To act as spokesperson for the group and/or FPM when required to do so
Person specification
| Essential | Desirable | |
| Professional | · In good standing with the relevant medical registration body (e.g. GMC) · Current Fellow, Member, Associate or Affiliate of FPM in good standing |
· Evidence of continuing professional development · Evidence of achievement and contributions to the specialty of Pharmaceutical Medicine · Currently undergoing revalidation |
| Attitudes | · Ability to work effectively within a team · Evidence of commitment to the specialty of pharmaceutical medicine · Evidence of the use of initiative · Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to fulfil the requirements of the role |
· Successful membership of a committee demonstrating positive contribution |
| Specific Expertise | · An understanding of and an interest in developing the policy and communications activities of FPM | · Evidence of achievement in activities relevant to the work of the group (e.g. media and public relations work, external communications, meeting or symposia planning) |
FPM’s values
In 2019, FPM staff, trustees and members collaborated to develop a core set of values which were launched as part of the FPM 2020-2022 Strategic Plan. The main thread through all FPM values is that of respect – respect for staff, trustees, members, customers and stakeholders. The values that we identified are summarised below:
| We are | This means |
|---|---|
| Professional | Being accountable for our work and actions |
| Innovative | Seeking solutions proactively |
| Caring | Treating everyone with dignity |
| Collaborative | Working positively with others |
| Credible | Being honest and ethical in our work |
| Learned | Investing in developing knowledge and skills |
Tenure
Appointed chairs normally serve for a period of three years. This can be extended to a maximum of six years if re-appointed. Chairs may be asked to step down from the group if they are not able to attend meetings or contribute to the work of the group satisfactorily.
Confidentiality
Information relating to committee business must be kept confidential unless otherwise agreed by FPM.
Expenses
FPM will reimburse travel and subsistence costs arising from reasonable attendance at FPM meetings and events under the terms of FPM’s Expense Claim Policy.
How to apply
Please send your CV (please put ‘Appointments – Policy and Communication Group Chair’ in the subject line), with a covering note of approximately 500 words outlining your relevant experience and ideas for developing the work of the committee, to fpm@fpm.org.uk.
The candidate will be selected by interview.
Interviews will take place on Tuesday 17 November 2020.
This vacancy has expired.