Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) Community Outreach Coordinator

Job Description

Heart Research UK is a leading non-profit organisation dedicated to stopping people dying from heart diseases. The Research team advances the treatment, prevention and cure of heart diseases through the medical research projects we fund. We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) Community Outreach Coordinator who will be responsible for growing the PPI activities of the charity at the community level.

Be part of an energetic and vibrant team who are driven by the desire to improve the lives of people living with heart disease, until no more deaths from heart diseases. Situated within the charity’s Research Team, you will support the delivery of our research strategy, building trust and confidence in heart research and the wider work of Heart Research UK among patients and their families.

You will work closely with the PPI Officer to embed meaningful involvement where people affected by heart diseases shape our work and inform our decision-making – putting the patients and public voice at the heart of what we do.

In this role you will develop partnerships to help Heart Research UK, and researchers listen to the patient voice – identifying, establishing, and cultivating cooperative relationships with community-based programs, organisations, and leaders, with a special focus on historically underrepresented stakeholders (including communities of colour and faith-based communities).

Reporting to the Patient and Public Involvement Officer you will encourage people affected by heart diseases to join our Patient and Public Network, deliver clear messaging and demonstrate the benefits of involvement. You will drive and promote innovative ways of involving and hearing from patients, carers, and the public, challenging traditional methods, particularly ensuring growing involvement from currently underrepresented and underserved groups and communities to enhance our engagement, understanding, and cohesion with people from all backgrounds affected by heart diseases.

This role will support the delivery of our growing portfolio of PPI activities which enables us to embed the patient and public voice at all stages of our work. It is an exciting opportunity for someone who is committed to seeking and using the views of the public to shape and influence research and the work of the charity.

A key target of this important project is to work collaboratively to ensure that our patient and public involvement activities are increasingly accessible and relevant to any person who wishes to join.

Key responsibilities

• Acting as a point of contact for the Patient and Public Network members involved in our PPI activities.
• Working with underrepresented and underserved communities to recruit people with lived experience to be part of the HRUK Patient and Public Network.
• Develop and implement community outreach programs and initiatives.
• Offer insight to the PPI Officer on promotional materials to engage people with lived experience, particularly those from underrepresented and underserved communities.
• Maintain a calendar of outreach activities, including events, workshops, appearances and other communication opportunities.
• Representing the organisation at meetings, events, and public speaking engagements.
• Build and maintain relationships with community leaders, organisations and partners.
• Advocating for community needs within HRUK.

Attributes

Education

Essential:

• Experience working within the health, community, social care, criminal justice, or other specialist setting
• ONC/NVQ level 3 or equivalent experience
• Willingness to travel within the community.

Desirable:

• UK Driving Licence.

Knowledge and Experience

Essential:

• Experience in a similar community support role
• Experience of building and maintaining relationships with key community leaders and organisations.

Desirable:

• Previous experience of working in the charity sector
• Experience of living with or caring for someone with a heart condition.

Communication skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Able to disseminate information clearly and concisely
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• The ability to recognize and value the diversity of different community groups and be sensitive of cultural, linguistic, and religious differences
• Avoid assumptions, stereotypes, and biases.

Attitude and work ethic

• Enthusiastic and highly motivated with a positive attitude
• Responsible and reliable.

Team working

• Excellent team player with experience of working collaboratively with colleagues in a supportive way.
• Ability to work with members of the general public.

Organisational skills

• Excellent organisational skills.
• Able to work to deadlines and be flexible and adapt to changing needs and time pressures.

Computer literacy

• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office programmes.
• Competent in using complex computer software, with an ability to learn new systems quickly.