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Patient Representative

Help identify the staff needed in UK health services to provide high quality cancer care for bowel or gynaecological cancer

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Summary

Type of activity:

Patient Representative

Organised by:

Cancer Research UK

Location:

Online, anywhere

Time commitment:

  • A 12–14‑month role starting in late Spring 2026, with the possibility of an extension

  • 6–8 steering group meetings (1.5–2 hours each)

  • 1–2 hours of reading, preparation or pre‑meetings up to a week before each session

Payment and expenses:

We offer £30 for 2 hours, £50 for 4 hours, and £80 for a full day of involvement activity. This includes meetings and preparation time. We also offer a £5 allowance for online meetings.

Looking for:

We welcome anyone affected by bowel/colorectal or gynaecological cancer—through personal experience, or as a carer, family member or partner.

We’re specifically seeking:

  • One person affected by bowel or colorectal cancer (for example colon or rectal cancer)

  • One person affected by a gynaecological cancer (for example ovarian, cervical, uterine, vulva or vaginal cancer)

Closing date:

Tuesday 17 March 2026 - Interview dates: 26 & 27 March 2026

Further information

About this project

Cancer Research UK is working with the University of West England and Skills for Health to explore which staff roles are needed across the cancer pathway for bowel/colorectal and gynaecological cancers.

At the moment, there is no standard UK‑wide list of the roles needed to deliver care for these cancers. This makes it harder for health services and policy‑makers to plan for the future.

By gathering better data about who is involved in care at each stage of the patient journey, this project will help build a clear picture of the skills required - and highlight any challenges, such as staff shortages or barriers to delivering high‑quality care.

About the role

We’re looking for two people affected by these cancers to join our Project Steering Group. As a patient representative, you will help guide the project throughout the year by:

  • Attending 6–8 online steering group meetings

  • Reading short papers or reports ahead of each meeting

  • Sharing your views and lived experience to shape decisions

  • Helping us stay focused on what matters most to people affected by cancer

You’ll join a group including colleagues from Cancer Research UK, other cancer charities, and experts in cancer workforce planning.

Access the full role profile here.(PDF, 245 KB)

Why your contribution matters

Your insight will ensure the experiences of people affected by cancer shape important decisions about the future cancer workforce. This work will help create a clearer UK‑wide picture of staffing needs and support better planning to meet the needs of people diagnosed with bowel or gynaecological cancer.

How to apply

  • Complete the online application form below.

  • We may close the advert early if we receive a high number of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

  • To discuss the application process, request a digital copy, or apply in writing/by phone:

  • Call 0203 469 8777, or

  • Email involvement@cancer.org.uk

  • Please submit your application by 11:59pm on Tuesday 17 March 2026.

Questions?

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Eleanor Raymond, Health Systems Insight Manager (Project Lead) eleanor.raymond@cancer.org.uk.

Apply now