Job Description

Healthwatch Hillingdon Advisory Committee Volunteer

This is an Unpaid Role

Applicants must live in Hillingdon

What is Healthwatch?

Healthwatch is an independent organisation set up to champion the views of health and social care service users. It strives to make sure that health and social care services are meeting local needs and to ensure that the public's voice is heard regarding how local services are run. Healthwatch also makes sure that the public is informed on any plans to change those services, and in identifying gaps in services.

About the role

Your Voice in Health and Social Care (YVHSC) are looking for local residents interested in becoming part of Healthwatch. We are looking for people to join our Advisory Committee with local knowledge, experience and passion for promoting better health and social care for local people.

The committee acts as an advisory group supporting the local staff team with projects and monitoring the progress of the service. The Healthwatch Advisory Committee also plays important representational and public relations roles working with local communities and key partners to drive influence and impact, and improve health and social care services for residents.

Overall governance, responsibility, and all liabilities rest with YVHSC Board of Directors.

Tasks

Oversee delivery of Healthwatch projects and services, working with your fellow committee members and the committee chair. Attend committee meetings and additional project meetings where required. Contribute to the monitoring and scrutiny of health and social care services in the borough on behalf of patients, service users, carers and residents. Identify, approve and oversee a range of projects through to evaluation of impact and publishing of reports. To be involved, as the outward face of Healthwatch, at community events and strategic meetings, demonstrating leadership and taking an active role in community and stakeholder engagement, and through this work ensuring that Healthwatch is reaching and representing the diverse communities of the borough. Provide appropriate advice, support and challenge to the Healthwatch staff. Build and maintain good relationships with key stakeholders, including members of the public, patients, service users, carers, community and voluntary sector organisations, Healthwatch England, Care Quality Commission, NHS funded providers, Clinical Commissioning Group/ Integrated Care Board, Health & Wellbeing Board, and the Local Authority. Ensure that Healthwatch is represented on the Health and Wellbeing Board and plays a proactive role in decisions relating to the Health and Wellbeing Strategy, planning, commissioning and delivery of health and social care.

Is this the right role for me?

Requirements of Committee Members:

We require a volunteer for this role with experience in Adult Social Care or Social work

Flexible schedule - Time commitment varies between 3-10 hours a month on a flexible schedule. Committee meetings vary but are roughly once every two months. There may be other events and meetings that you are requested to attend. Experience of the health and social care sector in the borough, for example medical students & practitioners, third sector workers, those with experience working with the Local Authority or Integrated Care Board. Must be good at working as part of a collaborative team. Must be willing to commit to self-development - Committee members are encouraged to identify personal training and development needs, and seek opportunities for development, attending training events as required. Diligence and attention to detail - Committee members are expected to prepare adequately for meetings they attend, making sure they read through reports and other documents.

Benefits of volunteering

Enjoy the experience of volunteering as part of a friendly team and meeting new people Increase your confidence and learn new skills Use your experience with Healthwatch to develop your CV and seek work in health and social care or other fields of employment In-house training opportunities including call handling and safeguarding. Reasonable travel and expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with our Volunteer Policy
Job Type: Volunteer

Application question(s):

Do You Live In Hillingdon?
Experience:

Social work or Adult Social Care: 1 year (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Uxbridge UB8