About the role - Service user
There are two roles available for a service user within the SDO programme; a lay reviewer and a lay panel member.
As a lay reviewer you will be expected to read and comment on research outputs and full research proposals from the perspective of acceptability to the patient.
As a service user lay panel member you will join a group of about 20 people who have a wide range of backgrounds and bring considerable experience and expertise, ranging from managers, clinical and research professionals to members of the public who use NHS services. The role of the panel is to refine research questions and commissioning briefs to be advertised. Panels will also assess applications received for NHS need and importance as well as take an initial view on the scientific quality of the applications. As part of your role you will also be required to examine a number of research proposals ahead of the panel meeting so that you can bring a patient/public perspective to the discussions and decisions.
Do I get paid in my role as a service user for the SDO programme?
The SDO Programme will offer payment to lay reviewers and Patient and Public involvement representatives who are appointed as service user panel members for the time and effort involved in commenting on proposals (lay reviewers) and attendance at, and preparation for a panel or committee meetings (service user panel members).
We can also reimburse travel, subsistence, childcare and carer costs where incurred. It is important to know that these reimbursements are subject to National Insurance and tax, and, where a lay reviewer or service user is in receipt of state benefits and/or allowances, it is important to be aware that such benefits can be affected if payment is made, and to seek advice from the relevant advisory body or consumer organisation.
How can I become a lay reviewer or a service user panel member?
Lay reviewer
If you would like to register your interest in becoming involved with the review process for the SDO programme, please access the link below:
Lay reviewer application form (Word, 129kb)
Service user panel member
If you would like further information on the role of a service user panel member, or to register your interest in being involved as a member of one of the SDO panels, please access the links below:
Role of service user panel member (PDF, 48.3kb)
Service user panel application form (PDF, 163kb)
If you would like to talk to someone about getting involved as a service user with the SDO programme please contact alison Ford, Public and Patient Involvement Manager, 02380 597435 or email A.R.Ford@southampton.ac.uk.
