ROS is recruiting new volunteers to its Research and Innovation Grants Assessment Panel

The Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS) is looking to recruit two new lay members (volunteers) to join its Research and Innovation Grants Assessment Panel (RIGAP) to help the charity fund the most impactful research and innovation projects for people affected by osteoporosis.

Responsible for overseeing the charity’s Research Grants Programme, the RIGAP makes recommendations to the Board of Trustees on the allocation of research and innovation funding in line with the charity’s four-year strategy, ‘Breaking the Silence’. Even before the pandemic, two-thirds of people with osteoporosis were missing out on the treatment they need in the NHS. This gap has been widened further still by the impact of COVID-19. For the duration of the strategy the ROS is focusing its grants programme on pioneering studies which can help close the care gap patients face (formerly, ‘treatment gap’) and reduce health inequalities.

Alongside clinical members, the RIGAP includes lay members who represent people affected by osteoporosis through their personal knowledge and experience of the condition. With this unique and valuable perspective, lay members play a vital role in the review process, answering questions not often addressed by researchers and clinicians. These include:

• Is the research question important and beneficial to people affected by osteoporosis?
• Does the proposal include a clear public and patient involvement plan? Did the researchers seek the advice of people affected by osteoporosis when they planned their research?
• Would participants be willing to take part in the project?
• Is the project lay summary clear and easy to understand?

If you’re looking for an opportunity to use your personal experience to make a difference and help change lives through breakthroughs in osteoporosis research, we’d love to hear from you. 

RIGAP lay member (volunteer) at the ROS said:

“I have been inspired and enthused by the dedication of the scientists who are involved in osteoporosis research. It’s been a privilege to be invited to share our views as patients on issues that are important to people who are living with the condition”.

Successful candidates will be expected to attend an average of four virtual meetings per year, and review and score research grant applications.

The position of RIGAP member is offered on a voluntary and unpaid basis, but any travel and subsistence expenses will be reimbursed in line with ROS policy.

How to apply

Please send a completed application form to Dr Caroline Sangan, Research Manager, Royal Osteoporosis Society, caroline.sangan@theros.org.uk.

The application deadline is Monday 30 January 2023.

Useful downloads:

• ROS RIGAP Terms of Reference
• ROS RIGAP Code of Conduct
• ROS RIGAP Grants Assessment Process
• ROS RIGAP lay member (volunteer) application form 2023
• ROS RIGAP lay member (volunteer) role description 2023
• ROS RIGAP (lay volunteer) 2023