RCGP Scottish Patient Forum Chair

Role: Chair of the RCGP Scottish Patient Forum
Term: November 2026 – November 2029
Location: Online (with optional representation at events across Scotland)

The Royal College of General Practitioners (Scotland) is seeking an enthusiastic and committed individual to take on the role of Chair of the Scottish Patient Forum.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead an established online advisory group made up of patient members from across Scotland. The Forum ensures that lived experience and the patient voice continue to inform RCGP Scotland’s work, policy development and strategic direction.

What You’ll Do
• Lead and facilitate three online Patient Forum meetings per year.
• Represent the forum at:
o RCGP Scottish Council meetings (three online meetings and one hybrid meeting per year)
o The College’s UK-wide Patient and Carers Participation Group (PCPG) meetings each year (four online meetings per year)
• Work with the RCGP Scotland team to guide agenda setting and Forum priorities.
• Contribute to RCGP policy work, consultation responses, and communications including press and social media where appropriate.
• Represent patient perspectives at relevant internal and external groups, workshops and events when required.

What We’re Looking For
We welcome applications from individuals who:
• Understand or are interested in current health and social care issues in Scotland and have an awareness of key current matters relating to general practice.
• Have an interest in the work and aims of RCGP Scotland.
• Ideally bring experience in chairing meetings, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to contributing positively to the Forum’s work.

Why Apply?
This role offers the chance to champion the patient voice nationally, influence key policy and strategic decisions in general practice, build valuable leadership skills within a respected organisation, and make a meaningful contribution to improving primary care across Scotland.

RCGP Scotland
The Royal College of General Practitioners Scotland (RCGP Scotland) is the professional membership organisation for general practitioners in Scotland. We represent approximately 5,000 members in Scotland and our purpose is to encourage, foster and maintain the highest possible standards in general medical practice.

How to apply
Please send a completed application to infoscotland@rcgp.org.uk by 9am on Monday 18 May 2026.
For more details and to request a role description and application please contact infoscotland@rcgp.org.uk.

Experience required

• An active awareness of current health and social care structures in Scotland, including planned or ongoing changes.
• Well informed views on the delivery of healthcare services, with the ability to express these constructively across various channels.
• Interest in the aims and work of the College, and a willingness to contribute to its policies and strategic direction.
• Experience of chairing meetings or willingness to participate in induction and training to develop the necessary skills.
• Strong teamwork skills, including the ability to engage with different perspectives and collaborate effectively with group members.
• Ability to communicate clearly and reliably via email.

Restrictions

Minimum age: 18

Availability

Frequency & commitment

• Chair up to three online Patient Forum meetings per year.
• Attend four Scottish Council meetings per year:
o Three online weekday evening meetings (approx. 2.5 hours each)
o One in person or hybrid Saturday meeting (approx. 5 hours)
• Attend four RCGP UK Patient and Carers Participation Group meetings per year.
• Support recruitment of new Forum members, including shortlisting and interviews (approx. 1.5 days per year).
• Undertake supporting and administrative tasks (e.g., reviewing agendas and minutes, commenting on consultations and policy papers, contributing to press and social media communications) – estimated up to one hour per month.
• Represent the Forum at internal and external conferences, seminars, workshops and clinical groups, subject to availability.

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