Committee/Honorary Post

COMMITTEE/HONORARY POST

ROLE DESCRIPTION

Role Title / Clinical Studies Group Chair: Fetal Medicine
Reporting to / Research Committee Chair
Faculty Development Tier (educational roles only) / N/A
Duration and Dates of Appointment / November 2017 (for a term of 3 years, reviewed annually)
Purpose and Description of Role
The RCOG Research Committee, which is comprised of CSG Chairs across a range of Women’s Health sub-specialty topics, has the central objective of facilitating the evaluation of interventions to improve health outcomes for women, their children and their families.
The Research Committee aims to:
·  Improve the coordination and drive the quality of research in O&G
·  Work towards co-ordinated research funding applications
·  Widen participation in research especially with clinical trainees and scientists
The strategic approach to addressing these challenges includes the development of a research portfolio that:
·  will become relevant to all aspects of the reproductive health agenda;
·  will make a real difference to the health and lives of women, their children and their families - in the UK and beyond;
·  will be generated by investigators from a wide range of disciplines;
·  will be informed by the views and perspectives of women and their families.
The Research Committee Clinical Studies Groups (CSGs) were established to facilitate the process of developing and expanding the portfolio of research in reproductive health care in the UK. There are currently 12 CSGs and this may increase over time to cover more specialty areas.
Clinical Studies Groups provide the primary route through which new ideas for clinical trials and other well designed studies are developed in the field of Women’s Health.
Main Responsibilities
The Chair will directly or by delegation:
·  organise x3 (minimum) CSG meetings per annum
·  oversee the portfolio of studies developed or adopted by the group
·  contribute to studies developed or adopted by the group
·  monitor the progress of the group
·  receive input from the Research Committee
·  liaise with other National and International trials organisations
·  propose membership of the group in consultation with the Research Committee
·  report to the Research Committee twice annually, and provide minutes of the CSG meetings routinely
·  provide advice to the Research Committee by attending meetings twice annually
·  promote good clinical research practice
Key Working Relationships
·  Research Committee Chair
·  All other CSG Chairs
·  Senior Director, Clinical Quality
·  Business Manager, Education and Quality
·  Administrator/PA, Education & Quality
The CSG Chair is responsible to the Research Committee and its Chair. The feasibility of the studies will be assessed in collaboration with the newly established CCRN Reproductive Health and Childbirth National Specialty Group.
Each CSG will undergo independent progress review every three years by the Research Committee on behalf of the Research Committee.
It is anticipated that the appointed Chair will utilise local administrative support for which Specialist Society/Charity will provide funding. RCOG admin support will be provided in relation to reporting to the Research Committee, and assisting with organisation of CSG meetings held at the College.
Time Commitment
Research Committee meetings twice annually.
CSG meetings x3 (minimum)
Evaluation of the Role and Succession Planning
This role reflects the present requirements of the post. As duties and responsibilities change and develop the role description will be reviewed and be subject to amendment in consultation with the post holder.
The role description will be re-evaluated at the end of the term.
A new CSG Chair should be appointed 2 months before the end of the current holder's term of office and they should work closely together during this time in order to facilitate a smooth take-over period.

Person specification

Qualifications / Training
Essential
·  Clinician or Senior Scientist with academic excellence in reproductive health care research
·  Evidence of annual appraisal
·  Evidence of equal opportunities and diversity training within previous 3 years

Previous Experience

Essential
·  Previous experience of chairing research meetings effectively
·  Evidence of an ability to provide leadership to a research group
·  Previous experience of collaborative research in women’s health care
·  Previous experience of substantive research funding

Key Skills / Attributes

Essential
·  Excellent leadership skills
·  Excellent communicator and skilful team player
·  Be prepared to take action and implement decisions
·  The Chair should be prepared to maintain commercial confidentiality when working with the pharmaceutical industry and to declare conflicts of interest.

Appendix One

CPD Information

The RCOG CPD Guide can be found here:

https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/cpd-revalidation/cpd-guide/

Course Convenor/Organiser

Please note that credits are not normally claimable for being a course convenor.

However, credits would be claimable for giving lectures or teaching sessions on the course and for mock examining. The same lecture or teaching session can only be claimed once during the 5-year cycle.

The rate of claim for giving teaching sessions/lectures is as follows:

·  1 credit per hour in the national/international category for giving teaching sessions or leading a workshop on a course

·  5 credits in the national/international category for giving a formal presentation on a course

·  1 credit per hour in the national/international category for mock examining

A maximum of 25 credits in each 5-year cycle applies for all presentations/teachings sessions given at national/international courses or conferences, and for formal and mock examining.

If the convenor feels that in the course of her/his work s/he has gained new knowledge which enhances patient care or leadership and teaching skills, additional credits could be claimed under reflective learning. One credit may be claimed per reflective learning form to a maximum of 25 credits in each 5-year cycle.

Committee Chair/Member

CPD credits are not claimable for the role of Chair or Committee member. However, if within your Committee role you gain knowledge which enhances patient care or leadership and technical skills, credits could be claimed under reflective learning.

One credit may be claimed per reflective learning form to a maximum of 25 credits in each 5-year cycle.

Committee members examining, setting exam questions, editing journals, publishing papers or giving formal presentations can claim CPD credits and should refer to the CPD guide (link above) for further information.