Scientific Advisory Council Healthcare Professional Member

The Scientific Advisory Council consists of 15 members and includes lived experience members with a personal connection to type 1, healthcare professionals and researchers/research active clinicians in equal numbers.

We want the Council to include a variety of healthcare professionals and would like the five healthcare professional members to include:

• a diabetes specialist nurse (paediatric or adult),
• a healthcare psychologist,
• a dietitian,
• a non-research active consultant.

We are currently recruiting a diabetes specialist nurse (paediatric or adult) or a non-research active consultant.

The deadline for application to this volunteer position is Monday 29 October 2025 (5pm).

What will I be doing?

The role of the Council is:

• to provide advice and critical opinion to Breakthrough T1D to assure and guide Breakthrough T1D’s research decisions,
• to advise on responses to relevant government policies,
• to act as ambassadors and spokespeople to increase Breakthrough T1D’s profile, understand Breakthrough T1D’s wider strategic goals and support Breakthrough T1D in working to attain them,
• to review and award small grants received under Breakthrough T1D UK specific funding schemes.

How will this benefit me?

You will engage with a diverse range of individuals, develop your skills and networks by building upon Breakthrough T1D’s current work. You will also work closely with Breakthrough T1D staff, people with a personal connection to T1D and members of the T1D research community – gaining swift access to cutting edge information about T1D research and treatment.

When do you need me?

Members are expected to stay in post for a minimum of three years.

The Council meets twice a year, once in person and once via video conference (Zoom). The Council may hold four-hour video/conference calls per year as and when necessary, with other business conducted by email.

Preparation related to these activities will average one-to-two hours reading per month through the year, although we expect some months will take more time, for example when preparing for grant awarding decision-making meetings, while for others there will be very little activity at all.

The regular SAC meetings take place in November and May, and require weekday daytime availability. The next SAC meeting will be online and is scheduled for Thursday 20 November 2025 (10am-12.30pm).

How will this benefit Breakthrough T1D?

This role will help us ensure that the research and public affairs strategies and policies are reviewed independently, and that Breakthrough T1D is aware of the views and priorities of UK based healthcare professionals.

Where is this role based and what training will I receive?

The in-person meetings will likely be taking place in London. Travel expenses will be covered in line with Breakthrough T1D travel policy. The other meetings take place by video/conference calls (Zoom).

Each new member has an introductory chat with the Scientific Advisory Council Vice-Chair before their first meeting. We will discuss with you if any specific training would help you fulfil your role.

What skills and attributes do I need?

• A diabetes specialist nurse (paediatric or adult) or a non-research active consultant.
• An interest in research (but we don’t expect you to be research expert in any shape or form).
• An understanding of the workings of committees.
• Familiarity with usual Office IT packages (MS Word, Excel, Email) is expected.
• A willingness to listen to different views with respect and encourage open debate.
• Confidence to share your opinions in a committee setting with mixed membership and potentially differing opinions.
• You must be willing to sign a confidentiality agreement and conflict of interest declaration.

We welcome members from all backgrounds, religions, gender identities and sexual orientations as we aspire to have a council that reflects the diversity of the UK population. We will do our best to mitigate any barriers to joining the Scientific Advisory Council. Please contact us if in doubt at researchcommunications@breakthrought1d.org.uk.

What support is available to me?

You will be able to contact the Research Partnership team for any questions. The Vice-Chair is an additional source of support.

Sounds great! How do I get involved?

If you’re interested in applying, prepare your CV and a covering letter explaining how you believe your experience and knowledge is relevant to this role. Email your CV and covering letter to Madeleine Bonser at researchcommunications@breakthrought1d.org.uk.

Those shortlisted for the role will be invited for a Teams interview, which will give us the opportunity to ask you a few questions and give you the opportunity to ask us questions too. We want to make sure that this is the right role for you and that you’ll be happy providing this support to Breakthrough T1D.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss the role in more detail, please send an email to Madeleine at the address above.

The deadline is Monday 29 October 2025 (5pm).