Scientific Advisory Council Lived Experience Member (18-22 years old)

The Scientific Advisory Council consists of 15 members and includes healthcare professionals, lived experience members with a personal connection to type 1 diabetes (T1D) and researchers/research active clinicians in equal numbers.

A wide range of people living with type 1 diabetes, or with relatives with type 1 diabetes, is crucial to bringing different perspectives and experiences to the Council. Therefore, we would like the five lived experience members to include at least:

• an adult diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a child (before the age of 18),
• an adult diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as an adult (after the age of 18),
• someone between the age of 18 and 25 with type 1 diabetes,
• a person caring for a child (younger than 18) with type 1 diabetes.

We are currently recruiting ‘Someone between the age of 18 and 25 with type 1 diabetes’.

NB: You must be 18-22 years old at age of application, to ensure a minimum three-year term can be completed.

The deadline for application to this volunteer position is  5pm on Monday 14 September 2026.

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.

What skills or experience do I need?

For this role you need:

• to be an 18 to 22-year-old living with type 1 diabetes,
• an interest in research (but we don’t expect you to be research expert in any shape or form),
• familiarity with usual Office IT packages (MS Word, Excel, Email),
• 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,
• a willingness to sign a confidentiality agreement and conflict of interest declaration.

We welcome members from all backgrounds, ethnicities, 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 at researchcommunications@breakthrought1d.org.uk if in doubt.

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 hours 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 usually take place in October/November and May/June, and require weekday daytime availability. The next SAC meeting will be online and is scheduled for Thursday 15 October 2026 (10am-12:30pm).

Where will I be based?

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).

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, and members of the type 1 research and healthcare communities – gaining swift access to cutting edge information about type 1 research and treatment.

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 people with lived experience of type 1 diabetes, including young persons’ views.

What training and support will I receive?

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.

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

How do I apply?

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 Renata Morfin at researchcommunications@breakthrought1d.org.uk.

Once we receive this, 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 UK.

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

The deadline is 5pm on Monday 14 September 2026.