Expert Member for the Secretary of State for Transport's Honorary Medical Advisory Panels

Expert Members play an integral part on the Secretary of State for Transport’s Honorary Medical Advisory Panels, providing advice about medical standards for fitness to drive that accurately reflects the current understanding of a medical condition and its effect on the ability to drive.

Vacancies

IfDVLA is looking for General Medical Council (GMC) registered licensed consultants, and medical practitioners who have an outstanding record of achievement, personal credibility and senior level experience to join the Secretary of State for Transport’s Honorary Medical Advisory Panels. 

All candidates should be able to demonstrate they are:

• GMC licenced to practice with full registration - for the vision positions we will also accept candidates registered with the General Optical Council (GOC) or Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• a member or fellow of a relevant Royal College, academic institution or equivalent body
• currently active in clinical practice or research in their professional field

Number of vacancies

For each of the 6 medical panels, we have the following vacancies:

• one Psychiatry Expert Member - specialist knowledge of ADHD essential
• one Cardiovascular Expert Member - Cardiac Imaging expertise essential
• 2 Vision Expert Members - a general ophthalmologist or optometrist with expertise in medical retina, macular degeneration, and a general ophthalmologist or optometrist with expertise in vision related neurology and paediatrics

The deadline for applications closes at midnight on Sunday 29 September 2024.

Person specification

We welcome applications from medical professionals with a broad range of experience in the relevant fields. While your professional background and experience is important, what we are most interested in is the way in which you woulduse likeyour experience.

We’re looking for engaged and enthusiastic panel members who can support our panel, challenge constructively and robustly, and provide a rich diversity of information and advice that will help DVLA to becomelicence drivers appropriately.

Expert Member roles

As an Expert Member,Member signyou will be expected to:

All panel members will be expected to abide by the Seven Principles of Public Life, sometimes referred to receiveas Nolan Principles.

Location

Panel meetings take place in a hybrid format in London and over Microsoft Teams.

Remuneration

In line with DfT policy, these posts are voluntary and are not salaried but members will be reimbursed for travel and subsistence costs. One-off fees will also be paid to Expert Members for looking at complex casework outside of panel meetings.

Time requirements

The time requirement is between 2 to 4 days per annum. There would also be an additional expectation for occasional ad-hoc support in meeting agenda setting, the latestpossibility vacancies.of looking at complex casework, and providing ad-hoc advice to DVLA’s team of doctors.

Pensions

Civil Service pension schemes will not be available for successful candidates.

Security

Successful candidates must pass basic security checks. Due diligence checks will also be carried out.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK, Commonwealth and European Economic Area (EEA), and certain non EEA nationals. Check the information on nationality requirements.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment principles.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. We guarantee to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post. If you are nosubmitting vacanciesan atapplication thisas time.a DCS candidate, please ensure you inform the vacancy holder when you submit your application.

How to apply

For information on how to apply, please see the applicant information and guidance for panel members and the terms and conditions. 

You can submit your completed application form to: medicalpanelapplications@dvla.gov.uk

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Contact point for applicants

For further information on the roles and responsibilities for these vacancies, please contact Dr Nick Jenkins, DVLA senior doctor:  nick.jenkins@dvla.gov.uk 

Sift and interview dates and location

The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 29 September 2024.

Short listing dates are to be confirmed.

Panel Expert Member interview dates are to be confirmed. These will be conducted over Microsoft Teams.

Successful candidates will be recommended to the minister for appointment and advised of the date they will join their panel.