The Role of Chair for the South Gloucestershire Patient Participation Group Chairs Network

The Chair (Healthwatch South Gloucestershire (HWSG) Area Lead in the Chair’s absence) will:

At committee meetings;

• Lead and chair discussions at PPG meetings with the support of the HWSG Area Lead & relevant CCG Representative 
• Conduct business in the order set out in the agenda with the support of the HWSG Area Lead (if not the Chair)
• Ensure that members are fully engaged
• Keep discussion focused on the item as set by the agenda
• Ensure that all recommendations are recorded
• Monitor that recommendations taken at meetings are fulfilled and/or implemented

 Between committee meetings;

• Liaise with the HWSG Area Lead to agree the agenda to be discussed at meetings and ensure minutes are properly drafted and issued prior to the next meeting.
• Support the development and maintenance of the PPG annual work plan with support from the HWSG Area Lead.
• Actively promote the work of the South Glos PPG and where possible help encourage the involvement of patients and carers in the PPG with the support of group members, HWSG and the CCG.

Key Working Relationships

As Chair, you will work with HWSG and representatives of the CCG. In particular, the Chair will work with the HWSG Area Lead. You will also support and encourage all South Glos PPG members to play an active role in the work of the PPG, the CCG’s public and patient engagement work (including any sub groups or working parties) and support HWSG's role as the independent champion for people who use health and social care services. 

Personal Qualities

• Registered with a GP practice in South Gloucestershire
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to patient participation
• Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively
• Ability to commit time to conduct the role well
• Knowledge and awareness of the health and social care issues

Commitment

The role primarily requires a commitment to attend each South Gloucestershire PPG meeting, with an additional hour or two for agreement of minutes and agendas with the HWSG Area Lead. Following the move to digital meetings, the Network will meet bi-monthly for the foreseeable future, with the notes being circulated by the HWSG Area Lead in the intervening month.

Annual Review

The PPG Chair will be appointed for one year in the first instance and will be reviewed annually thereafter.

Training and Development

The CCG and HWSG will work with the selected Chair to ensure they have confidence, knowledge, and skills to undertake the role and will ensure appropriate training and support is given as needed.

Selection

Any PPG member wishing to become the Chair is asked to submit their nomination on the form below. This gives you the opportunity to outline why you want the role and why you feel you are suitable. If necessary, this will be followed by an informal discussion with the HWSG Area Lead.

This information will go directly to Maisy (HWSG Area Lead) and will only be shared with the other PPG Chair Network Members if more than one nomination is received.