Join our new Community Participation Group

We’re inviting people from all walks of life to apply to join our new Community Participation Group (CPG). This is an opportunity to work alongside NHS colleagues to make sure the lived experiences and needs of patients, carers and communities are central to the care we provide.

The group is being set up by Bristol NHS Group, a partnership between North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW). Together, we’re working to deliver seamless, high-quality, equitable and sustainable care for every person across Bristol, Weston, South Gloucestershire, and the wider South West.

What is the Community Participation Group?

The group will be made up of patient, carers and community representatives who will meet regularly to give honest and helpful feedback on how services are planned, changed and delivered. It’s a chance to share your perspective and help ensure NHS decisions are shaped by the people who use them.

What will I do as a member?

As part of the CPG, you’ll:

• Offer honest and helpful feedback to ensure Bristol NHS Group focuses on what matters most to the people and communities we serve.
• Attend meetings regularly and review documents in advance so you can actively contribute thoughts, questions and ideas.
• Bring your own experience and/or the views of the communities you support to represent the needs of a wider group of patients or carers (not just your personal views).
• Make links with other key people and groups in your community so we can hear a diverse range of views.
• Help review information that will be available to patients to ensure it is clear, inclusive and patient-friendly.

You’ll receive training, clear and accessible information before each meeting, and a dedicated contact for support. Participation in this role is voluntary and will be reimbursed for your time and travel expenses.

Who can you apply?

We’re looking for people that are passionate, enthusiastic and care about your local health care services.

You don’t need to have NHS experience or formal qualifications. What matters is your lived experience and your interest in improving care.

We particularly welcome voices from:

People who have used hospital services in the last five years.
Carers and family members.
People from racially minoritised or global majority communities.
LGBTQ+ people.
People living with a disability.
People of all ages, including young and older adults.
Community representatives.

If you care about the NHS and want to make a difference, this is a great chance to get involved.

How to Apply

Apply via TRAC.

Deadline: Midnight Sunday 6 July 2025

First meeting: Afternoon of Wednesday 16 July 2025

Need support applying? Contact us at experience@uhbw.nhs.uk or call 0117 3421530.

Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Organisation

If you are a VCSE Organisation or a VCSE Alliance ambassador, please register your interest by contacting Spencer Blackwell: spender@voscur.org

Learn more about the VCSE Alliance on their website: https://bnssghealthertogether.org.uk/voluntary-community-and-social-enterprise-vcse/vcse-alliance

Apply now to help shape your NHS

‘Find Out More’ session

Want to ask questions or find out if it’s right for you?

Come along to one of our informal drop-in sessions running throughout June. No need to book, just pop in whenever it suits you from the dates and locations listed below:

Monday 16 June 12:30–14:00, The Other Place, 81-83 Meadow St, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1QL. (Weston-super-Mare).
Tuesday 17 June 14:00–15:30, Horse Fair Room at the John Wesley's New Room, 36 The Horsefair, Bristol, UK, BS1 3JE. (Bristol City Centre).
Tuesday 17 June 18:30–20:00, UHBW Education and Research Centre, Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol BS2 8AE. (Bristol City Centre).
Friday 20 June 13:00-14:00 - Zoom Online (https://zoom.us/j/99268577883)
Monday 23 June 18:00-19:00 - Zoom Online (https://zoom.us/j/95865804898)

Additional Information

For more details about time commitment, accessibility support, and how your data will be used, please refer to the TRAC application page or contact us directly. We are committed to making the process inclusive and accessible for everyone.