Health Research Volunteers jobs in Leeds

Job Summary

Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity is a small charity with big ambitions. We support brain tumour patients and families across Yorkshire and fund pioneering research in our region.

We're now looking for an exceptional Patient Empowerment Coordinator to lead the delivery of our exciting new Empowering Choices programme, funded by Macmillan Cancer Support.

This innovative project has been designed alongside people affected by brain tumours to ensure nobody faces their diagnosis alone. You'll help people in Yorkshire feel informed, confident and empowered throughout their journey by providing practical support, developing new resources, strengthening partnerships with NHS teams and creating opportunities for people to learn from others with lived experience.

This is a unique opportunity to shape a brand-new service from the ground up. You'll have the freedom to develop new ideas, build meaningful partnerships and make a lasting difference to the lives of brain tumour patients and their families across Yorkshire.

Responsible to:

Chief Executive Officer

Salary:

£25,500 – £26,500 (depending on experience)

Contract:

Fixed-term (24 months – subject to continued funding)

Hours:

Full-time (job-share considered, alongside flexible and hybrid working – we are open to conversations about how this role works best for you)

Location:

Your contractual place of work will be your home address. This is a community-based role covering Yorkshire, and you will spend much of your time visiting patients, partners and healthcare settings across the region. You may occasionally be required to attend our office in Leeds for team meetings, training or specific organisational needs.

Who This Role Is For:

This role would suit someone who:

• Is passionate about improving the lives of people affected by serious illness in Yorkshire
• Enjoys building trusted relationships with patients, carers and healthcare professionals
• Wants to develop an innovative new service that makes a real difference
• Thrives in a small, supportive organisation where they can shape their own work
• Is organised, compassionate and motivated by helping people feel more confident and informed

Key Responsibilities:

Patient Support & Empowerment

• Provide personalised practical and emotional support to people affected by brain tumours in Yorkshire throughout their journey
• Support patients before and after important appointments, helping them prepare questions and understand information
• Help people access the right services, information and support at the right time
• Promote confidence, wellbeing and self-advocacy through person-centred support

Developing Resources

• Lead the development of practical, accessible resources that help people in Yorkshire navigate life with a brain tumour
• Create appointment preparation tools, information guides and digital resources
• Ensure all resources reflect the voices and experiences of people with lived experience

Partnership & Community Engagement

• Build strong relationships with NHS neuro-oncology teams, Clinical Nurse Specialists and partner organisations
• Develop referral pathways that improve access to Yorkshire's Brain Tumour Charity services
• Represent the charity at partnership meetings, conferences and professional networks

Peer Support & Volunteer Coordination

• Create opportunities for people affected by brain tumours in Yorkshire to connect with others who share similar experiences
• Coordinate volunteers and buddies supporting the programme
• Ensure people with lived experience remain central to the design and delivery of the project

Monitoring & Project Delivery

• Monitor outcomes and demonstrate the impact of the programme
• Collect feedback and produce reports for Macmillan Cancer Support
• Help ensure the long-term sustainability and future development of the programme

Person Specification:

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• Experience of delivering projects or services within the charity, health or community sector
• Experience of providing person-centred support
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Confident using Microsoft Office and other IT systems
• Ability to work independently whilst contributing positively to a small team

Desirable

• Experience working within cancer services, neurological conditions or long-term health conditions
• Experience working alongside NHS services
• Experience coordinating volunteers or community initiatives
• Experience of monitoring and evaluating projects
• Understanding of shared decision-making and co-production

Personal Attributes

• Compassionate, approachable and empathetic
• Calm, emotionally resilient and supportive
• Positive and encouraging
• Highly organised and self-motivated
• Flexible and willing to travel across Yorkshire
• Passionate about empowering people to make informed choices about their care

Other Requirements

• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends

About Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity:

Founded in 2003, Yorkshire's Brain Tumour Charity provides vital support to brain tumour patients and their loved ones whilst funding innovative research across our region.

Our vision is a Yorkshire where nobody faces a brain tumour diagnosis alone.

We provide peer support groups, one-to-one wellbeing support, welfare advice, financial assistance and invest in pioneering research that improves outcomes for people affected by brain tumours.

What We Offer:

• Flexible and hybrid working, with a high degree of autonomy over how you structure your week
• A supportive and values-driven team environment
• Generous pension contribution (above statutory minimum)
• Opportunities for professional development and training
• The opportunity to lead an innovative Macmillan-funded programme with genuine impact
• A culture built around integrity, compassion, community and ambition

How to Apply:

Please send a CV and covering letter to:
David Grant-Roberts, CEO
Email: david@yorksbtc.org.uk

Application deadline: Sunday 30th August

Interviews: Week commencing 14th September

Pay: £25,500.00-£26,500.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Flexitime
• Work from home

Application question(s):

• Do you have a full UK driving license and access to a vehcile?
• Do you have lived experience of a brain tumour diagnosis (either for yourself or for a family member/friend)?

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Leeds LS3