HDR UK is inviting applications for new members to join the Public Advisory Board (PAB). The PAB brings together people from across the UK who want to shape how health and care data is used for public benefit. Members provide independent advice, constructive challenge, and insight that helps ensure health data research is trustworthy, transparent, and aligned with public and patient expectations.

We welcome people with a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences. You do not need research experience to apply.

Express your interest

About the Public Advisory Board

The PAB provides strategic advice and public insight to HDR UK to ensure that health data research benefits patients and the public. Members help:

  • Shape HDR UK strategy by providing constructive challenge, identifying emerging opportunities, and ensuring public perspectives inform key decisions.
  • Promote trustworthy data science by advising on transparency, accountability, and ethical use of health data, and helping strengthen public confidence.
  • Advance Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) practices by contributing to policy development, strategy implementation, and evaluation of public involvement initiatives.
  • Integrate public perspectives across HDR UK by guiding programmes, supporting coordination across the PAB, Alumni Network, and Voices, and encouraging inclusivity and equity.
  • Support knowledge exchange by sharing learnings from public involvement activities and collaborating with stakeholders across the health data ecosystem.

For more details, you can view the key PAB documents:

These documents provide full information on membership, responsibilities, meetings, honoraria, and expectations.

Who can apply

We encourage anyone who is interested in health data, public involvement, or improving health and care for communities to apply.

We particularly welcome applications from:

  • People from communities that are often under-represented in health data research, including:
    • People from low socio-economic backgrounds
    • People from minority ethnic backgrounds
    • Young adults aged 18–25
    • People over 65
    • People living in rural areas (defined as settlements of fewer than 10,000 people in England and Wales, fewer than 5,000 in Northern Ireland, and fewer than 3,000 in Scotland)
    • People experiencing digital exclusion
  • Individuals who bring lived experience of health conditions, caring responsibilities, or navigating health and care services.
  • People who can reflect a broad public voice rather than only their personal perspective.
  • Applicants who want to contribute to open discussion in a respectful and collaborative way.

You do not need experience in science or data. Curiosity, honesty, and a willingness to learn and contribute are the most important qualities.

How to apply

To join HDR UK’s Public Advisory Board, complete the online Expression of Interest form.

The form gathers information about your background, experiences, and perspectives, helping us understand what you would bring to the Board.

You will be asked to share:

  • Your interest in public involvement for health data research, including what motivates you to contribute and why safe, ethical use of health data matters to you.
  • Your experiences and engagement with health data, research, or PPIE activities, including volunteering, advisory roles, or community participation.
  • Examples of collaboration and contribution, such as sharing your opinions in group settings or supporting inclusive discussions.
  • Commitment and availability, including ability to attend meetings (every two months, online or hybrid) and any accessibility or support needs.
  • Optional demographic information to help HDR UK ensure the Board reflects the diversity of the UK.

Once you submit your form, shortlisted applicants will be invited to an informal discussion with HDR UK staff. Support and adjustments are available throughout the process to ensure accessibility for all applicants.

Deadline for Expressions of Interest: Monday, 19 January 2026

Process and timings

  • Recruitment opens: Monday 15 December 2025
  • Deadline for Expressions of Interest: Monday 19 January 2026 at 17.00 GMT
  • Notification of outcome: Late February 2026
  • Optional drop-in sessions: Week commencing 9 February 2026
  • Discussion sessions for shortlisted applicants: Late February 2026
  • Induction session for new members: Early March 2026

Further information

If you have any questions about the role or would like to discuss anything ahead of submitting your application, please contact involvement@hdruk.ac.uk.

Express your interest