Commissioner of the Commission on Human Medicines

NHS; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK health agency is seeking a Commissioner for the Commission on Human Medicines. The ideal candidate will have expertise in Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, be able to communicate complex scientific information, and actively participate in national expert discussions. Responsibilities include advising on the safety, quality, and efficacy of medicines and engaging with patient experiences. Applications must be submitted through the official website by 14 January 2026.

Qualifications

• Recognised by peers and/or a Fellow of the relevant Royal College in Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics.
• Demonstrate effective communication and contribute to the CHM.
• Assimilate complex scientific information quickly.
• Incorporate patients' lived experience in committee discussions.

Responsibilities

• Possess or develop knowledge of UK medicines regulatory procedures.
• Assist the CHM in advising Ministers.
• Communicate effectively and consider wider views of risk and benefit.

Skills

Skilled communicator

Ability to assimilate complex scientific information

National expert scientific committee operation

Understanding of patient engagement

Education

Recognition by peers and/or Fellow of the Royal College in Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Job description

Commissioner of the Commission on Human Medicines

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency

The closing date is 14 January 2026

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care is looking to appoint a new Commissioner to the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM). Candidates should be recognised by their peers and/or be Fellows of the relevant Royal Colleges in the area of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics.

To be considered for this role, please apply via the Apply for Public Appointments website: https://apply-for-public-appointment.service.gov.uk/roles/8984

Only applications submitted on the "Apply for Public Appointments" website will be considered.

Main duties of the job

As a commissioner you will be required to possess or develop a working knowledge and understanding of the UK medicines regulatory procedures. You will draw on your individual expertise and judgement for all agenda items and assist the CHM to provide advice to Ministers. We are looking for skilled communicators with the ability to assimilate complex scientific information at short notice, and take account of a wider view of risk and benefit, particularly as it is perceived by patients, carers and other members of the public.

About us

The Commission on Human Medicines is an Advisory Non-Departmental Public Body, set up in law to advise UK Health Ministers on the safety, quality and efficacy of medicines for human use and to promote the collection and investigation of adverse drug reactions.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) seeks independent advice from the CHM to ensure its scientific judgments are robust and informed by clinical practice. It is primarily a multidisciplinary scientific advisory committee comprised of experts from medical, pharmaceutical, and related scientific disciplines and includes lay/patient representatives.

Job responsibilities

For full details on the job description, please refer to the advert attached in this vacancy or visit https://apply-for-public-appointment.service.gov.uk/roles/8984.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Be recognised by peers and/or be a Fellow of the relevant Royal College in the area of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics.
• Be able to demonstrate the following essential criteria: skilled communicator, able to operate effectively on a national expert scientific committee, prepared to contribute actively to the work of the CHM.
• Be able to assimilate complex scientific information at short notice.
• Have an understanding of the importance of patient engagement to the work of CHM and MHRA and be able to proactively incorporate patients' lived experience in committee discussions.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency