We’re looking for experienced individuals to help shape our BACP awards research funding. As a member of our new Grants Peer Review Panel you will evaluate funding applications, ensuring that any grant or award by BACP will support research of the highest quality - through a fair, transparent and robust process of peer review. 

We’re a member of the Association of Medical Research Charities and we follow their high standards and recommended principles of peer review: accountability, balance, independence, rotation of reviewers and impartiality.

The Grants Peer Review Panel will work with the BACP Research Committee and will comprise of at least five members who are independent of BACP and whose research knowledge and expertise covers a broad spectrum of methods and approaches. One panel member will be appointed Chair.

We’re looking for researchers in counselling and psychotherapy and related disciplines, with a range of experience including senior research and teaching staff, early career researchers or PhD candidates.

You should have expertise in planning and undertaking research projects with experience of qualitative, quantitative and mixed method research design.

Term of office

The Panel members will each serve a three-year term of office, with the possibility of renewing for a second three-year term.

Time commitment 

The Panel will normally meet by video conference twice a year, and at other times as necessary, to fit in with the timetable of funding schemes. The panel will be expected to evaluate applications prior to meetings and may be asked to participate in the interviewing of applicants if necessary.

Skills and ability

Panel members must have: 

  • knowledge and experience of the research funding landscape for health research
  • the ability to give detailed assessments of research proposals in terms of:
    - quality and suitability of research design and methodology
    - alignment with BACP strategic aims and research plan
    - relevance to counselling and psychotherapy practice
    - skills and abilities of the applicant and team
    - ethical considerations and plans to seek appropriate ethical review
    - involvement of service users and experts by experience in planning and undertaking the research
    - cost justification
    - outcomes and impact
    - d    issemination plans
  • the ability to give detailed, constructive and, where necessary, critical feedback on the proposals
  • the ability to participate in interviewing applicants as necessary
  • good, independent judgement and an ability to think creatively
  • an understanding of the responsibilities of their position
  • the willingness to use technology on BACP business and be IT literate
  • knowledge and experience of the third sector (advantageous but not essential)

You don't have to be a BACP member to apply. Members who are currently under investigation or sanction through our professional conduct procedure cannot apply.

Grants Peer Review Panel members must be fully independent, therefore BACP staff or Trustees cannot apply.

Remuneration

There is no remuneration for this role, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in line with our volunteers’ expenses policy. Panel members will receive full acknowledgement for their work.

To apply

Please email your CV and a detailed application letter to governance@bacp.co.uk or telephone 01455 883311. You can send it by post to BACP, BACP House, 15 St. John’s Business Park, Lutterworth, Leicestershire LE17 4HB. 

BACP has made it our responsibility when attracting and meeting with new talent to be inclusive and accessible, we welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds and underrepresented communities. BACP is Disability Confident Committed and we'll make reasonable adjustments wherever possible to support you in your application and candidate journey throughout the recruitment process.

For more information about the role, please email research@bacp.co.uk or telephone 01455 206376.