PPI (Patient & Public Involvement) Lead Researcher

This post is for Band 5 PPI Lead Researcher for a new Wellcome funded study for a new Wellcome funded study, AVATAR3. The successful candidate will work as part of the team delivering next stages of work in AVATAR therapy, a blended digital intervention for distressing voices in psychosis. Having tested efficacy in rigorous randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and with replication emerging from independent research groups, our focus is on national and international implementation of AVATAR therapy.
In the AVATAR3 project we will establish AVATAR therapy Implementation and Training Hubs in two distinct LMIC settings (Ethiopia and India). In parallel work, we will develop an English-language version of AVATAR therapy in which automated dialogues are delivered using Artificial Intelligence (AVATAR-AI) and test the feasibility of delivery by a non-specialist UK workforce. The study has 5 key aims:
Aim 1: To develop, through diverse stakeholder engagement, ethically responsible and culturally acceptable adaptation of AVATAR therapy across LMIC and UK sites.
Aim 2: To establish Implementation Hubs in Ethiopia and India, to deliver and train AVATAR therapy.
Aim 3: To develop and conduct user testing of AI-powered conversational agents to deliver AVATAR therapy dialogues (in English).
Aim 4: To deliver AVATAR-AI, as a blended digital therapy.
Aim 5: To test the feasibility, acceptability, and clinical impact of AVATAR-AI (UK), delivered by non-specialist mental health workers., The post-holder will work alongside colleagues in the team to develop and facilitate models of involvement across the study, including co-facilitation of Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP) groups. Understanding participants experience of AVATAR therapy is central to the UK based and international work on the AVATAR3 project. In UK based work, the post will involve supporting the co-design of AVATAR-AI which will involve people with lived experience of AVATAR therapy. The post-holder will also support recruitment, data collection and analysis in the planned feasibility study, where they will co-facilitate interviews with participants about their experience of receiving AVATAR-AI therapy. The post-holder will also help to support the international adaptation work., The post-holder will join a friendly study team and will be line managed by the SLaM Innovation and Training Lead (Dr Rebecca Kelly) and supported by the Research Workers based on the AVATAR3 project. The team ethos involves a strong commitment to inclusive involvement of Experts by Experts and a focus on ethical and responsible research innovation., The post holder will:
+ Support Patient and Public Involvement and public engagement with the AVATAR3 study
+ Support the co-design of AVATAR-AI
+ Co-facilitate LEAP groups
+ Support participants' informed consent
+ Conduct interviews with participants about their experience of receiving AVATAR-AI
+ Collaborate with the research team to analyse interview transcripts
+ Monitor and record research activities
+ Effectively use supervision and contribute to team meetings
+ Carry out other duties as agreed with the research team
The Trust is committed to providing services which embrace diversity and that promote equality of opportunity. We are a Disability Confident Employer, we welcome applicants from all sections of the community and people of all protected characteristics. We provide reasonable adjustments for candidates with a disability and are committed to treating people fairly with compassion, respect and dignity and in promoting equality and human rights. We aim to put this commitment into practice by:
+ Embedding our commitment to tackling inequality, eliminating discrimination and harassment; promoting equality of opportunity and fostering good relations in our everyday practice
+ Ensuring that all our services and all staff understand and support our commitment
+ We believe that people who use our services, their carers and our staff, should be treated with compassion, respect and dignity
Please note:
+ That all applications for this post will need to be made online
+ That you read and understand the Job Description and Personal Specification attached to the role. Your Statement in Support should reflect the requirements specified as your application will be judged against these criteria
+ That the closing date listed is a guide only and that the vacancy may close earlier should sufficient number of applicants have been received. We advise that you submit your application as early as possible
+ That once you have submitted your application you agree to your application being transferred to a 3rd party e-recruitment system. All subsequent information regarding your application will be generated from apps.trac.jobs
+ That should you not have heard from us within three weeks from the closing date your application has not successful
+ That priority consideration for applications may be given to at-risk NHS employees
+ That should you be successful and appointed, you authorise South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust to confirm your previous NHS service via an Inter Authority Transfer (IAT) process
+ That we are a smoke-free Trust
SLaM is a Stonewall Diversity Champion , Stonewall is the largest Lesbian, Gay, Bi and Trans (LGBT) rights charity in Europe'

South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust has a rich history, well-established community links and an international reputation. We deliver specialist services in the London boroughs of Croydon, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark, Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Wandsworth and Richmond.
We are committed to provide a high quality and specialist care to our service users and we are recognised for our care and treatment we provide. The Care Quality Commission already rates our services as 'good'.
We launched our five-year strategy, Aiming High; Changing Lives in 2021 together with Our Care Improvement System as our quality management system methodology to make a positive impact on patient care, outcomes and staff experience. By joining SLaM, all staff will get the opportunity to be part of this exciting improvement journey supported with learning and development to harness everyone's potential as change makers.
The trust recognises the unique and valuable contribution that people with lived experience of mental illness can bring to a role. We therefore welcome applications from people with lived experience and consider them as an asset to the Trust.
Our Values
We take pride in providing specialist care to our service users where our Trust values and our promise to be caring, kind, polite, prompt, honest, listen and do what I say I'm going to do is at the heart of everything we do. When you join us, you'll be part of something special.
As a Trust we are happy to talk flexible working.