Department of Health and Social Care
Commission on Human Medicines - Commissioner
Department of Health and Social Care
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care is looking to appoint 5 new commissioners to the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM).
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 judgements 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.
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
To be considered for the role candidates must be able to demonstrate the following essential criteria:
• be a skilled communicator, able to operate effectively on a national expert scientific committee and 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’s discussions.
In addition, candidates should be recognised by their peers and/or be Fellows of the relevant Royal Colleges in one or more of the following areas:
o Care of the Elderlyo Psychiatryo Cardiovascular Medicineo Medical Oncologyo Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics
CHM Commissioners are remunerated at the standard rate of £325 per meeting with a time commitment of approximately 22 days per annum, including 11 meetings and any ad hoc meetings based on need. The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care will determine the length of appointment, which may be for up to a maximum of 4 years.
For more information, please visit the Public Appointments website: https://public-appointment.service.gov.uk/8984
If you require an alternative format, please call Karen Dinsdale on 0113 2545625 or Ben Jones on 0113 2546557 quoting the reference VAC-8984.
The closing date for applications is midday on Wednesday, 14 January 2026.
The Department of Health and Social Care values and promotes diversity. We encourage applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and across the whole of the United Kingdom. Boards of public bodies are most effective when they reflect the diversity of views of the society they serve.
