About the role:
NURTuRE is a shared collection of samples and health information that helps researchers learn more about kidney disease, so they can improve care for patients now and in the future.
The NURTuRE Strategy Group is seeking a small number of volunteer patient representatives to provide strategic oversight of the NURTuRE Biobank, a UK project that collects and stores samples and health information from kidney disease patients to support research and improve care.
Volunteers will attend a few meetings annually, review research requests, and ensure the biobank operates safely and ethically.
What the role includes:
Role purpose and responsibilities: Volunteers help oversee the biobank’s operation, ensuring safe collection and storage of samples, proper use of the NURTuRE brand, quality and safety monitoring, and independent review of research access applications. They advise the Joint Steering Committee on approving requests for sample and data use.
Volunteer support and activities: The charity provides induction, ongoing support, relevant training, and reimbursement of reasonable expenses. Volunteers share their kidney health experiences, represent patient interests, and contribute to research discussions, including familiarizing themselves with medical and research terminology.
Candidate profile and benefits: Ideal volunteers have personal or caregiving experience with kidney disease or an interest in medical research, effective communication skills, confidence to express views, and commitment to the charity’s values. Benefits include skill development, volunteer experience for CVs, and learning about current research. Reasonable adjustments are available for disabilities
We are looking for an individual who has:
- Has experience of kidney disease – either as a patient or parent/ carer or an interest in medical research
- Has a keen interest in our work
- Effective communication skills both written and verbal
- Has good self-motivation and confidence to put forward own views and challenge where necessary
- Has commitment to our charity values
- Is reliable to accept opportunities when they arise
How will you benefit from this role?
- Develop your communication and leadership skills
- Training and development opportunities
- Volunteer experience to put on your CV
- Learn about current research
We will support you by:
- Providing an induction to the charity, its aims, and the role
- Ongoing support from your key contact at the charity
- Relevant training to support you in your role, if necessary
- Agreed out-of-pocket expenses for attending meetings or carrying out any duties such as travel will be reimbursed
How to apply:
If you are interested in this opportunity, please email patients@kidneyresearchuk.org with your expression of interest that includes:
- Why you are interested in the role
- Your lived experience or connection to kidney disease
- The skills and strengths you would bring to this role. You don’t need formal experience, but please tell us about any personal, work or volunteering experience that you feel would help you in this role
The closing for expression of interest is 31 July, however it may close early if we receive a high number of applications.
Informal interviews will be held online the week commencing 10 August 2026.