Terms of Reference for the 2nd term
(2026-2028)

The Patient Safety Commissioner for England is required in statute to appoint an advisory panel to provide the Commissioner with advice and assistance relating to the discharge of the Commissioner’s functions and encourage good practice in involvement with patients.  This group must consist of persons who (taken together) represent a broad range of interests which are relevant to the Commissioner’s functions.

The Commissioner’s core duties are to:

• Promote the safety of patients with regard to the use of medicines and medical devices, and
• Promote the importance of the views of patients and other members of the public in relation to the safety of medicines and medical devices.

• To provide support, insight, advice and challenge to the Patient Safety Commissioner during her second term (2026-2028), acting as a critical friend and sounding board to inform the Commissioner’s strategic priorities and workstreams.
• To proactively identify synergies with work across the wider healthcare system and identify potential opportunities for collaboration.
• To share and spread good practice, including within their own organisations and beyond, to champion the patient voice with regard to medicines and medical devices, and promote the Patient Safety Commissioner’s work.

• The Patient Safety Commissioner is the Chair of the Group.
• The Advisory Group will comprise members who collectively bring the breadth, depth and diversity of expertise and knowledge relevant to the remit of the Patient Safety Commissioner.
• The Advisory Group is not accountable for the policies, decision-making, financial or other management aspects of the OPSC.
• Individual members carry no personal liabilities or risks.
• Members are asked to report any conflicts that arise during their tenure.
• Members are asked to treat all Advisory Group business and communications as confidential unless it is clearly indicated otherwise.
• Membership is voluntary and not remunerated. Reasonable travel expenses can be reimbursed on request, and in accordance with the MHRA expense policy.
• The Advisory Group will meet three times a year (aiming for one in person; two online)
• The secretariat will be provided by the Office of the Patient Safety Commissioner (OPSC).