Lay Members play an important role on the Secretary of State for Transport’s Honorary Medical Advisory Panels, providing a balanced and objective opinion that is independent of the medical expertise, while remaining independent and not representing the views of any particular organisation.

Vacancies

IfWe’re looking for Lay Members to join the Secretary of State for Transport’s Honorary Medical Advisory Panel.

DVLA plays a vital role in making Britain’s roads safe. To ensure that every motorist meets the required medical standards for driving, we actively work with the medical panels to set the standards and shape policy and guidelines for more than 50 million driving licence holders.

The panels help maintain and improve road safety by providing the Secretary of State for Transport, the Department for Transport (DfT) and DVLA, with expert advice about various medical conditions and their impact on driving.

Number of vacancies

We are looking to appoint Lay Members in the following medical panels:

• Disorders of the Cardiovascular System - 1 post
• Psychiatric Disorders - 2 posts
• Diabetes - 1 post
• Neurological Disorders - 1 post
• Alcohol and Drugs - 1 post
• Vision - 2 posts

The deadline for applications closes at midnight on Friday 6 February 2026.

Person specification

We’re looking for someone who is passionate about driving and road safety. Apply to become a Lay Member if you have an interest in medical conditions and their impact on safe driving.

As a Lay Member, you would likenot be expected to becomerepresent the views of any organisation. We would expect you not to have any relevant business interests, positions of authority or other connections with commercial, public or voluntary bodies, which might give rise to a conflict of interest. You would however demonstrate excellent communication skills and the capacity to understand the issues involved with medical conditions and driving.

If successful, we would expect you to be fully committed to the panel’s aims, objectives and values and to contribute effectively to discussions. You may also be required to attend an induction day in Swansea. All your travel and subsistence will be paid in line with DfT policy.

Lay Member roles

As a Lay Member, signyou upwill be expected to:

All panel members will be expected to abide by the Seven Principles of Public Life, sometimes referred to receiveas Nolan Principles.

Location

Panel meetings take place in a hybrid format in London and over Microsoft Teams.

Length of service

The length of service is 5 years.

Remuneration

In line with DfT policy, these posts are voluntary and are not salaried but members will be reimbursed for travel and subsistence costs.

Time requirements

The time requirement is 4 days per annum. Panel meetings take place twice a year. One meeting will be held in London and the latestother vacancies.will take place on Microsoft Teams. As a panel member, we’d like you to commit to a minimum of 4 days (2 days for panel meetings and 2 days for meeting preparation).

Pensions

Civil Service pension schemes will not be available for successful candidates.

Security

Successful candidates must pass basic security checks. Due diligence checks will also be carried out.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK, Commonwealth and European Economic Area (EEA), and certain non EEA nationals. Check the information on nationality requirements.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment principles.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. We guarantee to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post. If you are nosubmitting vacanciesan atapplication thisas time.a DCS candidate, please ensure you inform the vacancy holder when you submit your application.

Selection process details

How to apply

Lay Member application form and guidance

ODT, 13.5 KB

This file is in an OpenDocument format

For information on how to apply, please see the applicant information and guidance for panel members and the terms and conditions.

You can submit your completed application form to: MedicalPanelApplications@dvla.gov.uk

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Contact point for applicants

For further information on these vacancies, please contact Leigh Bromfield by email to: leighandrew.bromfield@dvla.gov.uk

Sift interview dates and location

The closing date for applications is midnight on Friday 6 February 2026.

Short listing dates are to be confirmed.

Microsoft Teams interview dates are to be confirmed.

Successful candidates will be recommended to the minister for appointment and advised of the date they will join their panel.