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NICE is looking for influential professionals such as NHS managers, Trust Chief Executives, Medical and Finance Directors, and GP commissioners to join its prestigious Fellows and Scholars Programme.

Set up in April 2009, the programme aims to foster a network of NHS health professionals committed to improving the quality of patient care within their local health and professional communities, as well as supporting the core values that underpin NICE's work.

A wide range of professionals have already taken part in the programme, including a finance manager, GPs, a midwife and a psychiatrist.

Next April, NICE will award ten Fellowships, each for a fixed term of 3 years, to senior health professionals, in addition to three Fellowships to senior social care professionals, such as Directors of Social Services and those in the independent and voluntary sectors.

These positions will support NICE as it expands its remit and develops quality standards for social care.

Ten Scholarships will also be awarded to qualified health professionals, such as registrars, managers (including those currently on the NHS Management Scheme), nurses (final year students or those recently qualified) and allied health professionals.

Professor Peter Littlejohns, Clinical and Public Health Director at NICE said: “As the NHS and social care sectors face significant structural changes, it is important that both sectors continue to provide high quality and cost effective care.

“We are looking to award a number of Fellowships to senior leaders and decision makers, who will use their influence and experience to improve how care is delivered and maintain an ongoing dialogue between NICE, their employing organisations and their professions.

“Our Scholarships present unique opportunities for NICE to support junior health professionals on their research and quality assurance projects, and allow those appointed to learn more about how the Institute works and network with likeminded peers. We encourage anyone with an interest and the necessary experience to apply.”

Dr Monica Lakhanpaul, a current NICE Fellow and a Consultant Paediatrician at Leicester City Community Health Services said:“This is a fantastic opportunity for health professionals. It's not only the access to NICE that has been advantageous but also the fact that the Fellows and Scholars Programme is a group of motivated and dynamic people who you can exchange ideas with.

“Another advantage is that you get a mentor - sometimes within the NHS we are so busy working that we forget that we also need somebody to turn to for advice.”

If you are interested in applying, please submit your application by Friday 25 November 2011.