Welcome

Thank you for choosing to explore the RQA Volunteer Programme. Volunteers play a huge and important role in the Association; they are integral to RQA's success.

There are a number of ways in which volunteers can support RQA activity:

• Time-based; usually for Committee membership
• Task-based; generally for single-task projects
• Virtual; typically to promote RQA.

This approach allows Volunteers to choose to support RQA in a manner that suits the Volunteer without over-committing their time. The opportunities are endless.

The time-based Committee activities require a commitment of around 6-10 days per year which, when combined with project work, can entail a considerable obligation that only a small handful of RQA members are able to make.

Some one-off tasks,such as creating a podcast, should take no more than a couple of hours, whereas promoting RQA using social media is literally a few minutes each week.

I hope that you find your volunteer role to be fulfilling and rewarding. Please feel free to contact the RQA office with any queries or concerns.

Welcome, and thank you.

Anthony Wilkinson
RQA Director of Operations

Why people volunteer

There are many reasons why people volunteer  to undertake a task, project or role. Generally, those reasons are personal; each volunteer is motivated in a different way. 

Here is a short list of the reasons people have given for wanting to volunteer: 

• To make contacts in the profession
• To meet new people
• To establish a track record
• To be in charge of something
• To feel useful and needed
• To build confidence  and self-esteem
• To make a transition to a new career
• To break from other stresses in their life
• To gain respect
• To help other people
• To be with colleagues who volunteer
• To get to know a new community
• To get recognition
• To learn something new
• To do something they like
• To please their manager
• To support the Association
• To challenge themselves
• To share their knowledge
• To do something different
• To share their passion

The most important factor is RQA's ability to provide opportunities to eager volunteers whatever their motivation.

Introduction to the Volunteer Scheme

RQA is a leading professional membership body dedicated to promoting quality and integrity in life sciences.

RQA relies upon the knowledge and commitment of dedicated Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to support its members by providing news updates, liaising with regulators, developing new products, and organising events. By volunteering their time and knowledge you participants will realise that the volunteer experience can make a real difference to their career, the profession and your association.

RQA wants to ensure that anyone who is thinking about giving their time and knowledge can find a volunteering opportunity which is right for them.

The RQA Volunteer Programme provides a wide range of opportunities from short one-off projects to longer-term membership of Committee and access to RQA Board vacancies.

How to start volunteering

Once you’re registered as a volunteer, you need to be aware of the different types of volunteering opportunities. Each volunteering activity entails a timescale to complete or fulfil the task, project or role, from a few minutes on a task to many days per year as Chair of the Board. Please read through this overview of the types of opportunities and what each entails.

Podcasts

This is a task-based activity

Product description:                                                  
Short audio file containing verbal broadcast

Output required:                                                       
Audio file, with a brief description of the subject

Estimated time required to complete:                      
Development – 1 to 2 hours              
Delivery (voice) – 15 to 30 minutes

Subject is determined by the author or RQA

Webcasts

This is a task-based activity

Product description:                                                  
Short video file containing visual broadcast

Output required:                                                       
MS Word file containing the bullet points and script, with a brief description of the subject
Audio file containing the voice over

Estimated time required to complete:                      
Development – 1 to 4 hours              
Delivery (voice) – 15 to 45 minutes

Subject is determined by the author or RQA

Webinars

This is a task-based activity

Product description: 
Live video broadcast

Output required:                                                       
Live simultaneous broadcast to paying customers

Estimated time required to complete:                      
Development – 4 to 8 hours              
Delivery (live voice) – 15 to 60 minutes

Subject is determined by the RQA

White papers

This is a task-based activity

Product description:                                                  
Concise descriptive report on a complex issue

Output required:                                                       
MS Word file of between 2000 and 8000 words

Estimated time required to complete:                      
5 to 20 hours

Subject is determined by the author or RQA

Quasar Articles

This is a task-based activity

Product description:                                                  
Concise report to fit a theme

Output required:                                                       
MS Word file of between 1000 and 2000 words

Estimated time required to complete:                      
2 to 4 hours

Subject theme is determined by the RQA

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Social media content

This is a task-based activity

Product description:                                                  
Short topical post, often starting a conversation

Output required:                                                       
Social media post of around 100 words

Estimated time required to complete:                      
10 to 15 minutes

Subject is determined by the author

Blogs

This is a task-based activity

Product description:                                                  
Short informational post online

Output required:                                                       
MS Word file of around 300 words

Estimated time required to complete:                      
30 to 60 minutes

Subject is determined by the author

Forum Presentations

This is a task-based activity

Product description:                                                  
Short topical visual/verbal production

Output required:                                                       
PowerPoint file containing the bullet points and notes, with a brief description of the subject

Estimated time required to complete:                      
Development – 2 to 6 hours              
Delivery (live) – 25 to 45 minutes

Subject is determined by the forum organiser

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Seminar Presentations

This is a task-based activity

Product description:                                                  
Short topical visual/verbal production

Output required:                                                       
PowerPoint file containing the bullet points and notes, with a brief description of the subject

Estimated time required to complete:                      
Development – 2 to 8 hours              
Delivery (live) – 45 to 60 minutes

Subject is determined by the seminar organiser

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Conference Presentations

This is a task-based activity

Product description:                                                  
Topical visual/verbal production

Output required:                                                       
PowerPoint file containing the bullet points and notes, with a brief description of the subject

Estimated time required to complete:                      
Development – 2 to 8 hours              
Delivery (live) – 35 to 45 minutes

Subject is determined by the Conference Programme Committee

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Posters

This is a task-based activity

Product description:                                                  
Visual display of a scientific or technical nature

Output required:                                                       
Graphics file or PDF of the poster

Estimated time required to complete:                      
2 to 15 hours

Subject is determined by the author/s

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Product Reviews

This is a task-based activity

Activity description:                                                   
Evaluation of draft material or product

Output required:                                                       
Feedback to the author

Estimated time required to complete:                      
Nothing specified – depends on the size and nature of the product

 

Draft Regulation Reviews

This is a task-based activity

Activity description:                                                   
Evaluation of draft regulations

Output required:                                                       
Feedback to the authority and RQA

Estimated time required to complete:                      
Nothing specified – depends on the size and nature of the draft

Booklets

This is a task-based activity

Product description:                                                  
Publication covering a scientific or technical topic

Output required:                                                       
MS Word file for up to 60 pages of content (A5)

Estimated time required to complete:                      
100 to 200 hours

Subject is determined by the author/s or RQA

Books

This is a task-based activity

Product description:                                                  
Publication covering a scientific or technical topic

Output required:                                                       
MS Word file for over 60 pages of content (A5)

Estimated time required to complete:                      
150 to 400 hours

Subject is determined by the author/s or RQA

eLearning modules

This is a task-based activity

Product description:                                                  
Short topical visual/verbal production

Output required:                                                       
MS Word file containing the bullet points and script, with a brief description of the subject
Audio file containing the voice over

Estimated time required to complete:                      
Development – 1 to 4 hours              
Delivery (voice) – 15 to 45 minutes

Subject is determined by the author/s or RQA

eLearning courses

This is a task-based activity

Product description:                                                  
Series of eLearning modules on a common topic

Output required:                                                       
Series of eLearning modules

Estimated time required to complete:                      
Development – 20 to 40 hours                      
Delivery (voice) – 3 to 6 hours

Subject is determined by the author/s or RQA

Training course tutoring

This is a task-based activity

Product description:                                                  
Face-to face learning programme

Output required:                                                       
Delivery of material within the framework of the course

Estimated time required to complete:                      
Delivery – 2 to 12 hours

Subject is determined by the Course Principal

1-day course development

This is a task-based activity

Product description:                                                  
Face-to face learning programme

Output required:                                                       
MS Word file containing the bullet points and notes, with a brief description of the subject

Estimated time required to complete:                      
Development – 30 to 40 hours

Subject is determined by the RQA

2-day course development

This is a task-based activity

Product description:                                                  
Face-to face learning programme

Output required:                                                       
MS Word file containing the bullet points and notes, with a brief description of the subject

Estimated time required to complete:                      
Development – 50 to 70 hours

Subject is determined by the RQA

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3-day course development

This is a task-based activity

Product description:                                                  
Face-to face learning programme

Output required:                                                       
MS Word file containing the bullet points and notes, with a brief description of the subject

Estimated time required to complete:                      
Development – 70 to 100 hours

Subject is determined by the RQA

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Identifying Potential New Membership Group

This is a one-off task-based activity

Activity description:                                                   
Identification of potential membership sector group

Output required:                                                       
Correspondence with RQA Office or Global Engagement Team

Promotion

This is a one-off task-based activity

Activity description:                                                   
Development of ideas to reach-out to a wider audience

Output required:                                                       
Correspondence with RQA Office

Social media promotion

This is a virtual activity

Activity description:                                                   
Sharing/commenting of RQA posts

Output required:                                                       
Start a conversation, or share and comment on RQA posts

Estimated time required to complete:                      
A few minutes per week

Subject is determined by the volunteer

New RQA Activities

This is a one-off task-based activity

Activity description:                                                   
Development of ideas around potential new RQA activities

Output required:                                                       
Correspondence with RQA Office

New Approaches to current RQA Activities

This is a task-based activity

Activity description:                                                   
Development of ideas around new approaches to RQA activities

Output required:                                                       
Correspondence with RQA Office

New Arenas for RQA Activities

This is a task-based activity

Activity description:                                                   
Identification of new arenas or markets for RQA activities

Output required:                                                       
Correspondence with RQA Office

Representing RQA at Exhibitions*

This is a task-based activity

Activity description:                                                    
Attending events such as exhibitions, on behalf of RQA, and promoting RQA to a wide audience

Output required:                                                       
Attendance at an event

Estimated time required to complete:                      
1 to 3 days

*where agreed, RQA will cover any out-of-pocket expenses

Representing RQA at Meetings

This is a time-based activity

Activity description:                                                   
Attending meetings such as EMA or MHRA meetings

Output required:                                                       
Attendance at a meeting

Estimated time required to fulfil:                              
2 to 4 days per year

Working party member

This is a time-based activity

Estimated time required to fulfil:                              
Meetings – 2 to 4 days per year; Follow-up – 2 to 4 days per year

Working party secretary 

This is a time-based activity

Estimated time required to fulfil:                              
Meetings – 2 to 4 days per year; Follow-up – 3 to 6 days per year

Committee member

This is a time-based activity

Estimated time required to fulfill:                             
Meetings – 4 to 6 days per year; Follow-up – 2 to 4 days per year

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Committee secretary

This is a time-based activity

Estimated time required to fulfil:                              
Meetings – 4 to 6 days per year; Follow-up – 4 to 6 days per year

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Committee Chair

This is a time-based activity

Estimated time required to fulfil:                              
Meetings – 4 to 6 days per year; Follow-up – 6 to 8 days per year

Board member

This is a time-based activity

Estimated time required to fulfil:                              
Meetings – 4 to 6 days per year; Follow-up – 8 to 12 days per year

Association Chair

This is a time-based activity

Estimated time required to fulfil:                              
Meetings – 4 to 6 days per year; Follow-up – 9 to 15 days per year

All current opportunities are listed on the RQA website, these will change from time-to-time, so please keep checking.

Any new volunteering opportunities will be advertised on the RQA website as they arise. Alternatively, if you’re keen to volunteer and you’ve got a great idea, please contact the RQA office directly.

Current opportunities

White Papers 

• Selecting samples for audit
• Note-taking during audits - Points to Consider
• Mind Mapping for beginners
• Process flow charts/tools
• Fundamentals of Project Management, including budgeting and delivery
• Risk assessment: The basics
• Positive and negative feedback
• Contract Review
• Data Protection
• IT Systems Security for starters
• Traceability
• Introduction to CDASH
• An introduction to CDASH Standard vl.l
• CDASH User Guide
• Medical Statistics for auditors
• CAPA: Effective approaches to improvement
• Coaching and Mentoring
• *NEW* Draft a guide to Good Research Practice, maybe similar to the guidance provided by Wellcome - https://wellcome.ac.uk/funding/managing-grant/guidelines-good-research-practice, or other similar institution.

Webcasts 

• eLearning or Death by Powerpoint? Top 10 ways to develop elearning that makes a difference.

Booklets 

• "Impact of recent regulatory activities on pharmaceutical research quality." Based on inspection findings, cases in court etc. and what effect this has had on quality.
• "The Gap between Academic/Non-commercial Research and The Pharma Industry." Comparative review of quality, compliance and complexity.

Tasks 

• Translating existing RQA products into languages other than English.

Roles 

• Review of current training courses. 
  The role is to review the information collated so far, to understand the range of RQA training courses,and then to review each in relation to the objectives, purpose, advertising,and the training course feedback. The objective is to see where improvements could be made then, working with the RQA office and the tutors, the role is to assist in making those improvements.
• Design and Development of a brand new RQA qualification for Auditors.

Partnership

RQA recognises and fully appreciates that Volunteers are giving up their free time to support RQA activities.  Simply, the RQA would not exist without the knowledge and commitment of its active Volunteers. However, for the relationship between RQA and Volunteers to be effective, there are obligations on both sides that should be observed.  This is not a legally binding agreement- this is to aid the understanding, and build the partnership, between Volunteers and RQA.

It is valuable for RQA Volunteers to appreciate what they can expect from RQA and,likewise,what RQA can expect of Volunteers.

Volunteers can expect RQA to:

• Provide each Volunteer with a main point of contact so they know who to get in touch with for queries, comments,etc.
• Provide a clear role profile explaining what the Volunteer will be doing and why.
• Provide appropriate resources and support for Volunteering activities.
• Ensure that Volunteer opportunities are open to all RQA members.
• Consult with Volunteers and keep them informed of changes to Volunteering activities.
• Update Volunteers on how their activities are making a difference.

RQA expects Volunteers to:

• Be reliable and responsible for the work that they undertake.
• Develop and maintain good relationships with other volunteers, RQA staff and members.
• Adhere to RQA policies, decisions and procedures, including confidentiality.
• Update RQA regarding activities that they undertake.

Role profile

All Volunteer positions have a profile which describes the details of the Volunteer's responsibilities and requirements to ensure clarity regarding the tasks,projects and roles being undertaken.

Keeping in touch

The Volunteering section of the RQA website holds all the information rel evant to the RQA Volunteer Programme. RQA posts updates on the website to keep Volunteers and members informed of the latest tasks and projects; we're always looking for updates- please get in touch if there's anything we need to know.

Confidentiality and data protection

RQA holds volunteer details and records to document the contribution made by volunteers. RQA is registered under Data Protection legislation and we will not pass on any information to third parties. We understand that individual's details change; it is important that Volunteers update their RQA profile with any new information.

Equal opportunities

RQA operates an equal opportunities policy in respect of both paid staff and volunteers. All volunteers will be treated equally with respect to opportunities to volunteer, or the type of work allocated to them.

Concerns

We hope that Volunteers will not encounter any issues while  volunteering with RQA. However, Volunteers have the right to discuss any concerns they may have with their contact at any time. If for any reason, a Volunteer has a concern that cannot be discussed with their contact they should alert the RQA office.

Feedback

Volunteers know better than anyone about volunteering with RQA- their feedback is vital. If at any point a Volunteer feels that their volunteering experience could have been better,please get in touch with the RQA office.  RQA relies on Volunteer feedback to improve our processes and actions.

RQA also occasionally distributes feedback questionnaires; we really appreciate the responses from our active Volunteers. We are also always keen to hear about the individual experiences from RQA Volunteers, feel free to share any stories.

Moving on

RQA understands that there are many reasons and situations which may result in members no longer being able to continue volunteering. Volunteers should let the RQA office know as soon as possible if they're unable to continue Volunteering.

On the basis of their voluntary work, volunteers who have volunteered for more than 40 hours have the right to request a reference.

Further help and support 

If Volunteers can't find the answer to their particular query, please email us volunteering@therqa.com to discuss anything further. Thanks again for joining the RQA Volunteer Programme.

Whitepapers

A well-written and well-presented whitepaper can be a very powerful tool. Whitepapers provide information that help readers solve real problems. They should not be too technical,nor should they be a thinly-veiled marketing brochure. Often, by reading a whitepaper, the reader is sufficiently stimulated to seek further information or knowledge on a particular subject. This stimulus encourages additional engagement with the Association. 

To maintain uniformity in the whitepapers published by RQA, we recommend that authors follow these simple principles:

1. Use Microsoft Word to draft the whitepaper. 
2. Aim for between 2000 and 8000 words.
3. Do not use any formatting style- just flat text.
4. Use chapters,headings and subheadings, where needed.
5. Include essential diagrams only.
6. Include examples to explain the content,where necessary.
7. Include template forms to demonstrate the content, where necessary.
8. Use the following structure:
   Title page
   Foreword
   Contents page
   Chapters
   Summary
   Annexes
9. Make it educational.