RMD: Memorandum of Understanding
Thank you for completing this MoU. It is very much intended to be supportive for all of us involved in RMD, so that we all know what to expect from each other and to provide clarity about what involvement looks like.
This memorandum of understanding is meant to clarify the roles and expectations of RMD members without creating any legal obligations. It aims to ensure that everyone clearly understands their responsibilities. If there is any conflict between this MoU and a contract with the University of Birmingham, especially regarding paid aspects of the RMD programme or courses, the contract with the University will take precedence. We appreciate everyone's understanding to keep things straightforward and transparent.
This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is established between the RMD organisation and the individual member (the "Member") to confirm their engagement with Resuscitation | Mentorship | Development (RMD) at the University of Birmingham (UoB).
RMD is a pioneering, peer-led programme that delivers life support training. It is cited by the General Medical Council (GMC) as an innovative teaching method and is one of the largest peer-led life support courses in Europe.
The purpose of this MOU is to:
- Define the specific roles, responsibilities, and professional expectations for the Member within the RMD organisation.
- Confirm the mutual commitments between RMD/UoB and the Member, including support, payment (where applicable), and professional development opportunities.
- Acknowledge the significant value of all contributions, both paid and voluntary, to RMD's mission and the Member's professional growth.
All members will be expected to confirm their agreement and acceptance of the memorandum of understanding relevant to their role every academic year. Membership of RMD is not mandatory and members may decide not to accept the MoU and not continue within RMD without prejudice.
All members will understand that failing to uphold the organisation's expectations and standards may result in the member being unable to continue participating in some or all of its activities.
Decisions of this kind rest with Professor Jon Hulme, the University of Birmingham member of staff who leads RMD. Members are welcome to raise any concerns about this process or this MoU itself with him directly.
Core Professional and Organisational Expectations
All RMD Members agree to adhere to the following professional standards:
A. Attendance, Punctuality, and Training
- Punctuality: Be on time for all allocated sessions, required training, and meetings.
- Full Participation: Participate fully and actively in all allocated sessions in line with the specific role.
- Mandatory Training: Attend and complete any required training sessions hosted on the annual instructor weekend to a satisfactory standard.
B. Professional Conduct and Attitude
- Professionalism: Demonstrate the highest level of professionalism, respect, and courtesy towards all peers, faculty, and candidates.
- Ambassadorship: Act as a positive ambassador for RMD and the University of Birmingham at all times.
- Quality and Development: Work cooperatively to deliver high-quality teaching and assessment. Contribute to the organisation's development in keeping with RMD's aims and ethos.
- Reflection: Be enthusiastic, approachable, and encouraging, and actively reflect on practice and respond to feedback from mentors/faculty.
C. Administration and Research
- Communication: Be timely and effective in all administrative and communication activities.
- Research: Support approved trials and studies conducted by RMD.
D. Safeguarding and Equality
All RMD Members are expected to act in accordance with the University of Birmingham's policies on equality, diversity and safeguarding. This includes treating all colleagues and candidates fairly and with respect, and in the handling of any personal or assessment data encountered through RMD activities.
RMD and University of Birmingham Commitments
The University of Birmingham and RMD commit to providing the following support and recognition in return for the Member's valuable contributions.
A. Financial and Administrative Support (Applicable to Undergraduate Roles)
- Financial and administrative support is provided as set out in your individual offer, as agreed with University of Birmingham Staff Services. Please refer to that offer for the specific terms applicable to your role.
B. Recognition, Mentorship, and Development
- Accreditation and Certification: RMD will provide relevant accreditation/status upon successful completion of required training, and will confirm attendance and relevant CPD certification for participating activities.
- Mentorship: RMD will offer mentorship from Student and Senior Faculty and deliver regular, constructive feedback to support continuing professional development.
- Professional Growth: RMD will facilitate opportunities for members to participate in RMD projects, including research and development activities.
- RMD affirms that the Member's additional voluntary contributions to course organisation and development (particularly for Student Faculty and Senior Faculty) is exceptionally useful for their professional development and future professional growth and achievement in directly related areas.
Role Specific Expectations
Please ensure you understand the expectations which relate to your role.
Instructor
- Deliver BLS/AED/First Aid training for 18 timetabled teaching sessions (across all 6 BLS courses) in Semesters 1 and 2.
- Ensure delivery aligns with the relevant resuscitation council standards and RMD guidance.
Senior Instructor
- Deliver BLS/AED/First Aid training for 18 timetabled teaching sessions (across all 6 BLS courses) in Semesters 1 and 2.
- Ensure delivery aligns with the relevant resuscitation council standards and RMD guidance.
- Provide oversight, mentorship, and constructive feedback to less experienced Instructors.
Assessor
- Attend all designated "exam nights" to conduct fair and consistent assessments of course candidates' BLS skills.
- Deliver sessions in Semesters 1 and 2 sufficient to provide refresher training to all students allocated to receive it.
RMD Student Faculty
- Attend training for 18 timetabled teaching sessions (across all 6 BLS courses) in Semesters 1 and 2.
- Ensure delivery aligns with the relevant resuscitation council standards and RMD guidance.
- Provide essential oversight and administrative support for course delivery.
- Organise and host RMD social events.
- Contribute to RMD activities outside paid sessions (including the non-teaching period of the academic year) necessary for the delivery and development of the organisation, recognising that, instead of payment, these opportunities provide extensive progression and developmental opportunities.
RMD Senior Faculty
- Provide governance, strategic leadership, and support for the RMD organisation, including attending and contributing regularly to monthly senior faculty meetings.
- Attend Monday evening sessions where appropriate to support course delivery.
- Set up and maintain UoB contingent worker status annually.
- Note: this is a voluntary, non-paid role.
Confirming Your Agreement
This MoU is confirmed each year through RMD's online submission system, where you confirm that you have read and understood this document. Your online submission — together with your name, role, and the date — is recorded as your confirmation; no separate signature is required.
If you do not agree with any part of this MoU, you may select "I do not agree" below and provide a short comment explaining your concern. This will be reviewed by Professor Jon Hulme or a senior faculty member, who will follow up with you directly. Declining to agree will not, in itself, prejudice your future involvement with RMD, though it may affect your ability to continue in your current role if the concern cannot be resolved.