Job Description

Details

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Reference number

406248

Salary

88,168 - 139,882
per annum, pro rata
GBP

Job grade

Other
NHS Medical & Dental: Consultant or AfC Band 8d

Contract type

Fixed term

Length of employment

Fixed term until 31 March 2026

Type of role

Health Adviser

Health Professionals

Medical

Senior leadership

Working pattern

Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time

Number of jobs available

1

Contents

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Location About the job Benefits Things you need to know Apply and further information

Location

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3 Piccadilly Place

About the job

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Job summary

This role is within Health Protection in Regions, which forms part of the Chief Medical Advisor group of UKHSA. Health protection in regions, deliver expert, trusted, and resilient health protection services, protecting society from harm from infectious diseases and environmental hazards locally, nationally and across the globe. Health Protection in Regions are all-hazards, multi-disciplinary and agile. Focusing on delivering health protection in place - locally, regionally and at the border.


The 9 regional teams lead the regional health protection system and deliver effective health protection services to reduce risk to health from a wide range of hazards and threats. Our mission is challenging, innovative and in the spotlight. We will work to ensure our people have the diverse skills, experiences, and backgrounds we need to thrive, that our employees are representative of the communities we serve and feel valued and enabled to play their part in delivering our work.


UKHSA North West Region is made up of health protection consultants and practitioners, surveillance scientists, emergency preparedness professionals and business operations staff, operating from three sites. We are recruiting an enthusiastic, motivated Consultant in Health Protection on a fixed term basis.


There will be on-call rota with this role.

Working for your organisation

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.


UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.

Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers

Job description

This is a senior role within the health protection team and provides leadership, management and oversight of the health protection function, including the response to incidents and outbreaks and responsibility for the day to day operational delivery.


The post holder will play a key role in developing, shaping and assuring the health protection function, which may include managing individuals and teams, working closely with partners, and ensuring delivery of high-quality surveillance, response and support systems. The post holder will have responsibility for developing and maintaining close working relationships both internally and with partner organisations. In addition, they will contribute and lead on regional and national priorities, including contribution to wider public health initiatives consistent with the regional delivery model and integrated working.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

The post is subject to the core competencies as set out by the Faculty of Public Health for Consultant appointments and the post holder will be expected to demonstrate expertise in all of them (Appendix A).

Response

Will be expected, when required, to assume overall responsibility for the management of incidents and outbreaks of infectious diseases, lead the local Health Protection team response to non-infectious environmental hazards and chemical incidents and assume overall responsibility for the day to day running of the acute response function. To utilise an evidence-based approach to manage clinical/professional advice and discussions within the team and support and participate in the team's formal case review process. To ensure the monitoring of standards, ensuring quality and consistency and to take action where any shortfall occurs. May be responsible for any ongoing longer-term management of issues relevant to a defined geography area within their area. May perform Proper Officer duties in relation to Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984 and the Public Health (Infectious Diseases) Regulations 2010 as agreed with Local Authorities. Will be expected to contribute, and where required, lead the UKHSA response during incidents in line with UKHSAs Emergency Planning Resilience and Response (EPRR) arrangements as part of the region's responsibilities under the Civil Contingencies Act. Will contribute, support and where necessary lead the UKHSA region's input into Emergency Planning arrangements. May be required to participate in an on call rota at local, regional or national level as required.

Surveillance

Contribute strategically to the development and maintenance of effective systems for the surveillance of communicable disease and environmental hazards. Proactively use surveillance outputs to inform and influence local and national Public Health actions, policies and strategies. Lead, plan and design agreed initiatives to address health needs, health inequalities and health impact assessment, with a particular focus on health protection

Partnership Working

Take a lead in the proactive development and contribution to key relationships with a wide range of individuals and stakeholders and take responsibility for the maintenance of professional networks relevant to role. Influence, and where appropriate, lead the development and implementation of system wide priorities and programmes for public health action or improvement. Employ highly effective communication, negotiation and influencing skills to enable stakeholder relationships to deliver objectives with:

External organisations and wider NHS stakeholders to ensure collaboration in the strategy in the Sector


Internal leaders and staff to gain input to the development of systems, processes and activities

Deal with complex and conflicting subject matter problems or in day work load in workshops, meetings, one to one communications and other events, comprising various parts of the organisation. Contribute actively to the development and implementation of system wide priorities and programmes for public health action or improvement

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Research, Teaching and Training

Contribute to research activity to complement the health protection evidence base and where agreed, to lead research projects. Deliver appropriate teaching activities across a range of audiences. Contribute to training programmes (including supervision) for Foundation Year Doctors and Specialist Trainees in the Faculty of Public Health training scheme as appropriate, and to the training of health and care professionals and practitioners within the locality. Ensure appropriate clinical supervision and mentorship systems are in place for staff within scope of responsibility. Provide clinical/professional supervision and mentorship as appropriate.

Management and Leadership

To be a visible, positive leader and role model. Meeting and demonstrating high professional standards. Oversee the development and implementation of policies and protocols for a wide range of health protection issues. Lead and coordinate defined areas of work as agreed with the Deputy Director for Health Protection e.g. specific communicable disease and non-infectious environmental hazards, quality and training. Where agreed, lead the locality/patch-based health protection team. May undertake line management responsibilities including budgetary responsibilities as agreed with the Deputy Director Health Protection or Regional Director. Actively identify, lead and contribute to quality improvement and governance initiatives in line with strategic direction of the region. Actively assist in the development of joint plans and system wide priorities for public health action or improvement. Ensure compliance with all confidentiality and governance requirements at all times. Lead and contribute to proactive and responsive media issues. Proactively contribute to wider organisational development. Contribute to the strategic work of the locality/patch-based health protection team and deputise where appropriate, using systems leadership approaches and skills. Contribute strategically to the development and the testing of the region's business continuity plan.

Personal and Professional Development

Participate in organisational and professional appraisal and revalidation as appropriate. Pursue a programme of Continuing Professional Development, including mandatory training, in accordance with the requirements of a recognised Professional body e.g. Faculty of Public Health, Royal College of Pathologists. On the occasions when a medical qualification and GMC specialist registration are required, medically qualified members may be asked to undertake specific duties such as in the development of Patient Group Direction or Medical Officer functions in the Regulations of the Public Health Act. Such occasions may be based on legislative or organisational requirements. Where appropriate, contribute to and support the development of individuals and the team through appraisal, personal development planning, coaching and mentoring.

Other Duties

The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by your line manager. The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of UKHSA Regions.

Communication and Key Working Relationships

The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to UKHSA.


This will include:


Internal

UKHSA Regional teams Other UKHSA divisions/directorates

External

Lower & Upper Tier Local Authorities Directors of Public Health & teams Education Social Services Environmental Health Health Protection Boards Office of Health Improvement and Disparities NHS England Integrated Care Systems NHS Acute Trusts & provider organisations Infection Prevention & Control teams Hospital staff including clinicians, microbiologists and infection control Local Resilience Fora and Local Health Resilience Partnerships Environment Agency Animal Health Water / Utilities Companies Care Homes Universities / Colleges/ Schools General Practitioners and other staff in Primary Care Health & Wellbeing Boards Care Quality Commission Local Prisons Emergency Services Emergency Planning Resilience and Response (EPRR) team

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

Inclusion in the GMC Specialist Register or UK Public Health (Specialist) Register If included in the GMC Specialist Register in a specialty other than public health medicine, infectious diseases medicine or medical microbiology, candidates must have equivalent training and/or appropriate experience of public health medicine, infectious diseases medicine or medical microbiology practice Public health specialist registrar and specialist trainee applicants who are not yet on the GMC Register/UKPHR must provide verifiable signed documentary evidence that they are within 6 months of gaining entry at the date of interview; all other applicants must provide verifiable signed documentary evidence that they have applied for inclusion in the GMC/UKPHR Applicants must meet minimum CPD requirements in accordance with the requirements of the Faculty of Public Health/Royal College of Pathologists/Royal College of Physicians or other recognised body MFPH, or MRCPath, or MRCP

Behaviours and Attitudes

Essential criteria

Strong commitment to public health principles Commitment to team-working and respect and consideration for the skills of others Self-motivated, pro-active, and innovative High standards of professional probity

Knowledge and Experience

Essential criteria

Minimum 6 months experience in Health Protection practice Practical experience in leading and facilitating change Experience of communicable disease control in a wide variety of settings including out of hours on call Experience of working with other agencies Experience of emergency planning Understanding of key agencies involved in health protection Knowledge of methods of developing clinical quality assurance, audit, quality improvement and evidence based clinical and/or public health practice Understanding of social and political environment Understanding of laboratory microbiology services Understanding of clinical infectious diseases services Understanding of clinical toxicology services Understanding of the principles of radiological protection

Desirable criteria

Experience of budget management and financial processes Experience and demonstrable competency in dealing with environmental hazards / chemical incidents Ability to undertake prophylaxis, diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases of public health importance Peer reviewed scientific publications, presentation of papers at conferences, seminars, etc

Skills and Capabilities

Essential criteria

Strategic thinker with proven leadership skills, including management of change Able to prioritise work, and work well against a background of change and uncertainty Adaptable to situations, can communicate with people of all capabilities and attitudes Project management Understanding of epidemiology and statistics, public health practice, health promotion, health economics and health care evaluation Excellent oral and written communication skills (including dealing with the public and the media) Effective interpersonal, motivational and influencing skills Ability to respond appropriately in unplanned and unforeseen circumstances Sensible negotiator with practical expectation of what can be achieved Substantially numerate, with highly developed analytical skills using qualitative and quantitative data Computer literate Ability to design, develop, interpret and implement policies Ability to concentrate for long periods (e.g. analyses, media presentations) Resource management skills

Desirable criteria

People management and training Training and mentoring Have an awareness of and be working towards the key core competencies set out in Civil Service Competency Framework 2010-2017 and KSF for those on AfC terms and conditions

Equality and Diversity

Essential criteria

An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, and in relation to management systems

Benefits

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Learning and development tailored to your role An environment with flexible working options A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity

Things you need to know

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Selection process details

This position is open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).


Applicants are strongly advised to use the criteria in the Person Specification of the as sub-headings in their application to make it clear how they meet each of the selection criteria.

STAGE 1 - Application & Sift:

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and capabilities outlined in the person specification. You will be required to complete an application form. You will also be asked to provide information within the 'Employer/ Activity history' section of the application form. This will be assessed in line with the advertised criteria.


You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on essential criteria, and this will be in the form of:

Application form ('Employer/ Activity history' section on the application) a (1500) word Statement of Suitability.

This should outline how you consider your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.


The Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together.


Please do not exceed 1500 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.


Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered.


If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment


Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.


Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

STAGE 2 - Interview

You will be invited to an in person interview at 3 Piccadilly Place, Manchester, remote attendance may be permitted in exceptional circumstances.


Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview .


A 10 minute presentation will be required, the subject will be provided prior to interview. Slides can be used.

The successful candidate will be appointed to the point of the Consultant salary scale appropriate to their years of seniority or if from a background other than medicine to NHS Agenda for Change Band 8d.

Inclusion in the GMC Full and Specialist Register with a license to practice (or be eligible for registration within six months of interview).

If included in the GMC Specialist Register/ in a specialty other than public health medicine, candidates must have equivalent training and/or appropriate experience of public health practice.

Public Health Specialty Registrar applicants who are not yet on the GMC Specialist Register must provide verifiable signed documentary evidence that they are within 6 months of gaining entry at the date of interview; all other applicants must provide verifiable signed documentary evidence that they have applied for inclusion in the GMC.


Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.


This role is being offered as hybrid working based at our office in 3 Piccadilly Place, Manchester, M1 3BN. We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, (averaged over a month).

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

Reasonable Adjustments

The Civil Service is committed to making sure that our selection methods are fair to everyone.


To help you during the recruitment process, we will consider any reasonable adjustments that could help you.


An adjustment is a change to the recruitment process or an adjustment at work.


This is separate to the Disability Confident Scheme.


If you need an adjustment to be made at any point during the recruitment process you should:


Contact the recruitment team in confidence as soon as possible to discuss your needs.


You can find out more information about reasonable adjustments across the Civil Service here: https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/reasonable-adjustments/

International Police check:

If you have spent more than 6 months abroad over the last 3 years you may need an International Police Check. This would not necessarily have to be in a single block, and it could be time accrued over that period.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Your application may be rejected and/or you may be subject to disciplinary action if evidence of plagiarism is detected. Examples of plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence (AI), as your own.

Internal Fraud check

If successful for this role as one aspect of pre-employment screening, applicant's personal details - name, national insurance number and date of birth - will be checked against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub and anyone included on the database will be refused employment unless they can show exceptional circumstances. Currently this is only for External candidates to the Civil Service.



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

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:


UK nationals nationals of the Republic of Ireland nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020 Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further 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 equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy .

Apply and further information

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Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

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Job contact :

Name : Kristina Poole Email : kristina.poole@ukhsa.gov.uk
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Recruitment team

Email : SCS.MDrecruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk

Further information

The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email: Complaints@ukhsa.gov.uk If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/