Job Description

Details

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Reference number

419810

Salary

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

Job grade

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

Contract type

Permanent

Type of role

Health Adviser

Health Professionals

Medical

Senior leadership

Working pattern

Part-time

Number of jobs available

2

Contents

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

Location

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Birmingham Public Health Laboratory

About the job

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Job summary

The National Mycobacterium Reference Service is a UKHSA National Reference Centre for Tuberculosis and Mycobacteriology in England. It is UKAs accredited to ISO15189:2022. It provides a reference service for all mycobacterial isolates from the NHS from two centres, for London and Southern England from Colindale in London and for the Midlands and North from Birmingham. Services include speciation of mycobacterial cultures, resistance prediction and relatedness, using Whole Genome Sequencing, and phenotypic drug susceptibility testing for members of TB complex and a range of non-tuberculous mycobacteria. Clinical, diagnostic, infection prevention and health protection advice is provided, working closely with the UKHSA TB Unit clinical public health team. In addition, primary samples are processed from several NHS hospitals. The NMRS is part of the UKHSA Directorate of Clinical Network Laboratories in the Science Group. At an international level the NMRS is a WHO Supranational Reference Laboratory within the Global Programme on Drug Resistance in Tuberculosis and works with other designated National Reference Centres. In addition to its reference, diagnostic and clinical activities, the NMRS carries out research projects in the UK, and internationally.

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

Working closely with the other consultants in the NMRS, the appointee will be expected to:

Have professional responsibility for the delivery of the clinical services provided by the NMRS, including clinical and health protection advice Collaborate closely with the Clinical Lead and NMRS staff with respect to all matters pertaining to clinical service provision, and to work effectively together to ensure the delivery of a quality clinical laboratory service that honours the contractual commitments of the Laboratory Assist in the strategic development of the Laboratory in the context of national, regional and local UKHSA developments Liaise as necessary with senior staff of the UKHSA, partner organisations and customers and thereby to promote UKHSA interests and those of the patients that it serves Take a role in clinical governance activities promoting continuous quality improvement in NMRS Supervise clinical fellows and other trainees, including line management Take a role in ensuring that the Laboratory satisfies the clinical service requirements of external accreditation bodies, including UKAS and the Care Quality Commission Undertake annual appraisal and job planning, in accordance with NHS and UKHSA guidance Undertake additional sessions in an NHS unit to maintain currency and gain experience

The post holder will have individual objectives and a job plan with agreed programmed activities (PAs) that include these responsibilities.


This job is permanent and will be 4 PA in total of which 0.75 will be SPA, an example of a job plan is included.


Facilities available to the postholder include provision of UKHSA IT equipment including a laptop, desk space at Birmingham public health laboratory and administrative support from the secretarial pool.


The consultant will be expected to work closely with the Clinical Lead and NMRS clinical and laboratory staff on both NMRS sites. Routine clinical activity includes validation of results and clinical advice to laboratory, NHS and public health stakeholders. The postholder will be expected to provide day to day effective clinical leadership for the mycobacteriology service, ensuring appropriate communication systems are in place with service users and to collaborate closely with the clinical team in the UKHSA TB Unit. They will also be expected to provide professional leadership for members of staff within the team, to lead by example and in a manner that will encourage the development of a positive attitude by each member.


The consultant will be expected to take on roles as delegated by the clinical lead and documented in the agreed job plan. The individual is expected to undertake additional sessions in an NHS unit to maintain currency and gain experience.


In addition the postholder will identify, discuss and action their own professional performance and training / development needs with the line manager through appraisal / individual development plan, attend internal / external training events and participate in all mandatory training. The Consultant will be expected to participate in the organisation's appraisal scheme including the professional appraisal scheme and ensure appraisal and development of any staff for which s/he is responsible. Also to pursue a programme of CPD, in accordance with appropriate professional body requirements, and undertake revalidation, audit or other measures required to remain on the GMC/GDC Specialist Register or other specialist register as appropriate.

Management responsibilities

The consultant will be part of the management team for the laboratory and executive management group of NMRS.


The consultant will be expected to provide supervision to clinical fellows and other staff in training, including clinical scientists. Where line management responsibilities are agreed this will include recruitment, appraisals, disciplinary and grievance responsibilities.


The postholder will ensure, together with the laboratory manager of the NMRS-C&N, that the UKHSA's standing financial instructions, professional standards of conduct and other UKHSA policies and procedures, including health and safety, are observed and operate within the laboratory.


Medically qualified members of the public health team are expected to play certain roles in medical leadership, in relationships with the medical profession and in bringing a medical perspective to public health advice.

General planning and business continuity

The post holder is expected, with the laboratory manager for the NMRS laboratories, the Clinical Lead of NMRS, Head of the TB Unit, in Tuberculosis, Acute Respiratory, Emerging/Zoonotic Infections and Travel Division (T.A.R.Z.E.T), Epidemic and Emerging Infection Division, Regional Head of Operations and scientific / clinical leads to assist in any UKHSA co-ordinated response or activity of a national/international nature, e.g. a bioterrorism incident or a major disease outbreak.

Additionally, the consultant will be required to take delegated responsibility for designing and implementing a contingency plan to ensure that essential services are available during emergency situations or other conditions when laboratory services are limited or unavailable and to work with the Laboratory Manager to provide an up-to-date fit-for-purpose Business Continuity Plan.

Health and Safety

The consultant will be expected to be responsible, through the Laboratory managers of the NMRS, Regional Heads of Operations and Laboratory Safety Officers, for all aspects of health, safety and welfare of self, staff and visitors and to escalate risks that cannot be controlled via the Lead for NMRS and ultimately the Deputy Director for Clinical Network Laboratories.



Your attention is drawn to the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 which requires you to take reasonable care of the health and safety of yourself and others which may be affected by your acts and omissions at work.

Information governance

UKHSA data and information must be managed in accordance with the requirements of data protection and related law, and best practice standards and guidance. The postholder will be expected to comply with all legal requirements and UKHSA policies and standards.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

The postholder will be required at all times to carry out their responsibilities with due regard to the UKHSA's equality, diversity and inclusion policies and to ensure that staff receive equal treatment throughout their employment.

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

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

Inclusion in the GMC Full and Specialist Register with a license to practice/GDC Specialist List (or be eligible for registration within six months of interview) o If included in the GMC Specialist Register in a specialty other than infectious diseases medicine or medical microbiology, candidates must have equivalent training and/or appropriate experience of infectious diseases medicine or medical microbiology practice If an applicant is UK trained, they must ALSO be a holder of a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT), or be within six months of award of CCT by date of interview o If an applicant is non-UK trained, they will be expected to demonstrate an equivalent level of training and experience Applicants must meet minimum CPD requirements in accordance with the requirements of the Royal College of Pathologists/Royal College of Physicians or other recognised body FRCPath by examination or evidence of equivalent qualification OR MRCP or evidence of equivalent qualification

Knowledge and Experience

Essential criteria

Recent experience of tuberculosis control in the health protection or clinical arena Practical experience of application of genomics to infectious disease control Recent experience of clinical and/ or laboratory diagnostics for tuberculosis Experience of working with other agencies Practical experience in leading and facilitating change Understanding of key agencies involved in the public health infrastructure Experience of working at a regional and/or national level on guidelines, policies and other matters that influence tuberculosis Knowledge of methods of developing clinical quality assurance, audit, quality improvement and evidence based clinical and/or public health practice Understanding of laboratory microbiology and clinical infectious diseases services in the NHS Ability to advise on prophylaxis, diagnosis, and treatment of tuberculosis Understanding of epidemiology and statistics, data analysis and public health practice

Desirable criteria

Peer reviewed scientific publications, presentation of papers at conferences, seminars, etc. Experience of and training in line management

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 Excellent oral and written communication skills (including dealing with the public and the media) Effective interpersonal, motivational and influencing skills Ability to design, develop, interpret and implement policies

Desirable criteria

Budget management experience

Equality and Diversity

Essential criteria

Appreciation of the range and complexities of diversity; self-awareness in terms of emotional intelligence, biases and personal triggers; Cultural competence - cultural sensitivity and awareness

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

750

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

750

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 (competency based)

You will be invited to a remote interview held by MS Teams with camera on.

Dates to be confirmed


A 5 minute presentation will be required, the subject will be provided prior to interview.


This vacancy is being assessed using

the person specification

. During the interview we will assess against the below:

Knowledge,

Experience,

Skills and Abilities

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


Relocation expenses are not available.

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).

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.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.


Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is

Counter Terrorism Check (CTC)

If based at one of the Labs, you will be required to have a minimum of a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. In exceptional circumstances UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.


This role is based at Birmingham Public Health Laboratory. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.

Future location

UKHSA is investing in a new state-of-the-art National Biosecurity Centre in Harlow, Essex, which will eventually bring together teams currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale and Porton Down. For more details, please see: Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection - GOV.UK.

The new facilities will start becoming operational in the mid-2030s, with full completion by 2038. Staff will move in phases as facilities become available. If you're appointed to a role currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale or Porton Down, please note that we'll continue investing in these sites for the next decade. As we get closer to the transition, we'll provide full information about relocation support available to staff.

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)

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.


Link below:


Artificial intelligence and recruitment , Civil Service Careers

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.

Careers website

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



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

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check .



See our vetting charter .
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 : Dr Esther Robinson Email : esther.robinson@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