Job Description

Details

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Reference number

438139

Salary

64,317 - 74,896
Upper Grade 7: 64,317 - 66,581 (minimum - maximum)


AfC Band 8b: 64,455 - 74,896 (minimum - maximum)


Pro rata per annum
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
GBP

Job grade

Other
Upper Grade 7 / AfC Band 8b

Contract type

Fixed term

Loan

Secondment

Length of employment

Until 31st March 2026

Business area

Public Health Microbiology - Bristol Virology, Infection Sciences

Type of role

Science

Working pattern

Flexible working, 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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Southmead Hospital, Southmead Road, Westbury-On-Trym, Bristol BS10 5NB

About the job

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Job summary

We are seeking an Infection Sciences Service Manager Upper Grade 7 or AfC Band 8b who is HCPC registered.


The laboratory in Bristol is located within the Severn Pathology suite of laboratories at North Bristol Trust Southmead site. The laboratory receives in excess of 1 million specimens a year from a large number of clinical specialties across Bristol and Bath Hospital trusts which contribute to an interesting and varied workload.


We are currently recruiting for an Infection Sciences Service Manager who will contribute to planning, leading, organising and controlling the operation of the laboratory service in line with the clinical direction of the jointly appointed Clinical Lead for infection Sciences.


The Infection Sciences Service Manager will be responsible for ensuring and improving the performance, quality, efficiency and safety of laboratory operations through the implementation of effective methods and strategies.


They will be expected to act independently and will be accountable for his/her own actions and those of others, working in a matrix management structure, line managed by the UKHSA Regional Head of Operations and NBT Pathology Director and clinically accountable to the relevant Lead Consultants, through the Clinical Lead for Infection Sciences.

Job description

Main Duties:

lead, coordinate & monitor work of various sections involved in the provision of Infection Sciences laboratory services, manage workflows & staffing levels & coordinate with other teams/services to ensure maximising quality & timeliness of services manage & oversee administration & Infection science reception staff provide management, organisation & operational problem solving for the laboratory service & its day-to-day operation across relevant sites contribute to the development & management of effective business continuity & resilience arrangements manage & lead the development of services and oversee the introduction of new ways of operating work collaboratively with NBT Pathology lead roles, with accountability for quality of lab services, including ensuring accreditation/quality control/assurance standards are met in line with corporate direction from the NBT Pathology & UKHSA Quality Assurance Leads & committees monitor & report on service & financial performance, driving improvements to ensure agreed targets are met & customer service is maintained & enhanced oversee lab equipment management, including management of consumables & liaise with equipment suppliers over equipment maintenance, performance & fault resolution support the relevant Lead Consultants to develop & integrate diagnostic & analytical techniques into appropriate patient pathways to improve patient outcomes

Management & Organisation

Within the framework laid down by the UKHSA Regional Head of Operations & NBT Pathology Service Manager & under the clinical leadership of the jointly appointed clinical lead for Infection Sciences undertake the management & organisation of the lab service. This must ensure the provision of a timely, accurate & comprehensive lab service meeting requirements & expectations of its users & for the benefit of patients & the public health but within a defined financial framework Provide professional leadership, motivation, support & encouragement for staff Ensure development & maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), policies & working practices in accordance with a programme agreed by the UKHSA Regional Head of Operations, NBT Pathology Manager, Clinical Lead for Infection Sciences & other members of the Management Team Management of safe working practices within lab environment requiring appropriate facilities management within context of wider facilities structures

Finance & Resources

Review consumables/non-capital equipment used by the lab & identify opportunities for development & improvement in quality & cost effectiveness Negotiate efficient use of resources with appropriate staff/ bodies Contribute to the management of the departmental budgets, including agreement of budget composition & delegated budgets Analyse & monitor financial performance across pay, non-pay, income & efficiencies Raise budgetary queries with the UKHSA Head of Operations, NBT Pathology Manager & finance teams Identify opportunities & implement plans for efficiency savings & income generation

Asset & Buildings Management

Work collaboratively with UKHSA & NBT corporate leads to manage procurement process of UKHSA & NBT capital equipment programmes & asset management for the service Ensure maintenance/service contracts are in place to ensure safe & effective equipment operation Liaise with Estates Departments regarding all aspects of the service's needs for maintenance of building & services

Service Development

In conjunction with UKHSA Regional Head of Operations, Consultant in Public Health Infections & members of NBT Pathology management team, take a lead role in the review, development & implementation of business & strategic plans Scan for new business opportunities, scoping & analysing possibilities & supporting bids for new services Ensure the lab service remains current & up to date with scientific & organisational medical developments Develop & review practices through developing service policies, commissioning audits & benchmarking activities, implementing LEAN working & setting continuous improvement methodologies across NBT Pathology, UKHSA & wider healthcare community

Scientific & Clinical

Be actively involved in scientific & technical duties within the department which may include delivering specialist technical advice to service users Analyse, interpret, technically validate & report on routine complex & specialist tests Liaise with IT leads to ensure that the lab service optimises the use of new technologies

Health & Safety

Be responsible for ensuring the notification of all dangerous occurrences within the department/site to appropriate bodies Ensure all departmental staff are aware of/receive training in good Health & Safety practices in line with UKHSA & NBT policy In conjunction with the Trust Security Officer & UKHSA facilities be responsible for the security of staff/equipment/premises

Quality Assurance

In collaboration with the NBT Pathology Quality Assurance Lead, develop a clear accountability framework for the Infection Sciences service in respect of quality assurance Ensure compliance with UKHSA & Trust Risk Management policies Ensure participation in appropriate External Quality Assurance schemes, monitor departmental performance in such schemes & implement corrective actions Participate in NBT Pathology, Trust & UKHSA clinical governance & audit activities Ensure that systems of Internal Quality assurance & control are developed, implemented, monitored & reviewed

The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities & outcomes required of this role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required. The job description & person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

Registration with Health Professions Council (Biomedical Scientist) BSc Honours Degree in Biomedical Science or equivalent Postgraduate level qualification in Infection Sciences subjects equivalent to Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences or MSc Expert knowledge & understanding of the key techniques currently in use in the department including the ability to use departmental lab equipment Recent experience in an Infection Sciences diagnostic lab with at least 6 years post graduate experience & 2 years management experience Recognised management qualification or attendance at all relevant short courses on relevant management issues i.e. interviewing, managing people, managing sickness, etc Appropriate & up to date participation in CPD & appraisal
High level knowledge of lab policies, SOPs, codes of practice, legislation & professional guidelines including those relating to Health & Safety
Working knowledge of common IT programs (e.g. Microsoft) & lab IT programs (e.g. ICE, Ultra) - be able to organise & develop systems within these programs Knowledge of finance systems & experience in managing budgets Knowledge & experience of staff management techniques (e.g. recruitment, training, supervision, organisational, appraisal, grievance & disciplinary) Knowledge & ability to interpret National & Local Strategy & policy drivers relevant to span of management High level of theoretical & practical knowledge of Infection Sciences techniques & procedures & their clinical applications, be technically competent at specimen processing & interpretation Understanding of the Public Health requirements of an Infection Sciences lab Understanding of the requirements to ensure compliance with appropriate legislative frameworks & protocols
Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.

Benefits

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Alongside your salary of 64,317, UK Health Security Agency contributes 18,632 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.Learning and development tailored to your role An environment with flexible working options A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

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: UKHSA Hub , Civil Service Careers

Things you need to know

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Selection process details

Application & Sift

This vacancy is using Competency.


At sift stage you will be assessed against the essential criteria listed in the job advert.


You will be required to complete an:

Application form ('Employer/ Activity history' section on the application) 1000 word supporting statement

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement

must be no more than 1000 word count

.


This should outline how your

skills, experience, and knowledge

provide evidence of your suitability for the role.


You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your CV - please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible).


If we receive a large number of applications an initial sift against the lead essential criteria will be conducted:

Registration with Health Professions Council (Biomedical Scientist)

Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we may longlist into 3 piles of:

Meets all essential criteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria

Only those meeting

all essential criteria

will be taken through.


Please note feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Interview Stage (Competency based)

You will be invited to a face-to-face interview.

In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.


This vacancy is being assessed using Competency. During the interview we will assess against the below based on the essential criteria:

Knowledge Experience Skills and Abilities

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

External

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).

Additional Information

For Fixed Term Posts

If you are not currently a civil servant, you will take up the post on a Fixed Term appointment. You may be able to take this role up as a Secondment. If you are an existing Civil Servant, based outside of the UKHSA, you will take up the post as a loan which you will need your department to agree. You cannot take the post up as a fixed term. If you are an existing UKHSA member of staff, you will take up the post as either a level transfer or a temporary promotion as per the UKHSA's Pay policy.


This role is being offered based at our site:

Southmead Hospital, Southmead Road, Westbury-On-Trym, Bristol BS10 5NB

Salary Breakdown:

Upper Grade 7: 64,317 - 66,581 (Minimum - Maximum) AfC Band 8b: 64,455 - 74,896 (Minimum - Maximum) Pro rata per annum

Security Clearance Level Requirement

All successful candidates must meet the basic security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is:

Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS)

For this role you will also need to meet:

Counter Terrorism Check (CTC)

DBS Requirement:

Basic DBS

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) 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.

Please note: If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.

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.



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

#

Job contact :

Name : Sarah Handy Email : sarah.handy@ukhsa.gov.uk
#

Recruitment team

Email : recruitment@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


http://www.healthjobsuk.com/job/v7609449