Job Description

If you are a scientist or embryologist working in the fertility sector or have other relevant senior scientific experience, we are looking to recruit you to join our team of inspectors.
You will take responsibility for managing a portfolio of HFEA licensed centres. You will be able to work independently; to make professional judgements on the impact of non-compliance; to be resilient when managing difficult situations, and; be able to make proportionate and effective recommendations to promote compliance. You should be committed to promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
The successful candidate will be educated to degree level or equivalent and will have worked in a senior role in a science discipline relevant to healthcare. You should have experience of managing and prioritising a complex workload. You will be able to lead and work as part of a team with people from a range of disciplines. Experience of gathering, analysing and interpreting information and an ability to understand and apply complex legislation is key. You should have good IT skills; be a confident communicator and have excellent written skills.
This is a full-time (36 hours per week) permanent role. Our inspectors are predominantly home-based and frequent travel across the UK is a feature of this role. Flexible working arrangements will be considered.
Interviews will take place on 22nd September 2025.
Previous applicants need not apply.
Main duties of the job

• To regulate a portfolio of HFEA licensed centres.
• To make professional judgements about the risks of non-compliance and make effective recommendations to promote improvement.
• To undertake on-going evaluation of the quality of service provided by HFEA licensed centres.
• To promote and practice a culture of continuous improvement.
• To engage with service users, providers and other regulatory and professional bodies.
• To contribute to the delivery of strategic organisational and directorate projects.

About us
The HFEA is the UK's independent regulator overseeing safe and appropriate practice in fertility treatment and embryo research. We license and monitor clinics carrying out IVF, donor insemination, and human embryo research.
Our office is in Stratford, east London, in attractive new premises on the edge of the Olympic Park, alongside several other health Arms Length Bodies. In addition to flexibility and hybrid working we offer generous annual leave and pension arrangements.
The HFEA is a member of the Community Race and Work Charter and the Disability Confident Charter. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and supportive working environment that is free from any form of discrimination. We recognise that there are real benefits of having a diverse community of staff and aim for our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society. Additionally, we adopt a culture that hopes to attract and retain talented individuals that want to work with us.
In November 2024, the HFEA was awarded People Insight's Outstanding Workplace Award 2024.
The HFEA abides by honesty and integrity as part of its core values, if evidence of plagiarism is found, applications may be withdrawn. Applications may be rejected if evidence of plagiarism is detected. Examples of plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own.
Details
Date posted
12 August 2025
Pay scheme
Other
Salary
40,000 a year
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Flexible working
Reference number
G0002-25-0014
Job locations
2nd Floor
2 Redman Place
London
E20 1JQ
Job description
Job responsibilities
Key responsibilities
1. To manage the regulation of a portfolio of HFEA licensed centres and promote good practice and compliance by:

• leading and/or supporting an inspection team in the course of field assessment of the suitability HFEA licensed providers through the systematic application of approved inspection methodologies;
• liaising with centres to monitor on-going compliance;
• processing and assessing applications using approved HFEA methodologies;
• producing high quality evidence based reports;
• making professional judgements on the impact of non-compliance and making proportionate and effective recommendations to deliver on-going compliance and continuous improvement in services;
• assisting in the investigation of adverse incidents and complaints; to deputise for the clinical governance lead in their absence and to escalate accordingly to the Chief Inspector.
• responding to enquiries and correspondence from centres and stakeholders.

2. To manage own workload and produce high quality output by effective prioritisation of activities and adherence to organisational KPIs.
3. To secure and maintain an understanding of the relevant legislation, regulations, Directions and Code of Practice HFEA policies and procedures and apply this knowledge in the regulatory process.
4. Ensure detailed and accurate written records are kept for all activities by maintaining up to date contemporaneous records using approved HFEA methodologies.
5. Contribute to the development of policies and improved practices through involvement in the delivery of organisational and directorate project programmes and cross directorate working.
Promote and maintain a positive image of the HFEA. Job description
Job responsibilities
Key responsibilities
1. To manage the regulation of a portfolio of HFEA licensed centres and promote good practice and compliance by:

• leading and/or supporting an inspection team in the course of field assessment of the suitability HFEA licensed providers through the systematic application of approved inspection methodologies;
• liaising with centres to monitor on-going compliance;
• processing and assessing applications using approved HFEA methodologies;
• producing high quality evidence based reports;
• making professional judgements on the impact of non-compliance and making proportionate and effective recommendations to deliver on-going compliance and continuous improvement in services;
• assisting in the investigation of adverse incidents and complaints; to deputise for the clinical governance lead in their absence and to escalate accordingly to the Chief Inspector.
• responding to enquiries and correspondence from centres and stakeholders.

2. To manage own workload and produce high quality output by effective prioritisation of activities and adherence to organisational KPIs.
3. To secure and maintain an understanding of the relevant legislation, regulations, Directions and Code of Practice HFEA policies and procedures and apply this knowledge in the regulatory process.
4. Ensure detailed and accurate written records are kept for all activities by maintaining up to date contemporaneous records using approved HFEA methodologies.
5. Contribute to the development of policies and improved practices through involvement in the delivery of organisational and directorate project programmes and cross directorate working.
Promote and maintain a positive image of the HFEA.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential

• A scientific background and experience of working in a senior role in a laboratory or a related discipline relevant to healthcare.
• Experience of managing and prioritising a complex workload
• Experience of leading and working as part of a team with people from a wide range of disciplines
• Experience of gathering, analysing and interpreting information and evidence
• Experience of promoting a culture of continuous improvement

Desirable

• Experience as an inspector/ auditor or similar role
• Experience as an embryologist
• Experience of Genetics and or PGT-M testing
• Project management experience

Qualifications
Essential

• Education to at least degree level or equivalent

Knowledge & skills
Desirable

• Understanding of the quality improvement/clinical governance agenda

Managing work
Essential

• Excellent written communication skills and ability to produce evidence based reports
• An ability to assimilate, understand and apply complex legislation and regulatory requirements
• Resilience in handling difficult situations

Person Specification
Experience
Essential

• A scientific background and experience of working in a senior role in a laboratory or a related discipline relevant to healthcare.
• Experience of managing and prioritising a complex workload
• Experience of leading and working as part of a team with people from a wide range of disciplines
• Experience of gathering, analysing and interpreting information and evidence
• Experience of promoting a culture of continuous improvement

Desirable

• Experience as an inspector/ auditor or similar role
• Experience as an embryologist
• Experience of Genetics and or PGT-M testing
• Project management experience

Qualifications
Essential

• Education to at least degree level or equivalent

Knowledge & skills
Desirable

• Understanding of the quality improvement/clinical governance agenda

Managing work
Essential

• Excellent written communication skills and ability to produce evidence based reports
• An ability to assimilate, understand and apply complex legislation and regulatory requirements
• Resilience in handling difficult situations

Skills Required