Job Description

Details

-----------

Reference number

435960

Salary

25,651 - 27,220
(per annum, pro rata) + additional Market Pay Supplement of 10% of base salary
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
GBP

Job grade

Administrative Officer

Contract type

Permanent

Type of role

Science

Other

Working pattern

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

Number of jobs available

2

Contents

------------

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

Location

------------


Porton (Scientific Campus)

About the job

-----------------

Job summary

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.


High Containment and Biological Services operate within and supports the wider UKHSA mission to provide health security for the nation by protecting from infectious disease and external hazards. The Biological Services Group provides high containment in-vivo research services, with the primary aim of protecting the UK public from a range of health risks. Ongoing areas of work include vaccine batch release testing, influenza, COVID-19, tuberculosis, anthrax, and emerging human pathogens.


Based at one of the two unique Non-Human Primate (NHP) breeding colony facilities the Support Technician role is key in providing high quality animal care and environmental enrichment for the NHPs. Working with the wider colonies team, you will be maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare ensuring the NHPs and facilities are Home Office compliant. This role is primarily a physical role, Performing animal Husbandry and ensuring the environment is clean and enriched, and that the nutritional requirements for the NHPs are fulfilled.

Weekend work/bank holidays (paid as overtime) is on a rota and will be introduced after a period of induction to the facility.

Situated near Salisbury, site access requirements stipulate that our employees must be UK Nationals who are able to gain a high level of security clearance. For this reason, only UK Nationals will be able to apply for this role. This role will require full UK security clearance and you should have resided in the UK for the past 5 years.

Job description

Work with the Colonies team performing routine animal husbandry, continually striving to maintain the highest standards of care and welfare of all NHPs. To recognise, report and record ill health and welfare issues in the NHPs and support with vet duties. Document and communicate issues to relevant team members, e.g. line manager, NACWO or Named Vet. Contribute to study work completed at the colonies including those using infection agents at ACDP containment level 2 and 3, undertaking associated safety precautions. Support with basic post-mortem examination and removal of specified tissue. Work with a variety of bespoke caging systems used at the colonies. Support the development, implementation and maintenance of environmental enrichment to enhance the wellbeing of the NHPs. Record all information regarding duties performed in relevant documentation and within specific guidelines. Participate in the regular review of Standard Operating Procedures, Codes of Practice and Risk Assessments. Assist with the supervision of specific designated areas such as the Prep- room, Surgical procedures room, X-ray processing room, Sample Receipt and Storage areas, (the post holder takes full responsibility of areas in the absence of the Supervisor). Ensure equipment used within the colonies is maintained, serviceable and in date for use at all times, reporting faults as identified and moving equipment as required by projects. Take part in rota system for weekend and public holiday working and essential 'out of hours' scoring of NHPs in study. Perform all duties within guidelines laid down by the Home Office, Health and Safety Executive, Defra and MHRA. To perform any other duties required by the Line manager commensurate with grade. Complete necessary training to undertake role safely, as identified through the training matrix and in discussion with your line manager and maintain own training record. To maintain health and safety competence to the national occupational standard 'Make sure your actions reduce risks to health and safety' (NOS HSS1). To fulfil the requirements of UKHSA Values and Behaviours commensurate with grade. To comply with all UKHSA policies and procedures.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

GCSEs or equivalent qualification in Science, Maths and English Educated to NVQ 2 level in animal care/welfare (or equivalent level of qualification) OR significant equivalent previous proven experience. Can demonstrate reliability & the ability to work as part of a team and communicate effectively with peers, managers and scientists. Ability to keep detailed and accurate records An understanding of the requirement to continually review processes with the aim to improve animal welfare through refinement of husbandry. Ability to prioritise work Experience of using Microsoft Office programs Ability and willingness to undergo full UK Security Clearance Understanding of why animals are used for research purposes An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems

Desirable Criteria

Familiar with the concepts surrounding the decontamination and sterilisation of facilities equipment and waste.

Benefits

------------


Alongside your salary of 25,651, UK Health Security Agency contributes 7,431 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%

Things you need to know

---------------------------

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

Success Profiles - GOV.UK


You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 10 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

Application form ('Employer/ Activity history' section on the application) 750 word supporting statement.

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


The Application form and supporting statement will be marked together.


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

If longlisting is used, the piles 'meets all essential criteria' and 'meets some essential criteria' will proceed to shortlisting.


Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we may complete an initial sift on the lead criteria of:

Educated to NVQ 2 level in animal care/welfare (or equivalent level of qualification) OR significant equivalent previous proven experience.

Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/large amount of successful candidates.


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



Please do not exceed 750 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.


Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

Success profiles


You will be invited to a single face to face interview. If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.


Behaviours and technical skills will be assessed at interview.


The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:

Working together Working at pace

Interview dates to be confirmed.


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

Selection Process

Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.

Location

This role is based at our Scientific Campus at Porton. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

For this role you will require Security Check clearance. 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 5 years as the role requires Security Check (SC) clearance. 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.

Eligibility Criteria

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

Face to Face Interviews

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

Salary Information

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.

Careers website

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

Salary Information

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.



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

Security

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

---------------------------------


The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).
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 : Lisa Tweedie Email : lisa.tweedie@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/vacancy/7590211