Job summary The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is a system leader for health security; taking action internationally to strengthen global health security, providing trusted advice to government and the public and reducing inequalities in the way different communities experience and are impacted by infectious disease, environmental hazards, and other threats to health.UKHSA's remit, as an agency with a global-to-local reach, is to protect the health of the nation from infectious diseases and other external threats to health. As the nation's expert national health security agency UKHSA will: Prevent: anticipate threats to health and help build the nation's readiness, defences and health security Detect: use cutting edge environmental and biological surveillance to proactively detect and monitor infectious diseases and threats to health Analyse: use world-class science and data analytics to assess and continually monitor threats to health, identifying how best to control and mitigate the risks Respond: take rapid, collaborative and effective actions nationally and locally to mitigate threats to health when they materialise Lead: lead strong and sustainable global, national, regional and local partnerships designed to save lives, protect the nation from public health threats and reduce inequalities. Main duties of the job JOB CONTEXT UKHSAs local Health Protection teams provide a central part of how UKHSA works with partners to deliver its first function to protect the public's health. They deliver this through a range of core functions including surveillance and monitoring, operational support and advice, education, training and research. The post holder will undergo a programme of on-going development and education to build on existing knowledge and develop skills to provide specialist health protection advice and meet competencies required to undertake the role. JOB SUMMARY The post holder will be part of the multi-disciplinary team contributing to the day to day provision of the health protection function, including the management of infectious and environmental hazards and contributing to the response to major incidents. They will use specialist knowledge and skills to undertake case management, liaise with, and provide health protection advice and response across a range of partner organisations, professionals and the public. They will actively contribute to the wider provision and development of the health protection function, including the development, training and supervision of others within the team. The post holder will also develop areas of expertise within regional programmes, working with relevant leads to take this work forward. About us 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 Date posted 07 April 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 7 Salary £40,661 to £52,089 a year AfC B7 £46,148-£52,809/CS SEO £40,661-46,613 per annum, pro rata Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working Reference number 919-LT-306536-EXT Job locations Supporting Hub 1st and 2nd Floor, Seaton House Nottingham NG2 4LA Job description Job responsibilities The post holder will undergo a programme of on-going development and education to build on existing knowledge and develop skills to provide specialist health protection advice and meet competencies required to undertake the role. MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Contribute to and support the day to day running of the acute response function to ensure high quality, safe and effective delivery of the health protection service. Provide first point of contact specialist knowledge, support and advice to health professionals on health protection matters. Undertake initial assessment and management of routine acute response work and non-complex incidents. Escalate and support the management of complex incidents and outbreaks of infectious diseases and non-infectious environmental hazards as appropriate. Manage and carry out continuing responsibility for a caseload ensuring accurate, up to date records of contacts/action by completion of relevant records and compliance with team handover procedures, in line with UKHSAs standards for record keeping. To utilise an evidence based approach to manage clinical/professional advice and discussions within the team, seeking senior advice as/when appropriate. Support and participate in the teams formal case review process. Contribute to and where required lead under supervision the ongoing longer term management of issues relevant to a defined geographical area. Contribute to the UKHSA response during incidents in line with UKHSAs Emergency Planning and Resilience Response (EPRR) arrangements as part of the regions responsibilities under the Civil Contingencies Act. Contribute to and support the UKHSA regional input into Emergency Planning arrangements. May be required to participate in a local on call rota at regional level as required. SURVEILLANCE Contribute to the development and maintenance of effective systems for the surveillance of communicable disease and environmental hazards. Contribute to the use of surveillance outputs to inform and influence local and national Public Health actions, policies and strategies. Support identification and reporting of health needs, health inequalities and health impact assessment. PARTNERSHIP WORKING Through activities delegated by line management, support the development of key relationships with a wide range of individuals and stakeholders attending meetings, networks etc as appropriate to role. Deal with at times, challenging and/or conflicting subject matter problems in day to day work load meetings and one to one communications referring/escalating to line management as appropriate. Contribute to and support the development and implementation of initiatives for public health action and improvement. RESEARCH, TEACHING AND TRAINING Contribute to research activity to complement the health protection evidence base. Contribute to the development and delivery of teaching resources and activities across a range of audiences with support from senior lead as appropriate. Support the training programmes for Foundation Year Doctors and Specialist Trainees in the Faculty of Public Health training scheme as appropriate, and to the training of public health and health care professionals and practitioners within the locality as requested by line management. Provide clinical/professional supervision and mentorship as appropriate to role. MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP To act as role model adhering to team professional standards. Support the development of policies and protocols for a wide range of health protection issues. Contribute to and undertake audit as part of a wider programme of quality/service improvement activity. Contribute to specified quality improvement and governance initiatives as agreed. Undertake line management responsibilities as agreed. Support and contribute to the development of joint plans and system wide priorities for public health action or improvement. Lead projects and support defined areas of work as agreed with line manager e.g. on specific communicable diseases, non-infectious environmental hazards, quality and training issues. Ensure compliance with all confidentiality and governance requirements within the team. Proactively contribute to wider organisational development. Contribute to the strategic work of the locality/patch based health protection team and deputise where appropriate. Contribute pro-actively to the development and testing of the regions business continuity plan. PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Participate in organisational and professional appraisal and revalidation as appropriate. Pursue a programme of CPD, including statutory and mandatory training, in accordance with the relevant regulatory body and UKHSA requirements. Support the development of individuals and the team through appraisal, personal development planning, coaching and mentoring (if undertaking line management duties). Agree individual clinical / professional supervision or mentorship arrangements with line manager. Undergo a programme of on-going development and education to build on existing knowledge and develop skills to meet competencies required to undertake the role. To be aware of CS and KSF competencies and to be working to them as appropriate. 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. Candidates who are a Registered General Nurse or Allied Health Professional in relevant clinical discipline with current professional registration e.g. NMC will be appointed on AfC terms and conditions; candidates without this will be appointed on Civil Service Terms and Conditions. Selection Process Details: This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience, skills and abilities as outlined in the essential criteria. Stage 1: Application & Sift Competency-based You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 16 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a: Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application) 1500 word Statement of Suitability. 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 Statement of Suitability will be marked together. Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of: Meets all essential criteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria The pile, 'meets all essential criteria' will be taken through to shortlisting. Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on the lead criteria of: (For AfC) Registered General Nurse or Allied Health Professional in relevant clinical discipline with current professional registration e.g. NMC (For Civil Service) Environmental Health Officer (EHO)/First degree (Health Related) or demonstrable equivalent experience Working towards registration with an appropriate health or science related professional body (e.g.CIEH, NMC, UKPHR) Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/large amount of successful candidates (see full job description). If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment Please do not exceed 1500 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. Feedback will not be provided at this stage. Stage 2: Interview Competency-based You will be invited to a single remote interview. Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview You will be asked to prepare and present a 5 minute presentation at the start of your interview. The subject of this will be sent to you prior to interview. Interviews will be held week commencing 12th May 2025. Please note, these dates are subject to change. 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. Eligibility Criteria External: Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants). Location This role is being offered as hybrid working based at our Supporting Hub in Nottingham. 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) working at our Supporting Hub in Nottingham. 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 Basic Personnel Security Standard. Job description Job responsibilities The post holder will undergo a programme of on-going development and education to build on existing knowledge and develop skills to provide specialist health protection advice and meet competencies required to undertake the role. MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Contribute to and support the day to day running of the acute response function to ensure high quality, safe and effective delivery of the health protection service. Provide first point of contact specialist knowledge, support and advice to health professionals on health protection matters. Undertake initial assessment and management of routine acute response work and non-complex incidents. Escalate and support the management of complex incidents and outbreaks of infectious diseases and non-infectious environmental hazards as appropriate. Manage and carry out continuing responsibility for a caseload ensuring accurate, up to date records of contacts/action by completion of relevant records and compliance with team handover procedures, in line with UKHSAs standards for record keeping. To utilise an evidence based approach to manage clinical/professional advice and discussions within the team, seeking senior advice as/when appropriate. Support and participate in the teams formal case review process. Contribute to and where required lead under supervision the ongoing longer term management of issues relevant to a defined geographical area. Contribute to the UKHSA response during incidents in line with UKHSAs Emergency Planning and Resilience Response (EPRR) arrangements as part of the regions responsibilities under the Civil Contingencies Act. Contribute to and support the UKHSA regional input into Emergency Planning arrangements. May be required to participate in a local on call rota at regional level as required. SURVEILLANCE Contribute to the development and maintenance of effective systems for the surveillance of communicable disease and environmental hazards. Contribute to the use of surveillance outputs to inform and influence local and national Public Health actions, policies and strategies. Support identification and reporting of health needs, health inequalities and health impact assessment. PARTNERSHIP WORKING Through activities delegated by line management, support the development of key relationships with a wide range of individuals and stakeholders attending meetings, networks etc as appropriate to role. Deal with at times, challenging and/or conflicting subject matter problems in day to day work load meetings and one to one communications referring/escalating to line management as appropriate. Contribute to and support the development and implementation of initiatives for public health action and improvement. RESEARCH, TEACHING AND TRAINING Contribute to research activity to complement the health protection evidence base. Contribute to the development and delivery of teaching resources and activities across a range of audiences with support from senior lead as appropriate. Support the training programmes for Foundation Year Doctors and Specialist Trainees in the Faculty of Public Health training scheme as appropriate, and to the training of public health and health care professionals and practitioners within the locality as requested by line management. Provide clinical/professional supervision and mentorship as appropriate to role. MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP To act as role model adhering to team professional standards. Support the development of policies and protocols for a wide range of health protection issues. Contribute to and undertake audit as part of a wider programme of quality/service improvement activity. Contribute to specified quality improvement and governance initiatives as agreed. Undertake line management responsibilities as agreed. Support and contribute to the development of joint plans and system wide priorities for public health action or improvement. Lead projects and support defined areas of work as agreed with line manager e.g. on specific communicable diseases, non-infectious environmental hazards, quality and training issues. Ensure compliance with all confidentiality and governance requirements within the team. Proactively contribute to wider organisational development. Contribute to the strategic work of the locality/patch based health protection team and deputise where appropriate. Contribute pro-actively to the development and testing of the regions business continuity plan. PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Participate in organisational and professional appraisal and revalidation as appropriate. Pursue a programme of CPD, including statutory and mandatory training, in accordance with the relevant regulatory body and UKHSA requirements. Support the development of individuals and the team through appraisal, personal development planning, coaching and mentoring (if undertaking line management duties). Agree individual clinical / professional supervision or mentorship arrangements with line manager. Undergo a programme of on-going development and education to build on existing knowledge and develop skills to meet competencies required to undertake the role. To be aware of CS and KSF competencies and to be working to them as appropriate. 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. Candidates who are a Registered General Nurse or Allied Health Professional in relevant clinical discipline with current professional registration e.g. NMC will be appointed on AfC terms and conditions; candidates without this will be appointed on Civil Service Terms and Conditions. Selection Process Details: This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience, skills and abilities as outlined in the essential criteria. Stage 1: Application & Sift Competency-based You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 16 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a: Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application) 1500 word Statement of Suitability. 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 Statement of Suitability will be marked together. Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of: Meets all essential criteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria The pile, 'meets all essential criteria' will be taken through to shortlisting. Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on the lead criteria of: (For AfC) Registered General Nurse or Allied Health Professional in relevant clinical discipline with current professional registration e.g. NMC (For Civil Service) Environmental Health Officer (EHO)/First degree (Health Related) or demonstrable equivalent experience Working towards registration with an appropriate health or science related professional body (e.g.CIEH, NMC, UKPHR) Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/large amount of successful candidates (see full job description). If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment Please do not exceed 1500 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. Feedback will not be provided at this stage. Stage 2: Interview Competency-based You will be invited to a single remote interview. Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview You will be asked to prepare and present a 5 minute presentation at the start of your interview. The subject of this will be sent to you prior to interview. Interviews will be held week commencing 12th May 2025. Please note, these dates are subject to change. 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. Eligibility Criteria External: Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants). Location This role is being offered as hybrid working based at our Supporting Hub in Nottingham. 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) working at our Supporting Hub in Nottingham. 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 Basic Personnel Security Standard. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Registered General Nurse or Allied Health Professional in relevant clinical discipline with current professional registration e.g. NMC (for AfC) or Environmental Health Officer (EHO)/First degree (Health Related) or demonstrable equivalent experience (for Civil Service) Working towards registration with an appropriate health or science related professional body (e.g.CIEH, NMC, UKPHR) Knowledge and Experience Essential Post registration experience as a practitioner in a related field An understanding of and ability to work under the current Health and Social Care Act ( e.g. safe guarding vulnerable adults; data protection, information governance) Experience of building and developing effective stakeholder relationships Experience of risk management and associated reporting Skills and Capabilities Essential Effective verbal, written and presentation communication skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear messages accurately for a range of audiences Excellent planning and prioritisation skills and ability to manage competing demands Proven ability to problem solve whilst working in an unpredictable environment, often under pressure and to tight timescales Ability to demonstrate initiative and work independently with minimum supervision Ability to work collaboratively across teams, disciplines and organisations demonstrating respect and consideration for the role/ skill(s) of others Ability to analyse and interpret information in an effective manner to recommend an appropriate course of action to address the issue(s) Proven ability to work with quality improvement and governance frameworks Ability to effectively engage with others to influence and negotiate for positive outcomes Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office including Word, and Excel Evidence of ongoing CPD and committed to self-development Able to develop, interpret, implement and evaluate policies Person Specification Qualifications Essential Registered General Nurse or Allied Health Professional in relevant clinical discipline with current professional registration e.g. NMC (for AfC) or Environmental Health Officer (EHO)/First degree (Health Related) or demonstrable equivalent experience (for Civil Service) Working towards registration with an appropriate health or science related professional body (e.g.CIEH, NMC, UKPHR) Knowledge and Experience Essential Post registration experience as a practitioner in a related field An understanding of and ability to work under the current Health and Social Care Act ( e.g. safe guarding vulnerable adults; data protection, information governance) Experience of building and developing effective stakeholder relationships Experience of risk management and associated reporting Skills and Capabilities Essential Effective verbal, written and presentation communication skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear messages accurately for a range of audiences Excellent planning and prioritisation skills and ability to manage competing demands Proven ability to problem solve whilst working in an unpredictable environment, often under pressure and to tight timescales Ability to demonstrate initiative and work independently with minimum supervision Ability to work collaboratively across teams, disciplines and organisations demonstrating respect and consideration for the role/ skill(s) of others Ability to analyse and interpret information in an effective manner to recommend an appropriate course of action to address the issue(s) Proven ability to work with quality improvement and governance frameworks Ability to effectively engage with others to influence and negotiate for positive outcomes Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office including Word, and Excel Evidence of ongoing CPD and committed to self-development Able to develop, interpret, implement and evaluate policies Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name UK Health Security Agency Address Supporting Hub 1st and 2nd Floor, Seaton House Nottingham NG2 4LA Employer's website https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)