Job summary At the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) our mission is to provide health security for the nation by protecting from infectious disease and external hazards. We are a trusted source of advice to government and to the public, focusing on reducing inequalities in the way different communities experience and are impacted by infectious disease, environmental hazards, and other threats to health. Our mission is challenging, innovative and in the spotlight. We will work to ensure our people have the diverse skills, experiences and backgrounds we need to thrive, that our employees are representative of the communities we serve and feel valued and enabled to play their part in delivering our work. Creating our working culture is an ongoing process which we are developing by listening and learning together, hearing and acting upon diverse voices and opinions to develop a common sense of identity and effective ways of working. Main duties of the job As part of the SE Health Protection team the post holder will contribute to the provision of specialist advice and provide support locally to local authorities, hospitals and primary care. They will contribute to the investigating and management of a full range of health protection incidents and support the local implementation of regional and key national priorities in collaboration with other members of the team, other UKHSA departments and external stakeholders. They will also be expected to contribute to the daytime and out of hours on call service. The core working hours are 0900 to 1700 Monday to Friday, however during enhanced incidents it may be necessary to extend hours including weekends and bank holidays; the exact details are subject to change and will be discussed further at the time of each incident. There is also a 24 hour on-call rota which includes evenings, weekends and bank holidays. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) offers hybrid working. The post will be based in the Ashford office within the South East Region and applicants will be expected to be able to travel and work onsite for a minimum of 60% of their working week. Applicants will also be expected to travel within the area/Region as necessary. All IT equipment needed to undertake the work will be provided, but it is essential that applicants have access to reliable broadband facilities. 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 05 March 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 6 Salary £34,093 to £44,962 a year AFC 6 £37,338-£44,962; CS HEO £34,093-£41,509 per annum, pro rata Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working Reference number 919-LT-61621049-EXT Job locations UKHSA South Region Ashford TN23 1PP Job description Job responsibilities Under supervision, contribute to 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 for 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 refer challenging or complex incidents and outbreaks of infectious diseases and non-infectious environmental hazards to senior manager 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. 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 and supported by line management, contribute to the development of effective relationships with a range of individuals and stakeholders. With support and guidance from line management, may sometimes deal with difficult and/or conflicting subject matter problems in day to day work load. 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 manager as appropriate. Support the training programmes for Faculty of Public Health, Foundation Year Doctors and Specialist Trainees in the 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. MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP To act as role model adhering to team professional standards. Contribute to 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. Undertake projects on defined areas of work as agreed with the line manager. Contribute to specified quality improvement and governance initiatives as agreed. 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. 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. 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. This is not an exhaustive list please see Job description document for full list of duties. Please be aware that we will assess on the 5 essential criteria stated on the advert rather than the full list on the job description document. Individuals who are not currently a Registered General Nurse or Allied Health Professional in relevant clinical discipline with current professional registration eg. NMC, will be appointed as Civil Service Grade HEO. Selection Process Details 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 abilities outlined in the essential criteria. You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 5 essential criteria, which have been selected from the job description, and this will be in the form of a: Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application) up to 1250 number of word Statement of Suitability This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role. 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 We will take through the piles meets all essential criteria and meets some criteria to shortlisting stage. Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on the lead criteria of: Registered General Nurse or Allied Health Professional in relevant clinical discipline (e.g. Physiotherapy/Paramedic) with current professional registration e.g. NMC or First degree (Health Related e.g. Microbiology, Biomedical Science, Environmental Health) or demonstrable equivalent experience Please do not exceed 1250 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. Please note feedback will not be provided at this stage. Stage 2: 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 a competency framework. During the interview we will assess against the below: Knowledge Experience Skills and Abilities Interviews will be held week commencing 31st March 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 We are currently in the process of relocation however the role will be based in central Ashford, with excellent public transport links. This role is being offered as hybrid working based at our health protection operation centre in Ashford. 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). 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. Face to Face interviews In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview. Job description Job responsibilities Under supervision, contribute to 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 for 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 refer challenging or complex incidents and outbreaks of infectious diseases and non-infectious environmental hazards to senior manager 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. 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 and supported by line management, contribute to the development of effective relationships with a range of individuals and stakeholders. With support and guidance from line management, may sometimes deal with difficult and/or conflicting subject matter problems in day to day work load. 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 manager as appropriate. Support the training programmes for Faculty of Public Health, Foundation Year Doctors and Specialist Trainees in the 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. MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP To act as role model adhering to team professional standards. Contribute to 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. Undertake projects on defined areas of work as agreed with the line manager. Contribute to specified quality improvement and governance initiatives as agreed. 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. 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. 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. This is not an exhaustive list please see Job description document for full list of duties. Please be aware that we will assess on the 5 essential criteria stated on the advert rather than the full list on the job description document. Individuals who are not currently a Registered General Nurse or Allied Health Professional in relevant clinical discipline with current professional registration eg. NMC, will be appointed as Civil Service Grade HEO. Selection Process Details 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 abilities outlined in the essential criteria. You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 5 essential criteria, which have been selected from the job description, and this will be in the form of a: Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application) up to 1250 number of word Statement of Suitability This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role. 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 We will take through the piles meets all essential criteria and meets some criteria to shortlisting stage. Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on the lead criteria of: Registered General Nurse or Allied Health Professional in relevant clinical discipline (e.g. Physiotherapy/Paramedic) with current professional registration e.g. NMC or First degree (Health Related e.g. Microbiology, Biomedical Science, Environmental Health) or demonstrable equivalent experience Please do not exceed 1250 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. Please note feedback will not be provided at this stage. Stage 2: 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 a competency framework. During the interview we will assess against the below: Knowledge Experience Skills and Abilities Interviews will be held week commencing 31st March 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 We are currently in the process of relocation however the role will be based in central Ashford, with excellent public transport links. This role is being offered as hybrid working based at our health protection operation centre in Ashford. 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). 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. Face to Face interviews In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview. Person Specification Qualification 1 Essential Registered General Nurse or Allied Health Professional in relevant clinical discipline (e.g. Physiotherapy/Paramedic) with current professional registration e.g. NMC or First degree (Health Related e.g. Microbiology, Biomedical Science, Environmental Health) or demonstrable equivalent experience Qualification 2 Essential Working towards registration with an appropriate health or science related professional body Knowledge and Experience 1 Essential Post registration experience as a practitioner in a related field Knowledge and Experience 2 Essential 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) Knowledge and Experience 3 Essential Proven experience in the establishment and maintenance of good relationships with managers, staff and external contracts Person Specification Qualification 1 Essential Registered General Nurse or Allied Health Professional in relevant clinical discipline (e.g. Physiotherapy/Paramedic) with current professional registration e.g. NMC or First degree (Health Related e.g. Microbiology, Biomedical Science, Environmental Health) or demonstrable equivalent experience Qualification 2 Essential Working towards registration with an appropriate health or science related professional body Knowledge and Experience 1 Essential Post registration experience as a practitioner in a related field Knowledge and Experience 2 Essential 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) Knowledge and Experience 3 Essential Proven experience in the establishment and maintenance of good relationships with managers, staff and external contracts 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 UKHSA South Region Ashford TN23 1PP Employer's website https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)