Nottingham Supporting Hub
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.
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.
JOB CONTEXT
UKHSA's 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 ongoing 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 Description
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.
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 UKHSA’s standards for record keeping.
* 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 team’s 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 UKHSA's Emergency Planning and Resilience Response (EPRR) arrangements as part of the region’s 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
* 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 region’s 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 ongoing development and education to build on existing knowledge and develop skills to meet competencies required to undertake the role.
* 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.
Person Specification
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.
Qualifications
Essential Criteria:
* 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
* 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. safeguarding vulnerable adults; data protection, information governance)
* Experience of building and developing effective stakeholder relationships
* Experience of risk management and associated reporting
Skills And Capabilities
* 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
Alongside your salary of £40,661, UK Health Security Agency contributes £11,779 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%
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.
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)
Your application may be rejected and/or you may be subject to disciplinary action if evidence of plagiarism is detected. Examples of plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence (AI), as your own.
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
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
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) (opens in a new window)
* 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 (opens in a new window)
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) 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 (opens in a new window).
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.
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) 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 (opens in a new window).
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 (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
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 a 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
* 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/7117736 #J-18808-Ljbffr