Contents Location About the job Benefits Things you need to know Apply and further information Location Remote working (anywhere in the UK) About the job Job summary The Home Office works to build a safe, fair and prosperous UK. We achieve this through our work on counter-terrorism, policing, fire, crime, drugs policy, immigration and passports. The Science, Technology, Research and Analysis (STAR) Group sits at the heart of the Home Office. The group ensures the best evidence and analysis are used to address the strategic issues facing the department. We also provide the science, technology, data, and international insights and collaboration capabilities to drive delivery. We are looking for up to three individuals to play a key part in protecting animals through bringing regulatory expertise to the Animals in Science Regulator. Role holders will work alongside veterinary and medical inspectors to visit establishments which test on animals to check these establishments are complying with their legal duties to protect animals. Role holders will also drive forward other regulatory activities such as licencing establishments and investigating instances of non-compliance with the law. You will assess evidence and exercise impartial judgements to improve animal protections and influence the Regulator to continuously improve its operations. This will involve varied interaction with and exposure to scientific establishments and stakeholders. Through providing a timely, efficient service to the science sector and adopting a mindset of continuous improvement, you will help to facilitate scientific progress such as medical developments. Job description The Animals in Science Regulation Unit (ASRU) is responsible for regulating the use of animals in scientific testing. ASRU seeks to protect animals in science through assuring that animals are only used in scientific research and testing where there are no alternatives and reducing harm to animals where they are used. The regulator also strives to deliver an excellent service to the science sector to facilitate progress on critical scientific research. For example, animal testing played a crucial part in the development of Covid-19 vaccines. You will be joining ASRU at an exciting time. We are currently progressing a programme of reform enhance ASRUs delivery for the regulated community, animals and the public. You will be part of ASRUs journey of change and will support the unit to adopt its aspirational cultural traits: data driven; customer focused; lean mentality; future focused; comfortable with risk; and team performance. Key Responsibilities Audit Coordinating the end-to-end process for on-site and remote audits of regulated establishments to assure they are performing their duties to protect animals in accordance with the law. Assess whether establishments are meeting their duties to protect animals, working with veterinary or medical inspectors, through interviewing and supporting interviews at establishments, reviewing establishment documentation, and analysing information collected about establishments against legal requirements. Contribute to written audit reports detailing findings about establishments, including areas for improvement. Ensure establishments receive audit outcomes and take required actions during agreed timescales. Organise the full programme of ASRU audits which employs the teams risk profiling approach. Seek feedback on the audit process to identify improvements and deliver improvements where appropriate. Licencing Undertake initial review of licencing applications based on defined criteria, prior to medical or veterinary review. This may include conducting initial triages of licence applications to determine how they can be most efficiently and effectively processed. Enforcement Contribute to the investigation and resolution of incidences of noncompliance by reviewing evidence, managing logistics, monitoring the overall process and communications. Wider responsibilities Employ knowledge of best practice regulation to proactively identify and propose possible improvements to ASRU operations and take forward agreed improvements. Address enquiries from the regulated community about how to comply with the law to protect animals. Gather, assess, and analyse data and evidence from various sources to enable effective and informed decision making. Work pattern These roles are available on a full-time basis with the option of compressed hours. They are also suitable for part-time working hours, with a minimum requirement to work 2 days per week due to business requirements. These roles are suitable for home working. There may be an opportunity to be based in the Croydon office, subject to estates capacity. If Croydon based, there will be a combination of office and home-based working. This is a non-contractual arrangement where all employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office. Travel These roles require some travel within the UK, including overnight stays, to visit licensed establishments; this is likely to be in the range of 1-2 visits per month but could be more. Where possible these visits will be in the post holder's home region, but they could be anywhere in the UK subject to business need. Personal protective equipment will need to be worn in establishments, as appropriate. Person specification Essential criteria Ability to quickly learn and apply legal information and associated frameworks. The role holder will need to have or develop a strong understanding of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and related standards to assess whether regulated entities are complying with these standards. Experience or knowledge of regulation or governance or an ability to quickly become proficient in this area through relevant training. This could include previous work in audit, inspection, or compliance; familiarity with best practice regulatory standards such as those produced by the National Audit Office; and/or a related qualification. Verbal and written communication skills to conduct interviews effectively, challenge constructively, and clearly communicate findings from audit. The role holder will need to communicate technical information in a straightforward manner. Organisational skills to manage competing priorities and deadlines, and co-ordinate the work of others. Impartial judgement and attention to detail to make accurate, unbiased, consistent judgements based on evidence, which uphold regulatory and legal standards. Problem-solving skills to identify the causes of non-compliance and areas for improvement in the service ASRU provides. Collaboration and stakeholder management skills to work effectively with colleagues and project a positive impression of the Regulator to external stakeholders. Desirable criteria Experience of working in a scientific or veterinary context. Behaviours We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process: Making Effective Decisions Communicating and Influencing Delivering at Pace Managing a Quality Service Benefits In addition to your salary, a career with the Home Office offers a range of benefits, including: A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%. In-year reward scheme for one-off or sustained exceptional personal or team achievements. 25 days annual leave on appointment, rising with service to 30 days. Eight days of public holidays, plus one additional privilege day. See more of our benefits on our careers website. Things you need to know Selection process details This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience. This gives us the best possible chance of finding the right person for the job, drives up performance and improves diversity and inclusivity. We will endeavour to conduct the selection process in line with the dates indicated below, but cannot guarantee that these will not, where necessary, be revised. 1. Application by 3rd March 2025 As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete: CV Personal Statement (maximum 750 words) Your CV should consist of your career history and qualifications, including any key achievements in each role. Your CV will be used to provide further context on your personal statement and scored against the essential criteria. The Personal Statement should be aligned to and demonstrate how you meet the skills and experience set out in the essential criteria, detailed in the job description. For guidance and information on how to construct your application (CV and Personal Statement), you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers website. 2. Sift week commencing 3rd March 2025 The sift will be held on the Personal Statement and CV. Should a high volume of applications be received, an initial sift will be conducted on the Personal Statement. Candidates who pass the initial sift will then be progressed to a full sift that will consist of the CV. 3. Interview week commencing 24th March 2025 If you are successful at sift stage, you will be invited to an interview that will be blended approach of Behaviours (as listed in the job advert) and Strength based questions. The interview will take place via Microsoft Teams. For guidance and information on what to expect and how to prepare for an interview, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers. Problems during the application process If you experience problems accessing this advert, or you think youve made a mistake on an initial application, please contact hocandidates.grscabinetoffice.gov.uk, including the vacancy reference, at least two working days before the vacancy closes. Further information can be found on our website. Reserve List A reserve list may be held for a period of up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made. There is no guarantee that being held on a reserve list will lead to a job offer. Further information can be found on our website. Advertising in Northern Ireland Northern Ireland is part of the UK. As stated in the Belfast Agreement, also known as the Good Friday Agreement, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland recognise the birthright of all the people of Northern Ireland to identify themselves and be accepted as Irish or British, or both, as they may so choose, and accordingly confirm that their right to hold both British and Irish citizenship is accepted by both Governments and would not be affected by any future change in the status of Northern Ireland. Standards All Civil Servants are expected to comply with the Civil Service Code, and its core values of integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality. Additional Security Checks As well as successfully obtaining UK Security Vetting clearance, candidates will be subject to a range of additional checks. The range of checks carried out will depend on whether you are a current Home Office employee, existing civil servant or an external new entrant as well as the role requirements. Further details are included in the Notes to Candidates. Further information In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service /Disclosure Scotland/Access NI on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grscabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading. For further information on the Disclosure Scotland confidential checking service telephone: the Disclosure Scotland Helpline on 0870 609 6006 and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email Infodisclosurescotland.co.uk. For further information on the Access NI confidential checking service telephone: the Access NI Helpline on 0300 200 7888 and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email accessniani.x.gsi.gov.uk. If you are invited to an interview, you will be required to bring documentation for the purposes of establishing your identity. You will need to meet the nationality requirements for this role and obtain the necessary security clearance to take it up. For meaningful security checks to be carried out, individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. Learn more on our website. Security Checks - Home Office Careers Please be aware the levels of national security clearance are changing which may impact on the level needed for this role by the time of appointment. All efforts will be made to keep candidates informed of any changes and what that will mean in terms of vetting criteria. For more information please See our vetting charter For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the following page https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/demystifying-vetting Visa sponsorship We do not sponsor individuals via Skilled Worker Sponsorship / Tier 2 (General) work visas. Reasonable Adjustments If a person with disabilities is at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes. If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should: Contact Government Recruitment Service via HOrecruitment.grscabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs Complete the Assistance Required section in the Additional Requirements page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you're deaf, a language service professional If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the Contact point for applicants section. Feedback Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. Security Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window). See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). 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 also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy. 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). Apply and further information This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative. 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 : Home Office Resourcing Centre Email : HORCCampaignTeamCorporateEnablershomeoffice.gov.uk Recruitment team Email : HOrecruitment.grscabinetoffice.gov.uk Attachments Pre-employment Checking - Document Requirements (V15) 2025-02-06 (1) Opens in new window (pdf, 141kB) candidate_information_v12_December_2024 Opens in new window (pdf, 658kB) Share this page Print Email Gmail Facebook LinkedIn