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 overview The Public Health Laboratory in Birmingham is a UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) microbiology laboratory and is in partnership with University Hospitals Birmingham Trust (UHB). The microbiology partnership provides comprehensive microbiology services and specialist services to Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Good Hope Hospital in Sutton Coldfield, Solihull Hospital and general practitioners throughout the area. Advert CL3 Manager Delegated responsibility to lead the day-to-day management of the work of the Clinical Diagnostic and Reference Services of the NMRS and Enteric Laboratories. This is in cooperation with the laboratory manager and Head of operations. Provides professional leadership for members of staff for whom s/he is accountable, leading staff by example and in a manner which will encourage the development of a positive attitude by each member. Close liaison with Containment level 3 service development with Clinical scientists. H&S Manager Delegated responsibility to lead the day-to-day management and coordinate the Health & Safety in the laboratory in cooperation with the Laboratory Manager and Consultant staff. To be accessible for consultation with and advise any safety representatives appointed within the laboratory under the Health and Safety at Work Act, etc. and participate where necessary in any committees where matters relevant to safety in the laboratory are under discussion. Working for our organisation 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 Detailed job description and main responsibilities To provide day to day technical management of the Containment Level 3 laboratories, the National Mycobacterial Reference Service (NMRS) - N&C and Enteric Laboratory, in an efficient and safe manner To assist in all aspects of the provision of a safe and efficient reference service for the detection, isolation, identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing of mycobacteria. To assist in the provision of epidemiological data for district, regional and national surveillance programmes. To supervise the technical work of the NMRS (C&N) and Enterics laboratory and to organise staffing schedules and the training and rotation of staff. Review the performance and appropriateness of laboratory methods at regular intervals ensuring technical standards are maintained. In conjunction with the Head of Operations, provide a safe working environment for all Hazard Group 3 organisms. To facilitate and assist in the preparation and delivery of educational programmes for visiting workers. To communicate aspects of the work of the NMRS & Enterics at Scientific Meetings. To ensure reports are verified and accurate and to technically authorise completed reports. To bring to attention of the Laboratory Manager and Head of Operations any technical failures, erroneous or unusual findings. To monitor the performance of equipment and to liaise with representatives of laboratory suppliers. To assist in the development of the services of the NMRS (C&N) and Enteric laboratories in consultation with the Head of Operations and the Director of the NMRS (C&N). To give advice and guidance on technical matters to inquirers from clinical departments and other Laboratories throughout the region served by the NMRS (C&N). To participate fully in the teaching role of the NMRS (C&N) to plan action programmes for visiting researchers and students, to ensure that safe working practices are communicated to and applied by all visitors, and to deliver lectures and seminars as directed by the Director of the NMRS. Safety and Security Nominated Health & Safety Officer for UKHSA Birmingham Public Health Laboratory. To assist the Laboratory Manager and head of operations in ensuring the effective and appropriate management of all Health & Safety issues. Achieve and maintain NEBOSH certification. Ensure that UKHSA and Laboratory Safety Policies are implemented and adhered to by all staff working the department. Maintain a high level of expertise in the field of Health and Safety issues. Take local charge after an accident, breakage or spillage, and assume responsibility for control of decontamination and cleaning up. To ensure that all such accidents and incidents are recorded in case they may at required at a later date. Contribute to implementation of UKHSA health and safety policies and procedures in maintaining a safe working environment Advise on the safe storage of pathogens of any hazard group and keep a list of them and a record of their issue outside the laboratory. To ensure a record is kept of cultures sent to reference laboratories and ensure reference laboratories acknowledge receipt of hazard group 3 pathogens promptly. Hold all safety documentation and be aware of all relevant publications pertaining to safety. Ensure that staff have Competencies for Health and Safety Ensure that stocks of all poisonous and flammable chemicals are correctly labelled, are being kept in specified rooms and cupboards and locked if appropriate. To ensure that all infected material and dangerous chemicals are being disposed of safely. Ensure that protective clothing, including visors, eye shields, aprons, rubber boots/overshoes, masks and gloves are available, fit for use and are being worn when indicated. To ensure that specified equipment is available for dealing with spillages. Ensure equipment such as exhaust protective cabinets, centrifuges, autoclaves, visible electrical wiring, gas points, etc. are operated in a safe manner. To verify that operating instructions for centrifuges and autoclaves are displayed beside them and are being followed. Ensure that action has been or is being taken on defects noted and reported during the previous month. Participate in production of COSHH and risk assessments for all new and existing work and ensuring that control measures are implemented. Ensure compliance with First aid, fire policies and waste disposal policies. Confer with other departmental heads and BMS to discuss problems of mutual interest and bring them, if necessary, to the notice of the Risk Management Committee. Ensure outside contractors (such as cleaning and domestic staff) are aware of what areas they are allowed to work in and about which areas they may clean and when they may not. Be accessible for consultation with and advise any safety representatives appointed within the laboratory under the Health and Safety at Work Act, etc. and participate where necessary in any committees where matters relevant to safety in the laboratory are under discussion. Ensure that any changes in Health and Safety practices are brought to the attention of the Head of Operations, laboratory Director and the laboratory risk management team. Organise health and safety training as appropriate Carry out audits to ensure UKHSA Health and Safety policy is being adhered to. To maintain risk register This is not an exhaustive list. Essential Criteria Biomedical Science (BMS) degree or equivalent academic achievement ratified by the IBMS. State registration with Health Professions Council (HCPC). MSc or equivalent in relevant subject. Health and Safety qualification IOSHH or equivalent. Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD) in accordance with HCPC guidelines. Understands quality assurance principles and procedures Knows and understands laboratory safety requirements and procedures. Relevant experience of working in a range of microbiology laboratories. Aptitude for managing people and assessing performance, for motivating others, encouraging teamwork, delegating and get the best out of people. Planning own time and that of others effectively. Ability to analyse data and present it in a meaningful way. Evidence of using technical experience to assess new and existing systems and initiate change in laboratory practice. Clear communicator and effective interpersonal skills. Articulate and clear thinking. Able to convey ideas and opinions clearly, concisely, orally and in writing. Able to solve problems in a calm and efficient manner. Able to work on own initiative, organising and prioritising own workload to set deadlines. An ability to maintain confidentiality and trust. Selection Process 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. Stage 1: Application & Sift You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed essential criteria, and this will be in the form of: an application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application) a 1000 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. 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. The Application form and supporting statement 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 Only those meeting all essential criteria will be taken through to shortlisting. Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on: Biomedical Science (BMS) degree or equivalent academic achievement ratified by the IBMS. Health and Safety qualification IOSHH or equivalent. If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment. Please do not exceed 1000 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. Feedback will not be provided at this stage. Stage 2: Interview You will be invited to a face to face interview. If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview. Knowledge, experience, skills and abilities will be tested at interview. You will be required to prepare a 5 - 10 minute presentation as part of the interview. The topic of the presentation will be " How would you develop and implement an emergency response plan for a CL3 facility? Walk us through the key components you would focus on." Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Location This role is lab based at UKHSA Birmingham, B9 5ST. Please note that hybrid working is not available with this role. Eligibility Criteria Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants). 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 Counter Terrorism 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 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) 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. IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ 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 This is a Non-Reserved post under the Civil Service Nationality Rules. To be eligible for employment in the UK Civil Service applicants must meet the Civil Service Nationality Rules (CSNRs) which operate independently of and additionally to the Immigration Rules. Applicants must also meet necessary security and vetting requirements, along with any other relevant pre-employment checks. 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 For more information on job nationality requirements and the right to work in the UK, see the Civil Service Nationality rules (opens in a new window) and the UK Visas and Immigration rules (opens in a new window) For posts on UKHSA Civil Service terms and conditions, new entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. For existing Civil Servants and roles advertised across government, the rules of transfer apply, i.e., level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive a 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest. The Civil Service pay structure and progression is different from NHS Agenda for Change (AfC), most local authority pay grades and other systems that have annual pay increments. For further details, please refer to the Information Sheet- Starting Salaries & Benefits attachment. For AfC or Medical/Dental posts, you must have the correct professional registration to be appointed. The pay will follow the AfC or Medical & Dental terms & conditions. You may be asked to provide evidence of previous service whilst we are conducting pre-employment checks to determine your starting salary. For Temporary Appointments, if you are not currently a civil servant, you will take up the post on a Fixed Term appointment. You may be able to take this role up as a Secondment. If you are an existing Civil Servant, based outside of the UKHSA, you will take up the post as a loan which you will need your department to agree. You cannot take the post up as a fixed term. If you are an existing UKHSA member of staff, you will take up the post as either a level transfer or a temporary promotion as per the UKHSA’s Pay policy. Given the nature of the work of the UKHSA, as a Category 1 responder under the Civil Contingencies Act, you may be required in an emergency, if deemed a necessity, to redeploy to another role at short notice. You may also be required to work at any other location, within reasonable travelling distance of your permanent home address, in line with the provisions set out in your contract of employment. Late Applications will unfortunately not be considered. 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 equality of opportunity. 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: [email protected] 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 here. Reserve List - If more than the required number of suitable candidates pass the interview criteria, you may be kept on a reserve list for 12 months subject to your agreement. You may be contacted, in merit-order, if similar roles with closely matching essential criteria become available and the department choose to appoint from a reserve list. The panel will assess if candidates meet the requirement of the role first, using a specific benchmark system. If you are interviewed for the post and do not meet the required threshold for the specified grade, your application may be assessed against a similar, lower grade role and you may be offered the post should one be available. Interview expenses will not be reimbursed. UKHSA is required to check employment and/or education history covering three consecutive years. Please ensure you give details of at least two different referees, even if you were employed in one company for three years or more. If you are offered a job, information will also be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Records system. Please note, all communication regarding your application will be made via email, please ensure you check your junk/spam folders as emails are sometimes filtered there. Any move to UKHSA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/. Benefits of working at UKHSA include: Generous annual leave: -26 days for the first 5 years of continuous service -28 days after 5 years of continuous service -32 days after 10 years of continuous service -Plus public holidays and one privilege day for the King’s birthday Access to a generous Defined Benefit pension scheme with employer contributions. Access to a cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme, season ticket advances and payroll giving. Access to a retail discounts and cashback site. We also promote flexible working patterns (part-time, job-share, condensed hours). UKHSA views flexible working as essential in enabling us to recruit and retain talented people, ensuring that they are able to enjoy a long-lasting career with us. All employees have the right to apply for flexible working and there are a range of options available including working from home, compressed hours and job sharing. We also offer a generous maternity/ paternity and adoption leave package. Hybrid Working UKHSA operates 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 usually spend a minimum of 60% of your contracted hours (averaged over a month) working at one of UKHSA's locations (approximately 3 days a week pro rata) and the rest of your time working from home. Disability Confident Scheme The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria at sift to ensure these candidates are invited to interview. If you wish to be included in this scheme please tick the box on your application form. 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 take into account 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 could be time accrued over that period. 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. Security Vetting Please check the Security Clearance needed for the role and follow the link for more information: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels 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.