Details
Reference number
415976
Salary
£32,220
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
GBP
Job grade
Executive Officer
Contract type
Permanent
Business area
VMD Communications Team
Type of role
Communications / Marketing
Working pattern
Full-time
Number of jobs available
1
Contents
* Location
* About the job
* Benefits
* Things you need to know
* Apply and further information
Location
This role will be contractually based at the VMD, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3LS. This is a fixed location; the VMD does not use hubs located elsewhere in the UK.
You will be expected to spend at least 60% of your working time in an organisation workplace with the option to work the remaining time flexibly from home. Organisation workplace includes the VMD office as well as time spent at other locations for meetings, conferences, and field-based activities. This is a non-contractual agreement which is consistent with common Civil Service expectations.
This role is not suited to a homeworking contract.
Travel costs to non-contractual workplaces will be subject to departmental travel and subsistence policies. Travel costs to contractual workplaces are the responsibility of the employee.
The successful candidate will be required to carry out all their duties from a UK location and cannot do so from an overseas location unless they have permission to do so.
About the job
Job summary
About the VMD
You may not have heard of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), but have you ever:
* eaten meat, eggs, fish or honey
* drunk milk
* owned a pet or animal
* taken antibiotics
If you said yes to any of the above, you are directly affected by what the VMD does.
The VMD is the regulatory and policy lead responsible for issues concerning the authorisation, use, and manufacture of veterinary medicines in the UK.
Our aim is to protect public health, animal health, and the environment, and promote animal welfare by assuring the safety, quality and effectiveness of veterinary medicines.
Find out more at: About us - Veterinary Medicines Directorate - GOV.UK
About the Job
To provide support the communications team deliver our communications strategy by managing our public facing mailbox, and analysing trends in order to improve our external communications.
As part of the implementation of our new communications strategy the post holder will play a key part in developing new processes and tools to deliver against our strategic communication priorities, such as a new case management system. The postholder will also play a key part in improving our complaints process and implementing a new feedback strategy.
Job description
To provide efficient business support in the following areas:
* In the management handling of general enquiries and complaints, including phone calls into our mainline.
* Ensuring accurate booking records are maintained with analysis of issues and trends in order to improve our external communications. You will oversee the administration of the postmaster mailbox and call handling for our main phone line using MS Teams telephony.
* Line Management of 1 Administrative Officer.
* Oversee the management of our stakeholder contact records.
* As part of the implementation of our new communications strategy, and working with teams, play a key part in developing new processes and tools, including a case management system.
* Play a key part in improving our complaints process and implementing a new feedback strategy.
* Updating and improving upon the SharePoint Intranet pages owned by the Communications team. Controlling the integrity of our site structure and provide support for page owners.
* Adhoc tasks relating to internal communications, such as updating PowerPoint slides for the Reception TV.
* Responsibility for our weekly Roundup staff bulletin; including ensuring articles are clear, accessible and engaging.
* Publishing website editor for VMD content on GOV.UK and VMD Connect ensuring adherence to the style guides.
* Comply with ISO 9001 (quality management) and ISO information security) standards, and GDPR and record management requirements.
* Act corporately – meeting, role-modelling, embedding, and championing the corporate objectives set by the VMD.
Person specification
We're looking for you to have experience:
* of creative communications with knowledge of delivering user-centred content.
* of following style guides and using best practice to deliver content utilising the most effective channels.
* of working with websites and content management systems, as well as knowledge of accessibility standards.
You are someone who enjoys working collaboratively with different business areas, you can build rapport quickly with both internal and external stakeholders. This enables you to build solid working relationships and demonstrate an understanding of your audience and how to communicate with impact across the business.
We're looking for someone that:
* has excellent organisational skills and attention to detail. You will be able to prioritise your work to maximise productivity and achieve all deadlines. You will be highly adaptable and flexible, adjusting to the requirements of the role. You will be team player with the ability to work on your own initiative and under pressure.
* will be familiar with customer relationship management software or able to pick up using new software quickly.
* has strong written English and be able to draft emails, internal communications, and web copy.
* is proficient in the use of Microsoft Office 365 packages, particularly SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, and can learn in-house packages quickly.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
* Changing and Improving
* Communicating and Influencing
* Managing a Quality Service
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £32,220, Veterinary Medicines Directorate contributes £9,334 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 is one of the best workplace pension schemes in the UK public sector, with an average employer contribution of 28.97%
* Free onsite parking
* Free eyesight test
* Onsite gym
* Access to a prayer room
Awork-life balance is key for us all. We offer flexible working as well as health, well-being and discount schemes. The annual leave package starts at 25 days per year and increases to 30 days over five years. We offer generous maternity, paternity, shared, and adoption leave.
This gives you a flavour of what's available, but there is so much more we could mention – see Civil Service Employee Benefits, Civil Service Careers for further information.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.
Further information about success profiles with guidance on how to complete your application form is available here - About the application process, Civil Service Careers
Application Process
As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete:
* a CV, which should include your job history, skills and experience
* personal statement, which should be no more than 500 words
* examples of behaviours, which is one element of success profiles - Behaviours, Civil Service Careers
When giving examples of behaviours, please use the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) format – see A brief guide to competencies - GOV.UK
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements must be truthful, factually accurate, and based on your own experience. Plagiarism—including presenting others' ideas or AI-generated content as your own—may result in withdrawal of applications or disciplinary action for internal candidates. Please refer to our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Sift
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted on the personal statement. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to interview.
Interview
If successful at the application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on experience, behaviours and strengths.
For experience, we will ask you to tell us – in your own words – about your relevant experience against the requirements set out in the job advert. You are asked to keep this to 15 minutes.
Sift and Interview dates
The sift will be conducted week commencing 29th September 2025
Interviews are currently scheduled to take place in person at the VMD the week commencing 13th October 2025
Please note, this timeline is indicative at this stage and could be subject to change.
You cannot claim back any expenses incurred during the recruitment process.
Contract
This role isn't suited to a home-working contract.
Salary
New entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.
If you are new to the civil service, or coming back into the civil service, you will start on the advertised starting salary. You must be in post by 1st April to qualify for that year's pay rise.
The internal roles rules apply to existing Civil Servants, i.e. level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.
Working Pattern
This is a full-time position. We require someone to manage our external phone line and inbox five days a week. Consistent and timely communication is essential; it would be difficult to ensure adequate coverage with a part-time contract.
Location and travel
This role will be contractually based at the VMD in Weybridge, KT15 3LS. This is a fixed location; the VMD does not use hubs located elsewhere in the UK.
You will be expected to spend at least 60% of your working time in an organisation workplace with the option to work the remaining time flexibly from home. Organisation workplace includes the VMD office as well as time spent at other locations for meetings, conferences, and field-based activities. This is a non-contractual agreement which is consistent with common Civil Service expectations.
Travel costs to non-contractual workplaces will be subject to departmental travel and subsistence policies. Travel costs to contractual workplaces are the responsibility of the employee.
The successful candidate will be required to carry out all their duties from a UK location and cannot do so from an overseas location unless they have permission to do so.
Residency Requirements and security vetting
All posts require the successful candidate to hold Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) security clearance. Job offers are based on merit. Security vetting will only take place after the receipt of a job offer. Candidates will need to meet the residency requirements of residing in the UK for 3 years prior to the CTC application being submitted.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Near miss
Candidates who are judged to be a near miss at interview may be considered for other positions in Defra which may be at a lower grade but have a potential skills match.
Visa Sponsorship Statement
Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to VMD 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; for further information visit the Childcare Choices website.
If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service 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- stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Internal Fraud Database Check
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant's details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
NSV
For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the Demystifying Vetting website.
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
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put 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 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.
Accessibility
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 .
See our vetting charter .
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)
* 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
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code 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 .
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 and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy .
Apply and further information
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative.
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 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
Job contact :
* Name : Viv Saville
* Email :
Recruitment team
* Email :
Further information
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 Government Recruitment Services via email:
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: here