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 We have 2 positions available. The principal responsibility of each post holder will be the management of the Bespoke Consultancy Service Group or Emergency Response and Technical Services Group together with overall line management of the associated scientific staff within the operational services department at Radiation, Chemical, Climate and Environmental Hazards Directorate (RCCE). The expected annual income for the operational services department is approximately £4M. The post holders will be experienced in the organisation and delivery of radiation protection services, ideally in a range of settings, although majoring in healthcare. These are senior management positions within the department; as such, the post holders are expected to work with the other Group Leaders to ensure delivery of the departmental work programme. In addition to management functions, the post holders are required to be involved in delivery of income earning work and to support RCCE’s emergency preparedness and response function. The post holders must hold full clean UK driving licences and be willing to travel to other UKHSA sites as well as regular travel to clients sites. These roles attract a Market Pay Supplement of £5,000 - £15,000. Advert Strategic planning and delivery of bespoke consultancy or emergency response and technical service, including preparing business plans, setting objectives and service development. Support for, and delivery of, other income generating services as required. Manage up to 15 scientific staff and capital projects as required. Monitor financial performance and income targets (up to £1.2M) and expenditure (up to £100k). Ensure business continuity arrangements. Advise and support Government departments and national/international agencies. Support RCCE’s emergency preparedness and response function. As required, fulfilling senior roles in the emergency response plan. Duties will include assessing the radiation risk to the public and advising on the need for countermeasures such as evacuation and sheltering. Participate in national and international scientific conferences. Contribute to the development and delivery of professional level training courses. Contribute to the development and training of developing RCCE staff working towards RP specialist certification Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) / Radiation Waste Adviser (RWA) / Medical Physics Expert (MPE) etc.) This will include checking the written work of developing and certificated RP specialists. Support the head of department and other Operational Services Department (OSD) group leaders in departmental management. This list is not exhaustive. 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 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with the head of department through appraisal / individual development plan. Attending internal / external training events Participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e., fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training Maintain continuous professional development in accordance with any professional certifications and maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS The post holders will develop key working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to UKHSA. This will include: Internal Daily with the head of department and other staff in the department (scientific and administrative); AO up to CS6 (or equivalent) Frequently with staff in other RCCE departments (up to Head of Departments HoDs) As required with RCCE director’s office As required with staff in the wider UKHSA, collaborating on common issues External Senior managers and scientists in official bodies such as UK government departments and agencies, including representatives of regulatory bodies on matters of: scientific and technical advice, and contract work to be undertaken on behalf of government departments and agencies Senior managers and scientists in healthcare providers and commercial organisations with respect to income generating work Periodically with members of the public having concerns on matters involving radiation or radioactive substances Periodically with a range of key agencies in response to radiological and nuclear emergencies. These include emergency responders and representatives in DHSC and other government agencies/departments. At a strategic level or tactical level advising on the interpretation of technical data and advising on associated risks and protection of the public. This may also involve liaising with the media Essential criteria: Educated to Master’s or PhD level in a science/radiation protection field or, educated to Bachelor degree level in a science related subject, plus substantive experience in operational radiation protection Certificated Radiation Protection Adviser Proven experience in, and an established reputation for, work in operational radiation protection, with evidence of particular expertise in one or more areas of interest. Experience of financial management, complex contract negotiation and development of service business plans. Experience in the effective management of professional staff, including the prioritisation of workloads and dealing with sensitive personnel issues. Ability to communicate effectively at all levels, formally, informally, orally and in writing to clients, UKHSA staff and representatives from other organisations. This should include excellent presentation skills and the ability to prepare high quality written reports. Excellent insight to assess complex situations and interpret detailed documents that may include legislation, along with creativity to develop novel interpretations and development of advice. Excellent decision-making skills with demonstrable capability to act upon incomplete information using experience to make inferences and aid decision making. Vision, drive and determination to critically analyse working practices, develop new service delivery options and modernise old, with the skills to manage the change effectively. A full clean UK driving licence and willingness to travel on UKHSA business. An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships. Desirable criteria: Membership of professional body, e.g. Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine; Society for Radiological Protection. Understanding of emergency response arrangements and experience of taking senior roles in emergency exercises. Demonstrated capability to plan over short, medium and long-term timeframes, with a focus on deadlines and adjust plans accordingly. Selection Process Detail T his vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your q ualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria. Stage 1: Application & Sift Competency-based assessments You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 10 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of: A n Application form ( ‘ Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application) 1250 word Supporting Statement This should outline how you consider 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 Those falling into the 'Meets all essential criteria' pile will progress to shortlisting. Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on the following essential criteria: Full clean UK driving licence and willingness to travel on UKHSA business. Certificated Radiation Protection Adviser Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications / large amount of successful candidates. If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment. Please do not exceed 1250 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 remote interview. Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview. You will be expected to prepare and present a 10 minute presentation. This will be based on: How your appointment to the role will enhance senior management structure of the Operational Services Department. Interviews dates are yet to be confirmed. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Eligibility Criteria 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 office/laboratory in either Chilton, Glasgow or Leeds. 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). Salary Grade 7 Upper National £64,317 to £66,581 per annum, pro rata Grade 7 Upper Outer London £66,497 to £68,574 per annum, pro rata If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms. This role offers an Market Pay Supplement of £5,000 to £15,000. 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-terrorist Check. 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.