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 Rabies and Immunoglobulin Service (RIgS) at UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Colindale is a cross-divisional service supporting the post-exposure treatment of serious infections. RIgS staff comprise a multi-disciplinary team of nurses, a business manager and administrative support; they are hosted in Immunisation under a consultant virologist. Expert guidance and medical support is provided by consultants from each of the divisions responsible for their specific topic area. Immunoglobulins and anti-toxins are rare products that are centrally procured by UKHSA from a range of manufacturers. Stock is held centrally at Movianto, UK on behalf of UKHSA, but also at a number of stockholders distributed throughout the country. The RIgS telephone lines are very busy with over 4000 calls annually. Advert Provide a call answering service for the RIgS telephone line, speaking with medical professionals and accurately taking and recording information on CIMS (Case, Incident management system) As well as triaging calls the post holder will need to upload completed risk assessment forms to ensure the correct ordering of immunoglobulins or anti toxins. Will need to liaise with external stakeholders on a daily basis to ensure that all products ordered have been delivered at the specified addresses and within appropriate timescales. Emergency orders also need to be processed in a timely manner. Required to manage multiple inboxes. Provide administrational support for the service by running daily/weekly and monthly reports. Triage request for Pre-Exposure vaccine requests and process as appropriate. Update the UKHSA Duty doctor pack as appropriate. Assist with the development of request forms. Input accurate recording of patient test results on related CIMS enquiry. Provide support in the event of a product recall to ensure all requested information is available in a timely manner Work with minimal supervision and be expected to work flexibly as part of a multi-disciplinary team providing a wide range of specific administrative duties. Work with colleagues who are based across the country at different sites and/or who work remotely. 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 Main Duties and Responsibilities Answer incoming calls through to the service, and managing the calls in an effective manner. Calls can be seeking advice on a number of vaccines or immunoglobulin and the call handler will need to know what to do in each situation. Problem solve issues with the ordering/delivery of vaccines or immunoglobulins to ensure that the products reach the patient in a timely manner. Action the 5hr emergency release process for vaccines and immunoglobulins when required. This role also includes an on call element and the post holder will be required to go on an out of hours rota (17.30pm-09.00am) for a week every 6 weeks. This is to issue emergency vaccines and immunoglobulin out of hours. Update the daily orders sheet. Upload the daily orders sheet before the daily cutoff time. Update the Movianto ordering system. Work closely with UKHSA medical consultants to ensure correct vaccines and immunoglobulin are ordered. Work closely with the lead RIGS clerk to ensure the service is fully covered, especially during busy periods. Use CIMS to record all issuing of vaccines and immunoglobulin Upload the daily orders to the vaccine database (Access Database) Administrative Support Communicate and engage effectively with a range of people, including internal and external staff and stakeholders. This will include dealing with stakeholder enquiries promptly and courteously by email, telephone, letter or in person, referring to the relevant lead where appropriate. Responsible for the organisation of meetings and events and production of reports, papers, minutes and updating action logs as required. This will include providing secretariat support to teams and other internal meetings and networks as required. Support the development of systems and procedures where necessary to ensure efficiency, quality and cost effectiveness across the business support and administration function. Participate in relevant internal working groups/projects, services and initiatives across the organisation representing the Team, Directorate or Centre. Carry out timely and accurate information analysis and reporting on agreed areas of their working area and present findings in an agreed manner. This will include developing and maintaining databases as required by the job using a variety of digital and IT applications. Contribute to effective information management (including maintaining administrative and information resources, i.e. filing systems) and assist with the dissemination and/or collation of information/returns, in a timely manner. Responsible for organising and controlling own workload ensuring deadlines are observed and duties performed efficiently. Provide cover as directed by line manager for other members of the team in their absence and assist with their workloads as required. Project Support Undertake project support in the absence of a dedicated project support role in the structure, responding to information requests and other tasks which will involve meeting tight deadlines and may include using digital tools, This will include: assisting and working closely with members of the project team(s), supporting elements of projects as directed by the relevant lead or project manager; maintaining project plans; supporting the provision of management information; and participating in working groups. Leadership and Management Be a visible, positive and competent role model and motivator, and provide training, advice and support in own area of expertise. Undertake effective line management of staff (if applicable) within area of responsibility, including: undertaking annual appraisals and ensuring direct reports have access to appropriate training and induction; progressing any disciplinary or capability issues, as necessary; and participating in recruitment process of administrative roles. Supervise the business support team on their day-to-day activities, which may include call handling or data administration. Communication and Key Working Relationships The post holder will develop effective working relationships and communicate regularly either by phone, email or face to face with a wide range of individuals including clinical and non-clinical staff, scientists, support staff, managers and corporate team staff for example, HR or Payroll. The post holder may make or receive phone calls, receive emails and decide relevant action, responding directly where appropriate and this may include external people for example, stakeholders and/or from members of the public as well as other public health organisations e.g. NHS and the Dept. of Health. Essential role criteria Educated to degree level in relevant science subject or equivalent level qualification or significant experience of working at a similar level in specialist area (in the maintenance, analysis of data) IT skills and advanced Microsoft Office experience, including Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint Significant administrative/ secretarial experience including developing, implementing and maintaining office systems and handling sensitive information Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing. Take time to consider the best communication channel to use for the audience, including making the best of digital resources and considering value for money Follow relevant policies, procedures and legislation to complete your work Understand that bullying, harassment and discrimination are unacceptable Ability to work without supervision working to tight and often changing timescales You work well as part of a team and strive to ensure the team pulls together and is effective You are inquisitive, you seek out new information and look for new ways to develop yourself An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships Ability to travel to the Colindale office Monday – Friday as this is an office based role. Desirable role criteria: Experience working in a public-sector organisation Selection Process Details : 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 You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed (11) essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a: Application form ( ‘ Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application) up to 1500 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. 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 The following will be taken through to the next stage: Meets all essential criteria Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on the following: Educated to degree level in relevant science subject or equivalent level qualification or significant experience of working at a similar level in specialist area (in the maintenance, analysis of data) IT skills and advanced Microsoft Office experience, including Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint Significant administrative/ secretarial experience including developing, implementing and maintaining office systems and handling sensitive information Ability to travel to the Colindale office Monday – Friday as this is an office based role. 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 1500 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. Feedback will not be provided at this stage. 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. Stage 2: Interview ( competency based) You will be invited to a single face to face interview. I f face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview. Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview You will be asked to prepare and present a 5-10 minute presentation at the start of your interview. The subject of this will be sent to you prior to interview. 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 - External Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants). Location This role is being offered as office/lab based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale. Please note remote/hybrid working is not possible for this role. If based at one of our scientific campuses, you will be required to have a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. 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. In exceptional circumstances 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. 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). 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.