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Location
About the job
Job summary
High Containment and Biological Services resides within the Science Group of UKHSA and plays an important role in preparing for and coordinating responses to potential healthcare emergencies, including possible acts of deliberate release. The directorate has approximately 115 staff, performing a range of research activities across some of the most hazardous and highly controlled work for UKHSA, including high containment. The work covers a broad range of projects involving the development and evaluation of interventions into a range of infectious diseases e.g. TB, meningitis, anthrax and plague.
Based near Salisbury, site access requirements stipulate that our employees must be UK Nationals who are able to gain a high level of security clearance. For this reason, only UK Nationals will be able to apply for this role. This role will require full UK security clearance and you should have resided in the UK for the past 5 years.
Job description
The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:
- Line management of a team of technical staff.
- Lead the development and ongoing review of directorate and team-based training systems
- Take into account changing best practices such as Human Factors and individual learning styles.
- Assist with the assessment of new and developmental work to help ensure systems and approaches remain fit for purpose
- Lead the further development of individual Competency assessment, taking into consideration the range of processes involved whilst ensuring the ability for a simple system of measurement.
- Lead the continuous review and development of Monitoring and assurance systems for staff training and competence.
- Actively maintain a high level of awareness of Health & Safety practice and legislation, incorporating into directorate training and competency assessments.
- In conjunction with Laboratory Supervisors, develop and deliver training in core safety subjects and also specialist health and safety areas.
- To undertake work in accordance with UKHSA Policies and Guidances, and to work within any Quality Systems that are applicable.
- The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by your line manager.
- The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the division and UKHSA.
- It should be noted that the work of the division is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.
The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.
Person specification
We are looking for an exceptional Training and Competency Manager.
It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of no more than 1000 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the following criteria:
Essential
- Degree in appropriate discipline with considerable post-degree level experience (or equivalent) in an appropriate scientific discipline.
- Able to work across organisational boundaries
- Evidence of using technical experience to assess new and existing systems and processes to innovate and initiate change in laboratory practice
- Experience of critically assessing current ways of working and introducing efficient and effective practices
- Analysis and understanding – able to analyse and evaluate evidence e.g., in planning, problem-solving, decision making, negotiation and counselling
- Experience of developing and implementing new/novel approaches to training
- People management – aptitude for managing people and assessing performance
- Leadership – able to motivate others, encourage teamwork, delegate, and get the best out of people
- Communication – be able to convey instructions, ideas and opinions clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
- Training – aptitude for developing staff skills and capabilities
- Innovation – able to criticise constructively, to design and introduce improvements and to manage change.
- Management of time – able to plan and use own time economically and effectively
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relati
Desirable
- PGCE or similar qualification in adult teaching
- Experience and understanding of planning and project management
- Has thorough knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures
Benefits
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
Things you need to know
Selection process details
STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT:
You will be required to complete an application form. This will be assessed in line with the advertised essential criteria – please do provide evidence of how you meet this.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview.
Please ensure that your statement of suitability contains no personal identifiers e.g. name in either the file name or content of the document and is uploaded in MS Word format.
STAGE 2 – INTERVIEW
This competition will involve a virtual interview via Microsoft Teams.
As part of the process, candidates will be invited to interview which will involve an in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence in relation to the criteria set out in the Person Specification.
Your Statement of Suitability should outline your skills, experience, and achievements, providing evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria (outlined in the person specification section).
You will also be asked to provide information within the ‘Employer/ Activity history’ section of the application form. This is equivalent to the information you would provide on a CV, setting out your career history.
Expected Timeline:
Advert close: 23:55hrs on 26th May 2023 – unfortunately, late applications will not be considered. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Shortlist: 2nd June 2023
Interviews: W/C 19th June 2023
Please note these dates could be subject to change.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Medical
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with settled or pre-settled status or who apply for either status by the deadline of the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service
- relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service
- certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals
Working for the Civil Service
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).
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
Recruitment team