UK Health Security Agency

Quality Officer

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

Quality Officer

Grade HEO (National) - £30,473 to £37,215

UKHSA Porton Down - Hybrid Working

Permanent Contract

Are you looking for a challenging and rewarding role in quality management? Do you have experience in document control and internal auditing? If so, you might be the perfect candidate for the Quality Officer position at the HCBS Division of UKHSA.

Main duties of the job

The High Containment and Biological Services Division works with the highest risk level pathogens, supporting both, clinical and research needs in the UK and abroad. The Division follows strict regulations from various external authorities, is certified to ISO 9001 and is working towards ISO15189:2022 accreditation.

As a Quality Officer, you will support the HCBS Quality Lead in maintaining the Quality Management System. You will manage and maintain the Q-Pulse Document Control systems for the HCBS Division and provide training on its use. You will also conduct internal audits to ISO standards and provide support for external audits. You will also undertake special projects as agreed with the HCBS Quality Lead.

Porton Down - Hybrid Working

*Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.*

Working Pattern - Full Time, Hybrid Working,

About us

Working for the UKHSA

For more information on the UKHSA please visit: UK Health Security Agency - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

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%
  • Range of health and wellbeing support

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 Childcare Choices | 30 Hours Free Childcare, Tax-Free Childcare and More | Help with Costs | GOV.UK

Details

Date posted

27 October 2023

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£30,473 to £37,215 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

UKHSA00800

Job locations

UKHSA Porton Down

Porton Down, Salisbury

SP4 0JG


Job description

Job responsibilities

Responsibilities section:

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

  • Support the HCBS Quality Lead to ensure that the quality management system meets appropriate accreditation requirements e.g. ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 15189:2022 when implemented.
  • To maintain the Q-Pulse Quality Management System by carrying out administration of all controlled documents on the Q-Pulse Quality Management System e.g., SOPs, Forms and Work Instructions, Manuals and Risk Assessments.
  • Uploading and management of audits, non-conformances, quality improvements and change controls on the Q-Pulse Quality Management System.
  • Deliver training to HCBS staff on the use of the Q-Pulse Quality Management System and provide relevant support as required.
  • Confidentially manage controlled documents which contain sensitive information. Ensuring the security, confidentiality and appropriateness of storage, access, and retrieval of records in accordance with legislation and UKHSA policies.
  • Conduct internal ISO-based quality audits according to a defined audit schedule and at senior manager request.

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.

Please see full duties and responsibilities attached

Essential Criteria:

It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of 1000 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the following criteria:

Essential

  • HNC or equivalent in life sciences, or demonstrable experience gained working in a Quality Assurance role.
  • Knowledge or experience working with electronic Quality Management Systems, e.g. Q-Pulse
  • To be able to work to tight deadlines and prioritise time and resources as well as ability to multi-task, have good organisational and interpersonal skills, e.g. able to work collaboratively
  • Excellent computer literacy skills with good knowledge of MS office and ability to produce accurate documentation and manipulate and present information effectively

Desirable

  • Basic auditing qualification or willingness to complete a qualification within 1 year.
  • Practical auditing experience
  • Practical experience working in a clinical/research laboratory
  • Knowledge of quality standards such as ISO 9001:2015 or ISO 15189:2022

Selection process details

STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT:

You will be required to complete an application form and a statement of suitability (up to 1000 words) This will be assessed in line with the advertised essential criteria please do provide evidence of how you meet this.

Your Statement of Suitability should outline your skills, experience, and achievements, providing evidence of your suitability for the role.

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.

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview.

STAGE 2 INTERVIEW

This competition will involve a face-to-face interview.

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.

The Success Profiles framework will be used to assess and recruit the most suitable candidate. The following behaviours will be used at the interview:

  • Changing and improving
  • Collaborating and partnering
  • Building capacity for all

Expected Timeline:

Advert close: 23:55hrs on 10th November 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: 17th November 2023

Interviews: w/c 4th December 2023

Please note these dates could be subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants)

Nationality requirements

Appointments to roles within UKHSA will be made in accordance with the Civil Service nationality rules. These can be found athttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rulesThis 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 theEuropean Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
  • 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

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 welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment.

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 Basic Personnel Security Standard. People working with government assets must complete Basic Personnel Security Standard checks.

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.

Please Note

This role is to be appointed under Civil Service Terms & Conditions. Full details on the T&Cs are found https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/

Are you already a civil servant, or employed by a Civil Service Commission accredited public body? Please state home department on your application form.

Do you meet the nationality requirements for this post? https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/

Complaint process:

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:Complaints1@ukhsa.gov.uk. 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.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Responsibilities section:

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

  • Support the HCBS Quality Lead to ensure that the quality management system meets appropriate accreditation requirements e.g. ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 15189:2022 when implemented.
  • To maintain the Q-Pulse Quality Management System by carrying out administration of all controlled documents on the Q-Pulse Quality Management System e.g., SOPs, Forms and Work Instructions, Manuals and Risk Assessments.
  • Uploading and management of audits, non-conformances, quality improvements and change controls on the Q-Pulse Quality Management System.
  • Deliver training to HCBS staff on the use of the Q-Pulse Quality Management System and provide relevant support as required.
  • Confidentially manage controlled documents which contain sensitive information. Ensuring the security, confidentiality and appropriateness of storage, access, and retrieval of records in accordance with legislation and UKHSA policies.
  • Conduct internal ISO-based quality audits according to a defined audit schedule and at senior manager request.

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.

Please see full duties and responsibilities attached

Essential Criteria:

It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of 1000 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the following criteria:

Essential

  • HNC or equivalent in life sciences, or demonstrable experience gained working in a Quality Assurance role.
  • Knowledge or experience working with electronic Quality Management Systems, e.g. Q-Pulse
  • To be able to work to tight deadlines and prioritise time and resources as well as ability to multi-task, have good organisational and interpersonal skills, e.g. able to work collaboratively
  • Excellent computer literacy skills with good knowledge of MS office and ability to produce accurate documentation and manipulate and present information effectively

Desirable

  • Basic auditing qualification or willingness to complete a qualification within 1 year.
  • Practical auditing experience
  • Practical experience working in a clinical/research laboratory
  • Knowledge of quality standards such as ISO 9001:2015 or ISO 15189:2022

Selection process details

STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT:

You will be required to complete an application form and a statement of suitability (up to 1000 words) This will be assessed in line with the advertised essential criteria please do provide evidence of how you meet this.

Your Statement of Suitability should outline your skills, experience, and achievements, providing evidence of your suitability for the role.

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.

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview.

STAGE 2 INTERVIEW

This competition will involve a face-to-face interview.

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.

The Success Profiles framework will be used to assess and recruit the most suitable candidate. The following behaviours will be used at the interview:

  • Changing and improving
  • Collaborating and partnering
  • Building capacity for all

Expected Timeline:

Advert close: 23:55hrs on 10th November 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: 17th November 2023

Interviews: w/c 4th December 2023

Please note these dates could be subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants)

Nationality requirements

Appointments to roles within UKHSA will be made in accordance with the Civil Service nationality rules. These can be found athttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rulesThis 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 theEuropean Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
  • 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

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 welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment.

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 Basic Personnel Security Standard. People working with government assets must complete Basic Personnel Security Standard checks.

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.

Please Note

This role is to be appointed under Civil Service Terms & Conditions. Full details on the T&Cs are found https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/

Are you already a civil servant, or employed by a Civil Service Commission accredited public body? Please state home department on your application form.

Do you meet the nationality requirements for this post? https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/

Complaint process:

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:Complaints1@ukhsa.gov.uk. 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.

Person Specification

Essential

Essential

  • HNC or equivalent in life sciences, or demonstrable experience gained working in a Quality Assurance role.
  • Knowledge or experience working with electronic Quality Management Systems, e.g. Q-Pulse
  • To be able to work to tight deadlines and prioritise time and resources as well as ability to multi-task, have good organisational and interpersonal skills, e.g. able to work collaboratively
  • Excellent computer literacy skills with good knowledge of MS office and ability to produce accurate documentation and manipulate and present information effectively

Desirable

  • Basic auditing qualification or willingness to complete a qualification within 1 year.
  • Practical auditing experience
  • Practical experience working in a clinical/research laboratory
  • Knowledge of quality standards such as ISO 9001:2015 or ISO 15189:2022
Person Specification

Essential

Essential

  • HNC or equivalent in life sciences, or demonstrable experience gained working in a Quality Assurance role.
  • Knowledge or experience working with electronic Quality Management Systems, e.g. Q-Pulse
  • To be able to work to tight deadlines and prioritise time and resources as well as ability to multi-task, have good organisational and interpersonal skills, e.g. able to work collaboratively
  • Excellent computer literacy skills with good knowledge of MS office and ability to produce accurate documentation and manipulate and present information effectively

Desirable

  • Basic auditing qualification or willingness to complete a qualification within 1 year.
  • Practical auditing experience
  • Practical experience working in a clinical/research laboratory
  • Knowledge of quality standards such as ISO 9001:2015 or ISO 15189:2022

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

UK Health Security Agency

Address

UKHSA Porton Down

Porton Down, Salisbury

SP4 0JG


Employer's website

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

UK Health Security Agency

Address

UKHSA Porton Down

Porton Down, Salisbury

SP4 0JG


Employer's website

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

RPO Talent Partner

Nathan Marron

Nathan.Marron@reed.com

Details

Date posted

27 October 2023

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£30,473 to £37,215 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

UKHSA00800

Job locations

UKHSA Porton Down

Porton Down, Salisbury

SP4 0JG


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

UK Health Security Agency's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)