UK Health Security Agency

Laboratory Administrative Office Supervisor

The closing date is 19 May 2025

Job summary

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

Main duties of the job

This is an exciting opportunity to join the largest Virology departments in England. The Virology department forms part of The Manchester Medical Microbiology Partnership (MMMP), which is a collaboration between Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The laboratory therefore provides both a clinical Virology service and a public health Virology service to the North-West of England and beyond.

The post holder will:

  • Work as part of the laboratory team to undertake efficient administration and clerical service in accordance to the laboratory needs.
  • Supervise and co-ordinate the activities of administration and clerical staff working in the office area of the laboratory over two sites.
  • Maintain confidentiality, accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Be willing and able to train staff to a high level.

About us

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

Details

Date posted

12 May 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£23,875 to £25,394 a year Per annum, pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

2 years

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

919-HM-300396-EXT

Job locations

Manchester Royal Infirmary

Oxford Road

Manchester

M13 9WZ


Job description

Job responsibilities

Your key responsibilities will include to:

  • Follow agreed protocols and policies seeking advice where appropriate from more senior staff
  • Contribute to the care, maintenance and security of laboratory premises and equipment
  • Maintain confidentiality in line with the Data Protection Act and following Caldecott guidelines
  • Participate in the Saturday morning rota and expected to participate in Sunday, Bank Holiday rosters, and out of hours service.
  • Supervise office areas, as required ensuring priorities are dealt with effectively and the problems are resolved in a timely manner.
  • Be responsible for accessing and handling patient samples and request forms within the confines of a laboratory environment to enable the accurate input and onward transmission of critically accurate data in accordance with laboratory standard operating procedures and consistent with all safety and quality requirements.
  • Sample receipt and handling of Dried Blood Spot test cards
  • Label patient samples with laboratory numbers
  • Label additional tubes with laboratory numbers in preparation for sample analysis
  • Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) when undertaking clerical duties within a laboratory environment.
  • Ensure all work being supervised is in accordance with the agreed protocols and policies seeking advice where appropriate.
  • When needed cover for staff that they supervise in cases of annual leave and sickness.
  • Train new and existing members of staff on an on-going basis.
  • Be responsible for the merging of patient records in accordance with MMMP policy, making sure an audit trail is available for each merge by recording on telepath and the Dart System.
  • Understand and add medical staff and locations into Telepath libraries ensuring appropriate protocol is followed and seek advice when necessary.
  • Update the Sysnm table when needed at the Wythenshawe site, with regards to EPR and communicate with the local IT.
  • Print and mark print runs for internal and external laboratory reports in accordance with Data Protection and postal regulations.
  • Supervise the clerical staff in the preparation of reports leaving the laboratory for hospital and other clients in the UK and aboard.
  • Order DX consumables, communicating with DX on undelivered items stock and daily deliveries.
  • Organize with the storage provider the pickup of documents for offsite storage and ensure the items are logged on the correct spread sheets.
  • Produce the weekly office Rotas
  • Supervise the staff in dispatching of consumables to customers from the laboratory.
  • Receive and email customers with regards to incorrect information supplied on laboratory forms ensuring Data Protection is not comprised.
  • React to the needs of the Medico legal department with regards to copy reports.
  • Carry out regular audits with regards to quarterly Health and Safety. Audit of staff data input to identify training needs of individuals or the team.
  • Assist in Interview with regards to the interview tests.
  • Complete internal incident form within the office areas.
  • Undertake ongoing training and development and update their Personal Development Plan as required by the Office Manager. Keeping up to date with advances in providing an efficient and effective clerical service.
  • Maintain stock levels and understand ordering system for office supplies and inform the Office Manager of any items that require to be ordered.
  • Produce invoices on the MAPS system on behalf of the laboratory ensuring that the information is correct and up to date.
  • Pursue customers for outstanding/overdue invoice payments as requested by Accounts payable.
  • Produce credit notes when required with regards to customer enquires or information from Accounts payable.
  • Supervise the operation of the franking machine ensuring compliance with current postal regulation and the uploading and monitoring of funds available on the franking machine and account held by Neopost.
  • Participate in holding the Outbreak telephone for Virology with regards to Flu outbreaks on a large scale.
  • Assist in Q pulse updating and printing EPs when requested.
  • Respond to customers needs when their Telepath remote printing is broken, informing local IT of the issue and putting a plan in place for paper report, so not affect patients.
  • Respond to customers enquires regarding reports, not received back ensuring duplicate report are sent and try to investigate the reason way.
  • Complete Return to Work interviews and ensure the correct paperwork is given to Line Manager.

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.

Selection process details

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your knowledge and experience, and/or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the 7 essential criteria listed, and this will be in the form of a:

  • Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
  • 750-word Statement of Suitability

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.

The Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together.

Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:

  • Meets all essentialcriteria
  • Meets some essential criteria

  • Meets no essential criteria

Piles Meets all essentialcriteriawill be moved through to the shortlisting stage.

Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:

  • Experience of problem-solving approach to the range of diverse issues that arise on a daily basis

Please do not exceed 750 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview.

Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered.

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.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview (competency based)

You will be invited to a (single) face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Location

This role is being offered as office/lab based at our site in Manchester.

If based at one of our labs, 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.

Eligibility Criteria

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

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Your key responsibilities will include to:

  • Follow agreed protocols and policies seeking advice where appropriate from more senior staff
  • Contribute to the care, maintenance and security of laboratory premises and equipment
  • Maintain confidentiality in line with the Data Protection Act and following Caldecott guidelines
  • Participate in the Saturday morning rota and expected to participate in Sunday, Bank Holiday rosters, and out of hours service.
  • Supervise office areas, as required ensuring priorities are dealt with effectively and the problems are resolved in a timely manner.
  • Be responsible for accessing and handling patient samples and request forms within the confines of a laboratory environment to enable the accurate input and onward transmission of critically accurate data in accordance with laboratory standard operating procedures and consistent with all safety and quality requirements.
  • Sample receipt and handling of Dried Blood Spot test cards
  • Label patient samples with laboratory numbers
  • Label additional tubes with laboratory numbers in preparation for sample analysis
  • Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) when undertaking clerical duties within a laboratory environment.
  • Ensure all work being supervised is in accordance with the agreed protocols and policies seeking advice where appropriate.
  • When needed cover for staff that they supervise in cases of annual leave and sickness.
  • Train new and existing members of staff on an on-going basis.
  • Be responsible for the merging of patient records in accordance with MMMP policy, making sure an audit trail is available for each merge by recording on telepath and the Dart System.
  • Understand and add medical staff and locations into Telepath libraries ensuring appropriate protocol is followed and seek advice when necessary.
  • Update the Sysnm table when needed at the Wythenshawe site, with regards to EPR and communicate with the local IT.
  • Print and mark print runs for internal and external laboratory reports in accordance with Data Protection and postal regulations.
  • Supervise the clerical staff in the preparation of reports leaving the laboratory for hospital and other clients in the UK and aboard.
  • Order DX consumables, communicating with DX on undelivered items stock and daily deliveries.
  • Organize with the storage provider the pickup of documents for offsite storage and ensure the items are logged on the correct spread sheets.
  • Produce the weekly office Rotas
  • Supervise the staff in dispatching of consumables to customers from the laboratory.
  • Receive and email customers with regards to incorrect information supplied on laboratory forms ensuring Data Protection is not comprised.
  • React to the needs of the Medico legal department with regards to copy reports.
  • Carry out regular audits with regards to quarterly Health and Safety. Audit of staff data input to identify training needs of individuals or the team.
  • Assist in Interview with regards to the interview tests.
  • Complete internal incident form within the office areas.
  • Undertake ongoing training and development and update their Personal Development Plan as required by the Office Manager. Keeping up to date with advances in providing an efficient and effective clerical service.
  • Maintain stock levels and understand ordering system for office supplies and inform the Office Manager of any items that require to be ordered.
  • Produce invoices on the MAPS system on behalf of the laboratory ensuring that the information is correct and up to date.
  • Pursue customers for outstanding/overdue invoice payments as requested by Accounts payable.
  • Produce credit notes when required with regards to customer enquires or information from Accounts payable.
  • Supervise the operation of the franking machine ensuring compliance with current postal regulation and the uploading and monitoring of funds available on the franking machine and account held by Neopost.
  • Participate in holding the Outbreak telephone for Virology with regards to Flu outbreaks on a large scale.
  • Assist in Q pulse updating and printing EPs when requested.
  • Respond to customers needs when their Telepath remote printing is broken, informing local IT of the issue and putting a plan in place for paper report, so not affect patients.
  • Respond to customers enquires regarding reports, not received back ensuring duplicate report are sent and try to investigate the reason way.
  • Complete Return to Work interviews and ensure the correct paperwork is given to Line Manager.

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.

Selection process details

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your knowledge and experience, and/or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the 7 essential criteria listed, and this will be in the form of a:

  • Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
  • 750-word Statement of Suitability

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.

The Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together.

Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:

  • Meets all essentialcriteria
  • Meets some essential criteria

  • Meets no essential criteria

Piles Meets all essentialcriteriawill be moved through to the shortlisting stage.

Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:

  • Experience of problem-solving approach to the range of diverse issues that arise on a daily basis

Please do not exceed 750 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview.

Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered.

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.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview (competency based)

You will be invited to a (single) face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Location

This role is being offered as office/lab based at our site in Manchester.

If based at one of our labs, 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.

Eligibility Criteria

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

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

Person Specification

Essential criteria

Essential

  • Grade C or above in Maths and English or equivalent qualification or equivalent work experience in a laboratory office
  • Evidence of working towards a formal qualification in supervisory management or relevant experience as a supervisor in an office environment
  • Experience of problem-solving approach to the range of diverse issues that arise on a daily basis
  • Evidence of training and development
  • The post holder will be extremely well organized, efficient and flexible
  • A good communicator
  • Ability to take part in weekend and bank holiday working
Person Specification

Essential criteria

Essential

  • Grade C or above in Maths and English or equivalent qualification or equivalent work experience in a laboratory office
  • Evidence of working towards a formal qualification in supervisory management or relevant experience as a supervisor in an office environment
  • Experience of problem-solving approach to the range of diverse issues that arise on a daily basis
  • Evidence of training and development
  • The post holder will be extremely well organized, efficient and flexible
  • A good communicator
  • Ability to take part in weekend and bank holiday working

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

Manchester Royal Infirmary

Oxford Road

Manchester

M13 9WZ


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

Manchester Royal Infirmary

Oxford Road

Manchester

M13 9WZ


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:

Resourcing Officer

Harry Mccullagh

recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk

Details

Date posted

12 May 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£23,875 to £25,394 a year Per annum, pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

2 years

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

919-HM-300396-EXT

Job locations

Manchester Royal Infirmary

Oxford Road

Manchester

M13 9WZ


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

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