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
Salary information: Grade 7 (£54,416-£64,485) or Afc Band 8a (£55,690-£62,682)
Main duties of the job
To work with the team of laboratory managers, deputy laboratory managers, departmental quality leads, laboratory equipment officers and laboratory staff and support the North West Regional Head of Operations in ensuring that the quality system in place at UKHSA Manchester regional laboratories are maintained and continually developed to ensure continued compliance with all required standards, regulations and guidelines.
To represent quality & governance on behalf of UKHSA Manchester regional laboratories and the MMMP in committee meetings and senior staff meetings.
To take a lead role in quality management across UKHSA Manchester regional laboratories and MMMP and make decisions independently relating to governance issues.
To liaise with the senior staff including the Regional Head of Operations, Laboratory Managers, Quality Leads and the laboratory teams in achieving, implementing and maintaining the accreditation in allocated laboratories. This will include advice on quality systems, accreditation and certification, as appropriate, and to lead continual improvement in quality processes.
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
Job description
Job responsibilities
Your key responsibilities will include to:
- Influence long term decision making, planning and project management in governance related areas within the MMMP and advise on governance issues
- Maintain close links between quality and governance arrangements, including supporting adverse incident investigation and management
- Implement quality improvements within UKHSA Manchester regional laboratories/MMMP as appropriate, involving the development of new protocols and procedures
- Produce assurance reports at regular intervals
- Support the Laboratory Quality Leads and Laboratory Equipment Officer
- Support laboratory staff to perform governance activities and monitor their effectiveness; review current Q&G reports
- Support the effective governance of the MMMP and ensure that this is consistent with UKHSA and MFT governance
- Influence governance management decisions
- Champion Change Control throughout the MMMP
- Provide expertise and practical support for preparation for, and organisation of, inspections by third party assessors, such as UKAS and certification bodies, commercial organisations, or research councils and to progress issues arising from these assessments and inspections
- Plan and carry out internal quality audits against ISO 15189 and any other relevant standards in accordance with approved audit plans.
- Prepare reports of audits and to communicate findings of audits to staff as appropriate. Drive quality issues arising from audits and to assist the laboratory staff to resolve these in a timely fashion
- Prepare and review international documents for accreditation and certification
- Troubleshoot and advise upon problems resulting from audits and interpretation of quality data
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.
Essential criteria
- Science degree or equivalent in microbiology or a related pathology discipline and HCPC registration
- MSc in Biomedical Science/Microbiology/Biological Sciences or demonstrable equivalent experiential learning gained in a medical laboratory environment
- Quality management qualification
- Evidence of continuing professional development
- Substantial laboratory experience working in an accredited medical laboratory
- Experience in managing quality in an accredited laboratory
- Experience in applying a range of standards, regulations and guidelines applicable to clinical laboratories
- Understanding of governance principles and procedures
- Understanding and experience of change management
- Experience managing a team of staff as well as projects
- Wide experience of common office software applications, using and setting up databases
- Excellent verbal and written communication, data analysis and statistical skills
- Experience of attending management meetings and presenting information to management
- Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
- Excellent interpersonal, negotiating and organisational skills, self-motivated, analytical and adaptable
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.
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 16 essential criteria listed, and this will be in the form of a:
- Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
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 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 essentialcriteria
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:
- Science degree or equivalent in microbiology or a related pathology discipline and HCPC registration
Please do not exceed 1500 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 minimum of 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:
- Influence long term decision making, planning and project management in governance related areas within the MMMP and advise on governance issues
- Maintain close links between quality and governance arrangements, including supporting adverse incident investigation and management
- Implement quality improvements within UKHSA Manchester regional laboratories/MMMP as appropriate, involving the development of new protocols and procedures
- Produce assurance reports at regular intervals
- Support the Laboratory Quality Leads and Laboratory Equipment Officer
- Support laboratory staff to perform governance activities and monitor their effectiveness; review current Q&G reports
- Support the effective governance of the MMMP and ensure that this is consistent with UKHSA and MFT governance
- Influence governance management decisions
- Champion Change Control throughout the MMMP
- Provide expertise and practical support for preparation for, and organisation of, inspections by third party assessors, such as UKAS and certification bodies, commercial organisations, or research councils and to progress issues arising from these assessments and inspections
- Plan and carry out internal quality audits against ISO 15189 and any other relevant standards in accordance with approved audit plans.
- Prepare reports of audits and to communicate findings of audits to staff as appropriate. Drive quality issues arising from audits and to assist the laboratory staff to resolve these in a timely fashion
- Prepare and review international documents for accreditation and certification
- Troubleshoot and advise upon problems resulting from audits and interpretation of quality data
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.
Essential criteria
- Science degree or equivalent in microbiology or a related pathology discipline and HCPC registration
- MSc in Biomedical Science/Microbiology/Biological Sciences or demonstrable equivalent experiential learning gained in a medical laboratory environment
- Quality management qualification
- Evidence of continuing professional development
- Substantial laboratory experience working in an accredited medical laboratory
- Experience in managing quality in an accredited laboratory
- Experience in applying a range of standards, regulations and guidelines applicable to clinical laboratories
- Understanding of governance principles and procedures
- Understanding and experience of change management
- Experience managing a team of staff as well as projects
- Wide experience of common office software applications, using and setting up databases
- Excellent verbal and written communication, data analysis and statistical skills
- Experience of attending management meetings and presenting information to management
- Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
- Excellent interpersonal, negotiating and organisational skills, self-motivated, analytical and adaptable
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.
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 16 essential criteria listed, and this will be in the form of a:
- Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
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 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 essentialcriteria
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:
- Science degree or equivalent in microbiology or a related pathology discipline and HCPC registration
Please do not exceed 1500 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 minimum of 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
Application form and supporting statement
Essential
- Application form and supporting statement
Essential criteria
Essential
- Questions on experience, knowledge and skills
Person Specification
Application form and supporting statement
Essential
- Application form and supporting statement
Essential criteria
Essential
- Questions on experience, knowledge and skills
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.
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.
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).
