UK Health Security Agency

Environmental Public Health Practitioner

The closing date is 12 September 2025

Job summary

The Environmental Hazards and Emergencies (EHE) Department provides authoritative scientific advice to government, the NHS and other bodies. EHE's mission is to prepare for and prevent future health security hazards, strengthen capability and to respond to chemical and environmental emergencies, and build the UK's capacity on health security for new and long-term exposure to environmental hazards.

The EHE Department comprises of multidisciplinary teams of scientists working across geographically dispersed locations within England and Wales. The department is responsible for providing specialist advice at local, national and international level on the public health impact of acute and chronic non-infectious environmental exposures. Scientists collaborate with academia on research and evidence reviews to underpin this advice, such as via the National Institute of Health Research Health Protection Research Units (HPRU). Many scientists also sit on cross government and multi-agency expert groups relevant to environmental public health. EHE also provides support to the Department of Health and Social care (DHSC) expert committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants (COMEAP).

Main duties of the job

The post holder, based in the Air Quality and Public Health group, will work with the team to support the objectives of UKHSA's Cleaner Air programme to develop and share the evidence base on air quality, improve how information on the health impacts of air pollution are communicated; and encourage and support behaviour change at every level.

The post holder will contribute to the development of evidence of expert advice on the mortality and morbidity effects associated with both indoor and outdoor air pollution and the health impacts of interventions aiming to improve air quality.

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

29 August 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£34,093 to £41,509 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

5 years

Working pattern

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

Reference number

919-JP-303050-EXT

Job locations

UKHSA Chilton

Didcot

OX11 0RQ


Job description

Job responsibilities

The bulk of the work will support the delivery of some key tasks, such as:

  • Support the development of advice on the health effects and risk assessments of air pollutants and effectiveness of air quality interventions.
  • Contribute to research and peer-reviewed publications on indoor and outdoor air quality as required and in collaboration with other UKHSA departments / directorates and external partners.
  • Participation in the UKRI funded projects CHILI and INHABIT and in the HPRU Climate Change and Health Security, Theme 3 on Healthy Indoor Environments, assisting in project management and knowledge mobilisation.
  • Contribution to capacity building, communication and training, both internal and external for developing and disseminating the evidence base for reducing the health impacts of air pollution.
  • Ensuring all data/ information generated within the air quality work programme is stored in an appropriate manner, ideally in an electronic form consistent with UKHSAs information management policies

The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. The post holder may carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by the directorate.

Professional development

  • You should pursue a programme of continuous professional development in accordance with any relevant professional registration or statutory requirements, while maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements.
  • To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal, and external to UKHSA. This will include;Internal

  • Daily with members of the Air Quality and Public Health Group.
  • Frequently with Head of Department.
  • Frequently with other EHE staff.
  • Occasionally with other staff in RCCE at all levels (up to and including Directorate).

External

  • Regularly with collaborating scientists and academics worldwide at a professional level.
  • Periodically with colleagues in the Department of Health and Social Care, Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Devolved Administrations and other Government Departments and Agencies.

Essential Criteria

  • Relevant Bachelors or Master's qualification in a relevant science subject (eg Chemistry, Physics or Environmental Science) or equivalent level of experience in air pollution, environmental science, toxicology, social science or allied subject
  • Awareness of the health effects and regulation of air pollutants
  • Experience of working in air pollution
  • Use of statistical analysis
  • Understanding of project management
  • Skills for project and database management
  • Holding a driving licence

Selection Process

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours and technical skills.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

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

  • An application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
  • A 1250 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

Please note only those meeting all essential criteria will be taken through to shortlisting.

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

  • Holding a driving licence

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

Please do not exceed 1250 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview (Success Profiles)

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

Behaviours and technical skills will be tested at interview.

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:

  • Communicating and Influencing
  • Working Together
  • Working at Pace

You will be asked to prepare and present a 10 minute presentation. The subject of this will be sent to you prior to the 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 hybrid working based at our Scientific Campus in Didcot, Oxfordshire. Please note that there will regular nationwide travel as part of the role.

We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using 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 be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, averaged over a month) at the Didcot campus.

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 meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security Standard.

Successful candidates must also meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed Counter-terrorist Check clearance.

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.

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.

Job description

Job responsibilities

The bulk of the work will support the delivery of some key tasks, such as:

  • Support the development of advice on the health effects and risk assessments of air pollutants and effectiveness of air quality interventions.
  • Contribute to research and peer-reviewed publications on indoor and outdoor air quality as required and in collaboration with other UKHSA departments / directorates and external partners.
  • Participation in the UKRI funded projects CHILI and INHABIT and in the HPRU Climate Change and Health Security, Theme 3 on Healthy Indoor Environments, assisting in project management and knowledge mobilisation.
  • Contribution to capacity building, communication and training, both internal and external for developing and disseminating the evidence base for reducing the health impacts of air pollution.
  • Ensuring all data/ information generated within the air quality work programme is stored in an appropriate manner, ideally in an electronic form consistent with UKHSAs information management policies

The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. The post holder may carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by the directorate.

Professional development

  • You should pursue a programme of continuous professional development in accordance with any relevant professional registration or statutory requirements, while maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements.
  • To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal, and external to UKHSA. This will include;Internal

  • Daily with members of the Air Quality and Public Health Group.
  • Frequently with Head of Department.
  • Frequently with other EHE staff.
  • Occasionally with other staff in RCCE at all levels (up to and including Directorate).

External

  • Regularly with collaborating scientists and academics worldwide at a professional level.
  • Periodically with colleagues in the Department of Health and Social Care, Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Devolved Administrations and other Government Departments and Agencies.

Essential Criteria

  • Relevant Bachelors or Master's qualification in a relevant science subject (eg Chemistry, Physics or Environmental Science) or equivalent level of experience in air pollution, environmental science, toxicology, social science or allied subject
  • Awareness of the health effects and regulation of air pollutants
  • Experience of working in air pollution
  • Use of statistical analysis
  • Understanding of project management
  • Skills for project and database management
  • Holding a driving licence

Selection Process

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours and technical skills.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

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

  • An application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
  • A 1250 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

Please note only those meeting all essential criteria will be taken through to shortlisting.

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

  • Holding a driving licence

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

Please do not exceed 1250 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview (Success Profiles)

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

Behaviours and technical skills will be tested at interview.

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:

  • Communicating and Influencing
  • Working Together
  • Working at Pace

You will be asked to prepare and present a 10 minute presentation. The subject of this will be sent to you prior to the 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 hybrid working based at our Scientific Campus in Didcot, Oxfordshire. Please note that there will regular nationwide travel as part of the role.

We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using 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 be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, averaged over a month) at the Didcot campus.

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 meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security Standard.

Successful candidates must also meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed Counter-terrorist Check clearance.

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.

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.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Essential

  • Application Form and Statement of Suitability

Behaviours

Essential

  • Communicating and Influencing
  • Working Together
  • Working at pace
Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Essential

  • Application Form and Statement of Suitability

Behaviours

Essential

  • Communicating and Influencing
  • Working Together
  • Working at pace

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 Chilton

Didcot

OX11 0RQ


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 Chilton

Didcot

OX11 0RQ


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:

Recruitment Support

Jon Payne

jonathan.payne@ukhsa.gov.uk

Details

Date posted

29 August 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£34,093 to £41,509 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

5 years

Working pattern

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

Reference number

919-JP-303050-EXT

Job locations

UKHSA Chilton

Didcot

OX11 0RQ


Privacy notice

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