Chair of AWERB, Named Information Officer and Discipline Lead for Animal Sciences (CR2611)

Job summary

Do you want to be part of a team protecting Great Britain from exotic and notifiable diseases? Are you interested in research on these diseases, particularly animal research, and want to have a say on the ethical approval of such studies, taking into account the 3Rs (replacement, reduction, refinement)? Do you want to interact with different departments and disciplines to promote animal science within APHA? If so, why not join us and make a difference to control and eradicate disease in animals with animal welfare at heart.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is an executive agency of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, and works on behalf of the Scottish Government and Welsh Government. Our diverse teams of over 3,000 skilled and committed professionals come together to provide research, advice and support to UK Government for safeguarding animal, public and plant health for benefit of the environment and economy.

APHA is a brilliant place to work where our people feel valued, have a voice and can be their authentic selves. We value difference and diversity, because it helps us be more innovative and make better decisions. We are dedicated to being an inclusive employer, offering equitable opportunities for all individuals. Our goal is to build a diverse workforce, and we hope to attract applications from all backgrounds and underrepresented groups.

The Science Directorate (SD) delivers high quality, high impact and highly relevant multidisciplinary science. Our People are diverse, talented, engaged and inspired to deliver innovative outcomes.

As chair of APHA’s Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB) you ensure that the ethical review process is followed as outlined under the Animal (Scientific) Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA), approve animal studies that fall under the Act and function as deputy for the Establishment Licence holder. As Named Information Officer you will contribute to the development of new procedural techniques or skills in unfamiliar species and play an active role in implementing animal welfare and the 3Rs. As Discipline Lead you are responsible for building capability, expertise, and networks in animal science to support APHA’s science strategy. You are also responsible for developing a strategic plan for the discipline including recommendations on succession, resource allocation and facility issues.

Job description

You will be required to have excellent communication skills to act as chair and discipline lead, liaising with a diverse range of people, using all modern communication tools, in writing and verbally. You will use electronic communication tools, including online diaries, SharePoint, Excel, PowerPoint and Word. You will liaise frequently with others, both internally and external to APHA, and contribute to building a strong team.

This is a senior Animal Sciences post within the Pathology & Animal Sciences Department at APHA to support Animal Sciences research at APHA.

Responsibilities will include:

• Ensuring that APHA maintains its Culture of Care, by complying with all the animal welfare, 3Rs, legal, and ethical requirements for the use of animals under ASPA

As AWERB Chair:

• To ensure the AWERB meets its Terms of Reference and is an exemplar in the field following LASA/RSPCA guidance (also includes being joint AWERB hub chair with the Pirbright Institute)
• Promote 3R initiatives and support APHA’s Species Welfare and Advice Groups
• To advise and ethically review research work involving animals undertaken outside of ASPA, involving Dual use pathogens in animals and research work involving samples from humans by APHA staff
• Ensure the requirements of APHA being a signatory to Understanding Animal Research’s Openness Concordat are met

As Deputy for Establishment Licence Holder:

• Deputising for the Establishment Licence holder as Named Person Responsible for Compliance to ensure that the requirements of ASPA and the conditions of the establishment licence are complied with, including Animal in Science Regulation Unit audit actions
• Liaising with and ensuring performance of the following named persons: Named Veterinary Surgeon (NVS) team who advise on the health, welfare and treatment of the animals, Named Animal Care and Welfare Officer (NACWO) team who oversee the welfare and care of the animals; Named Training and Competency Officer (NTCO) who ensures that those dealing with animals are adequately educated, trained and supervised until they are competent and that they continue to undertake appropriate further training
• Work with APHA and Defra Group Property colleagues to ensure new animals buildings and refurbishments meet ASPA code of practice and liaise with the Animals in Science Regulation Unit to add them to the establishment licence
• Overseeing project licence applications to ensure continuity of APHA research involving animals
• To address Freedom of Information Act questions relating to ASPA
• Information Asset owner of ASPA licence material and line management of the Home Office Liaison Contact (HOLC) team and AWERB secretariat

As Named Information Officer:

• Provide guidance on ASPA, search for and disseminate up to date information on 3Rs and other relevant developments, particularly to AWERB and project licensees and applicants
• Ensure that up-to-date information relevant to the needs of those dealing with animals is readily available, including procedures on novel species used at APHA
• Maintain contacts outside APHA such as Laboratory Animal Science Association, Laboratory Animal Veterinary Association, National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement & Reduction of Animals in Research and Replacing Animal Research for information sharing

As Discipline Lead you manage the development of Animal Sciences within the Agency by:

• Assessing the capability levels of Animal Sciences across the Agency.
• Working with Lead Scientists and resource managers to ensure that there is sufficient consideration, expertise, and application of Animal Sciences to deliver the best scientific evidence to a specific scientific problem.
• Working with Lead Scientists and resource managers to ensure that there is regular development of expertise within Animal Sciences.
• Identifying external centres of excellence where strategic partnerships would strengthen capabilities available to the Agency in their discipline
• Arranging seminars and presentations of key developments in their area of expertise to selected audiences
• Developing a capability plan to advance Animal Sciences, which will identify what capabilities APHA will need to deliver our science and services in the future
• Acting as the focal point for a community of scientists, to coach and encourage best practice and to challenge others to ensure that sound scientific approaches are utilised, wherever the discipline is used across the Agency
• Provide specific metrics for the quarterly scorecard on Animal Sciences and present an annual review to other stakeholders to summarise activities, achievements and areas of improvement

Person specification

You must have demonstrable skills in written and spoken English to enable effective communication about veterinary topics with customers and colleagues and meet one of the following:

• have undertaken undergraduate veterinary training in English;

or

• have a sufficient command of spoken and written English to effectively perform the role being undertaken by a public sector worker in a customer-facing role

or

• have achieved the following scores in the academic international English Language Testing System (IELTS) or equivalent in a single sitting within 24 months at time of application – Overall 7, Speaking 7, Listening 7, Reading 7, Writing 7.

Experience and skills

You will need to demonstrate the following:

• Experience in the use of animals in research, ideally in large and small animals
• Familiarity with the requirements of ASPA as a personal or project licence holder or named person
• High standards of work, strong work ethics, open-mindedness, relationship-building, time management and facilitation skills (soft skills)

Security clearance
The Weybridge site is a strategically important national asset due to its role as a reference laboratory supporting the Government’s response to national emergencies including disease outbreaks. For this reason all postholders based on the APHA Weybridge site must hold a valid Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) security clearance or above. It is up to each person applying for a post at APHA Weybridge to ensure they meet the residency criteria. Applicantsmust be currently resident in the UK & have at least three years continuous UK residency as this is a requirement to work at the Weybridge site where the team and work is situated.

Licences

A valid full driving licence is necessary as you will be required to drive around site to remote facilities.

Qualifications

•Animal Science, Bioscience or Veterinary degree
•Post graduate qualification in a science discipline, data acquisition and analysis supported by co-authorship of scientific publication or participation and leadership of scientific projects.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Leadership
• Seeing the Big Picture

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £62,000, Animal and Plant Health Agency contributes £17,961 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

In return for your dedication and hard work, we will support your ongoing personal development through appropriate training as inclusion, support and the development of our people matter to us. We aim to support the career and personal wellbeing of everyone in APHA. Our benefits include generous annual leave, a generous employer contributory pension, staff bonuses and recognition, salary sacrifice benefit options, and an employee discount scheme, reward vouchers and in-year bonuses. We also offer additional days off if accrued extra hours (flexi-time –if accumulated), three paid volunteering day per year. We also have a social committee who run team building and fun events at the Weybridge site. Further details can be found in the Candidate Information Pack.

Everyone in APHA is supported to develop their skills and capabilities. When you join the Directorate, you will be welcomed into your new team through an induction programme that will provide you with helpful information on the civil service, our work and our policies. Your line manager will also work with you to establish your priorities for the year, developing a performance, learning and development plan tailored to you and your role.

Ways of Working

This post requires you to be working on-site in Weybridge five days per week or less if part-time on a job share. To ensure continuity there will be a mentoring/ handover period from the current job holder.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

Application Process

You will be required to complete the following as part of your application

• A CV-style application submitted through an online tool accessed through the Civil Service Jobs website. There is no requirement to upload your personal CV.
• A 750-word Personal Statement of how you match the details in the Personal Specification – the written evidence you provide must relate to your own experiences. We encourage you to use the full word allowance of the Personal Statement but not to exceed it
• A 250-word Behaviour Statement for the following Behaviours (Leadership and Seeing the Big Picture). Please use the STAR technique (Situation Task, Action, Result) to provide evidence of the Behaviours in your application.

CV Guidance

Your CV should consist of your career history, including any key achievements and your main responsibilities in each role and be no longer than 2 pages. Your CV will be used to provide further context on your Personal Statement and scored against the essential criteria.

Personal Statement Guidance

When completing your Personal Statement, please read and understand the Person Specification thoroughly, as this is what your written evidence will be assessed against. Please ensure you evidence the key personal qualities and experiences that align with the criteria. Consider the Job Description and look to demonstrate how your previous experience may align with the expectations and be applicable to the role. The written evidence you provide must relate to your own experiences. Your layout is entirely your preference; you may choose narrative, bullets, etc.

Scoring for all criteria of the application is from 1 to 7 – A score of 4 and above in each area will progress to interview unless there is a large number of applications. In this instance, an initial sift will be conducted using the Personal Statement. The panel may agree a benchmark score higher than 4 with a rationale for the decision. Any candidates applying under the Disability Confident Scheme who scores 4 or above on all of the criteria will be offered an interview. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to interview.

For further guidance and information on how to construct your application (CV style application, Personal Statement and Behaviours), you are encouraged to visit the Civil Service Careers website. How to write your CV , Civil Service Careers

Eligibility

Please take extra care to tick the correct boxes in the eligibility sections of your application form. We understand mistakes sometimes happen but if you contact us later than two working days (Monday-Friday) before the vacancy closes, we will not be able to reopen your application for you. If you do make a mistake, please contact us via Science.DirectorateHR@apha.gov.uk with the vacancy reference number, your applicant reference number, and the closing date.

Interview

If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on

• Experience as detailed in the Person Specification section - Success Profiles: Experience - GOV.UK
• Behaviours (Leadership, Seeing the Big Picture, Communicating & Influencing and Working Together) The Behaviour criteria outlined in theSuccess Profiles: Civil Service behaviours - GOV.UKframework for Grade 7 positions. Please use the STAR technique (Situation Task, Action, Result) to provide evidence of the Behaviours in your interview.

Your interview will be conducted face to face. You will be notified of the location of the interview when you are notified of the interview.

Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Reserve List

A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.

Near Miss

Candidates who are judged to be a near miss at interview may be considered for other positions in Defra which may be at a lower grade but have a potential skills match.

In the event of more than one candidate meeting the criteria we may maintain a reserve list should a similar role become available in the subsequent 12 months following interview.

Candidates who do not meet the criteria for appointment at the advertised Grade, but are considered a ‘near miss’, may be offered a similar post at a Grade lower than the advertised role should one become available.

After the interview

Once all the interviews have been conducted, candidates will be notified of the outcome by email. If you are successful at the interview stage, we will be in touch to offer you a role. Offers will be made in merit order.

Further information

The successful candidate will need to comply with a number of health protocols and wear protective clothing and Respiratory Personal Protective Equipment (RPPE) as required. The work involved in this post can be physically demanding, therefore a level of physical fitness is required. This is due to access requirements to biosecure areas as part of this role.

Restrictions on outside/domestic contact with small animals, mainly rodents and rabbits, may apply.

The post will also require Health clearance. You will be expected to complete a questionnaire on your general health and have any necessary vaccinations or health surveillance, including Audiology, Influenza A viruses, Respiratory and Skin Sensitisers, TB and Tetanus. This will be arranged by the Health Team, Weybridge. It may also be necessary to undergo a pre-employment medical assessment.

Periodic travel within the UK and Europe may be required to attend training courses, conferences and scientific meetings. Travel costs to non-contractual workplaces will be subject to departmental travel and subsistence policies. Travel costs to contractual workplaces are the responsibility of the employee.

Out of hours work may be required. When overtime or out-of-hours work is required, APHA Management reserves the right to change overtime patterns to meet requirements. You may be eligible for overtime payments and where overtime is approved you will receive appropriate payment.

Location

Please be aware that this role(s) will be contractually based in a Defra group workplace/office. The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location, and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time.

The role is based at Weybridge where the team is located and due to the nature of the role and duties required. Flexibility in working hours is required if called upon to finish a particular urgent task or call upon in an event of an outbreak.

As part of the pre-employment process for this post, successful candidate(s) will be able to agree a contractual workplace from those locations listed in this advert. The agreed contractual workplace is then the substantive and permanent place of work for the successful candidate(s).

The agreed amount of time spent at a workplace for this post will reflect the requirement for Civil Servants to spend at least 60% of their working time in an organisation workplace with the option to work the remaining time flexibly from home. Working time spent at a workplace may include time spent at other organisational locations including field-based operational locations, together with supplier, customer or partner locations. This is a non-contractual agreement which is consistent with common Civil Service expectations.

Travel costs to non-contractual workplaces will be subject to departmental travel and subsistence policies. Travel costs to contractual workplaces are the responsibility of the employee.

The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location, and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time.

Defra includes the core department, APHA, RPA, Cefas and VMD.

Salary

New entrants are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.

Full Time Only

This role is full time only. Applicants who wish to work an alternative pattern are welcome to apply however your preferred working pattern may not be available and you should discuss this with the vacancy holder before applying.

We may consider two part-time staff on a job-share basis if continuity can be arranged. Part-time hours will only be considered as part of a job share.

Flexibility in working hours is required if called upon to finish a particular urgent task or call upon in an event of an outbreak.

Visa Sponsorship Statement

Please take note that Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.

Reasonable Adjustment

If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

• Contact Government Recruitment Service via grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
• Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.

Accessibility

If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

Criminal Record Check

If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check may be carried out.

In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.

Internal Fraud Database Check

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.

A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

NSV

For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the Demystifying Vetting website.

Higher Security Clearance

Please be aware the levels of national security clearance are changing which may impact on the level needed for this role by the time of appointment. All efforts will be made to keep candidates informed of any changes and what that will mean in terms of vetting criteria. For more information please See our vetting charter

The Weybridge site is a strategically important national asset due to its role as a reference laboratory supporting the Governments response to national emergencies including disease outbreaks. For this reason, all staff based on the APHA Weybridge site must hold a valid Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) security clearance. Applicants must be currently resident in the UK and have at least three years continuous UK residency in order to start the mandatory Counter Terrorist Check security checks that are required to work at APHA Weybridge. If you cannot meet this criterion, CTC clearance will not be possible as this is part of pre-employment checks required before taking up the post.

Childcare Vouchers

Any move to Apha 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; for further information visit the Childcare Choices website.

Feedback

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Medical

Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

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).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.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : Jade Gandhi
• Email : jade.gandhi@apha.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Further information

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