Data Surveillance Information Officer

Job summary

UKHSA’s local Health Protection Teams (HPTs) play a central role in protecting public health by working with partners to deliver surveillance, monitoring, operational support, advice, education, training and research.

The Data Surveillance Information Officer (DSIO) is essential to delivering HPT objectives, providing expert information management and administrative support to ensure efficient service delivery. Working closely with colleagues across the Health Protection Team and Field Services, the postholder helps maintain a coordinated and responsive health protection service.

The role supports clinical incident management from a data perspective, strengthens governance processes and promotes high standards of data quality. By collaborating with Acute Response Duty Teams, the DSIO provides data analysis, information and operational insight to support informed decision-making and timely responses to emerging challenges.

You are responsible for supporting the flow, storage and retrieval of data across the regional team, ensuring data integrity, analysis and reporting. They also contribute to the development of information systems and liaise with external organisations where required.

The DSIO works with Consultants in Health Protection, microbiologists and other professional staff, ensuring routine and ad hoc reports are produced and shared, while supporting regional health protection activities, including outbreak and incident investigations.

Working for your organisation

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

1. Support clinical staff in managing infectious disease cases and outbreaks through follow-up, coordination of results and data analysis, providing accurate and timely information to the team.
2. Ensure robust data flow and reporting mechanisms for laboratory and clinical notifications to protect individuals and local populations and support continuous improvement of health protection functions.
3. Ensure all records are processed and maintained in line with agreed protocols and SOPs; and checks are made on data electronically submitted
4. Assist the DSS in ensuring timely reporting to the Health Protection team and partner organisations in line with the surveillance reporting calendar.
5. Develop, manage and maintain surveillance systems and databases for communicable diseases and environmental hazards, ensuring data from all sources is valid and accurately recorded.
6. Liaise with key surveillance partners including Field Services, Local Authorities, Microbiologists, TB nurses, and regional and national teams.
7. Ensure surveillance databases remain accurate and consistent, resolving data quality issues.
8. Audit data and information systems to ensure integrity and reliability and contribute to surveillance quality improvements.
9. Review and evaluate routine and ad hoc surveillance reports to ensure timely and accurate delivery.
10. Support outbreak investigations and epidemiological research through reports, graphs and outbreak curves. May participate in food poisoning investigations including questionnaire design, data entry and analysis. May require out-of-hours working with time off in lieu.
11. Provide CIMS training for staff as required, and Act as CIMS Information Champion for the region.
12. Attend meetings and working groups representing the Surveillance function and complete associated actions.
13. Prepare SOPs based on national guidance with health protection clinical staff.
14. Maintain confidentiality and information security in line with UKHSA policies, the Data Protection Act and Caldicott requirements.
15. Attend professional meetings, conferences and training as designated by the Manager/Surveillance Lead/Regional Deputy Director.

Professional Development

1. Identify and address professional development needs through appraisal and development planning, attending relevant training.
2. Complete all mandatory training, including fire safety and information governance.

Key Working Relationships

The post holder will communicate regularly with a wide range of clinical and non-clinical colleagues within and outside UKHSA.

Internal

• UKHSA Regional teams
• Other UKHSA divisions/directorates

External

• NHS Trust microbiology departments
• Infection Prevention & Control teams
• Hospital clinicians, microbiologists and infection control staff
• Local Authorities
• General Practitioners and staff
• Integrated Care Boards

Main Duties

• Support the data of infectious disease surveillance, notifications, and outbreak data.
• Maintain accurate databases, reporting systems, and statutory returns (CIMS)
• Analyse data, produce reports, and support outbreak investigations
• Ensure data quality, compliance, and information governance standards
• Collaborate with health partners and provide system training and guidance
• Develop procedures, represent the surveillance function, and support service improvement

Please note this list is not exhaustive.

Person specification

Essential role criteria:

• Educated to degree level in numerate discipline, computer science or IT equivalent which demonstrates core statistical skills or have worked in a statistical/data science field and are able to demonstrate continuous professional development in statistics/data science and has an understanding of basic epidemiological terms and methods.
• Highly proficient in the use of computers, databases, and Microsoft Access, Word and Excel, with experience in data management, analysis, reporting and presentation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate proactively, accurately and succinctly, and to negotiate effectively with a wide range of health, IT and academic professionals.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise and coordinate workloads, work independently and collaboratively, and meet tight deadlines.
• Demonstrates sound numeracy, attention to detail and problem-solving skills, producing accurate, consistent work and dealing with issues calmly, efficiently and in a timely manner.
• Committed to maintaining confidentiality, undertaking training and participating in continuous professional development.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities and environments, with a willingness to travel for meetings and training across the region and occasionally beyon

Desirable role criteria:

• Use of some of the following: spreadsheets, databases, GIS, statistical software (e.g. R, Stata, SAS, SPSS)
• Experience of maintaining code using R or an alternative statistical package
• Working in communicable disease surveillance
• Use of Refman or equivalent and Microsoft Powerpoint
• Applying for research governance approval

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £28,547, UK Health Security Agency contributes £8,270 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• 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 employer contribution of 28.97%

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

Stage 1: Application & Sift

Competency Based

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

• Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)

• 1000 word supporting statement.

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.

You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (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).

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 1000 words. We will not consider any words over 1000 words.

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

1. Meets all essential criteria
2. Meets some essential criteria
3. Meets no essential criteria

If used, the pile ‘Meets all essential criteria’ will proceed to shortlisting.

Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of:

• Educated to degree level in numerate discipline, computer science or IT equivalent which demonstrates core statistical skills or have worked in a statistical/data science field and are able to demonstrate continuous professional development in statistics/data science
• Experience in data management, handling, analysis and reporting

Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/large amount of successful candidates.

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

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

Competency Based

You will be invited to a single remote interview. Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.

Interview dates to be confirmed.

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

Additional Information

Salary Information

If you are successful at interview and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.

Location

This role is being offered as hybrid working based at either one of our SE offices in Fareham, Ashford (Kent), Horsham or Chilton.

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) working at our campus or hub.

If you are based at our office in Chilton, 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.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a basic disclosure and barring security check before they can be appointed.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed if based out of Fareham, Ashford (Kent), or Horsham is Baseline Personnel Security Standard and Counter-Terrorist Check for those based out of Chilton.

Eligibility Criteria

This vacancy is open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service as well as internal applicants.

If this role is fixed term and you are not currently a Civil Servant, you will take up the post on a Fixed Term appointment; you may be able to take this role up as a Secondment. If you are an existing Civil Servant, based outside of UKHSA, you will take up the post as a loan which you will need your department to agree. Loans are normally agreed for a period of two years. However, this may be extended where required, subject to agreement between UKHSA and your home department. You cannot take the post up as a fixed term. If you are an existing UKHSA member of staff, you will take up the post as either a level transfer or a temporary promotion as per the UKHSA’s Pay policy. If this role is permanent, it may also be available as a loan (for existing Civil Servants only) or secondment arrangement, subject to business need and agreement from the hiring manager and, where applicable, the employee's home organisation.

Reserve List

If more than the required number of suitable candidates pass the interview criteria, you may be kept on a reserve list for 12 months subject to your agreement. You may be contacted, in merit-order, if similar roles with closely matching essential criteria become available and the department choose to appoint from a reserve list.

The panel will assess if candidates meet the requirement of the role first, using a specific benchmark system. If you are interviewed for the post and do not meet the required threshold for the specified grade, your application may be assessed against a similar, lower grade role and you may be offered the post should one be available.

Incident Response Activity

From time to time, the role holder may be required to support UKHSA’s incident response activity by contributing their appropriate expertise within an Incident Cell; during such periods, supported by the line manager, this work will take priority over normal day-to-day responsibilities, commensurate with their grade, skills and experience.

Qualifications and Registrations

For roles where specific qualifications or registrations are required, successful applicants will be asked to provide appropriate evidence. Employment cannot commence until satisfactory documentation has been received and verified.

Future location

UKHSA is investing in a new state-of-the-art National Biosecurity Centre in Harlow, Essex, which will eventually bring together teams currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale and Porton Down. For more details, please see: Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection - GOV.UK. The new facilities will start becoming operational in the mid-2030s, with full completion by 2038. Staff will move in phases as facilities become available. If you're appointed to a role currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale or Porton Down, please note that we'll continue investing in these sites for the next decade. As we get closer to the transition, we'll provide full information about relocation support available to staff.

Reasonable Adjustments

The Civil Service is committed to making sure that our selection methods are fair to everyone. To help you during the recruitment process, we will consider any reasonable adjustments that could help you. An adjustment is a change to the recruitment process or an adjustment at work. This is separate to the Disability Confident Scheme. If you need an adjustment to be made at any point during the recruitment process you should contact the recruitment team in confidence as soon as possible to discuss your needs.

You can find out more information about reasonable adjustments across the Civil Service here: https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/reasonable-adjustments/

International Police check

If you have spent more than 6 months abroad over the last 3 years you may need an International Police Check. This would not necessarily have to be in a single block,

and it could be time accrued over that period.

Internal Fraud Check

If successful for this role as one aspect of pre-employment screening, applicant’s personal details – name, national insurance number and date of birth - will be checked against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub, and anyone included on the database will be refused employment unless they can show exceptional circumstances. Currently this is only for external candidates to the Civil Service.

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

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) 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.

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 : Tom Geldeard
• Email : tom.geldeard@ukhsa.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk

Further information

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 the UKHSA Complaints team via email at: Complaints@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 for further information: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk