Lead Nurse (TB)

Job summary

The mission of the Tuberculosis (TB), Acute Respiratory, Zoonoses, Emerging infection, and Travel health division (TARZET) is to protect the public from respiratory, imported, emerging, and novel infections through world-leading public health microbiology and virology, outbreak response, surveillance, research, and interventions. The TB Unit sits within TARZET and has a multidisciplinary team delivering surveillance, epidemiology, public health and clinical advice, microbiology and incident and outbreak response, and advice to government.

The Unit work closely with NHS England and NHS Trusts, with international agencies and colleagues, and in a fully integrated way with multiple academic partners, with associated research opportunities. The Unit is supporting delivery of the objectives of the national ‘TB Action Plan 2021-2026’. Elimination of TB as a public health problem is a WHO target which the UK has signed up to. A national ‘TB Action Plan, 2021-26’ was collaboratively developed between UKHSA and NHSE and published in July 2021.

The post holder will provide specialist expertise in nursing and public health aspects of TB care, prevention and control including supporting the delivery of the objectives of the national ‘TB Action Plan 2021-2026.

Job description

• Provide expert specialist nursing and public health advice on TB care, prevention and control to health and allied professionals nationally.
• Work in partnership with other members of the TB Unit to ensure a co-ordinated multi-disciplinary specialist health protection services is available
• Contribute to the timely investigation and management of outbreaks and health protection incidents in partnership with the local NHS, local authorities, and other key stakeholders.
• Review, analyse and interpret complex facts, laboratory results and surveillance data and make appropriate judgements on operational actions required
• Monitor standards and ensure effective practice
• Develop and implement policies, protocols, and guidelines for and with other professionals relating to health protection for the population served
• Champion modern ways of working through teams and networks rather than hierarchies and formal systems to recognise the complexity of health protection work to achieve health improvement
• Communicate expert specialist knowledge in a timely manner to individuals, the public and the multidisciplinary team and partner agencies at a local, regional, and national level
• Actively develop and maintain links with NHS service professionals to promote collaborative surveillance initiatives and understanding of the work of the Unit.
• Contribute to the teaching and training activities of TB within and outside UK HSA, including preparation and advice on teaching material.
• Take the lead, on behalf of the TB Unit, on a specific area of practice and become an active member of an agreed programme.
• Contribute as appropriate to training programmes for health protection practitioners working in a range of settings.
• Develop and initiate new programmes of education and training to inform, develop and facilitate change in practice
• Act as a role model as both a formal and informal teacher/facilitator.
• Provide supervision and leadership to health protection practitioners.
• Undertake audit and participate in research for evidence-based practice and clinical effectiveness and the planning of future services and training needs.
• Participate in multidisciplinary, collaborative research across health protection and NHS networks where appropriate.
• Record and maintain data, case notes and reports.
• Maintain a programme of continuous professional development.
• Undertake any other appropriate activities identified within the UK HSA commensurate with the grade specified.

*Please be aware this list is not exhaustive*

Professional Development

• Identify, discuss, and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through appraisal / individual development plan. Attending internal / external training events
• 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.

Internal

• Other staff in TB Unit and in other departments
• Other UK HSA health protection units/centres/divisions/directorates

External

• NHS, including commissioners and providers
• Local Authorities
• Care Homes
• Educational institutions
• Community and Voluntary Sector
• Other Government Agencies
• Prison staff

Person specification

Essential criteria

• 1st Level registration in general nursing
• Health Related First degree or equivalent
• Post Registration Qualification/training in subject(s) relevant to Tuberculosis
• Teaching experience
• Post registration experience as a practitioner in a related field
• At least 3 years of level 6 tuberculosis clinical service work
• Data collection and analysis, record keeping
• Audit
• Leading small-scale projects or groups/teams
• Presentations and speaking at local meetings, groups, teams
• Small scale project management or participation in same
• Preparing and delivering teaching materials
• Significant experience of successfully operating in a politically sensitive environment
• Evidence of continued professional development
• Demonstrated experience of co-ordinating projects in complex and challenging environments
• Experience of managing risks and reporting
• Communicable Disease control including contributing to TB incident & outbreak management
• Ability to prepare and produce concise yet insightful communications for dissemination to senior stakeholders and a broad range of stakeholders as required
• Experience of creating and giving presentations to a varied group of internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to analyse very complex issues where material is conflicting and drawn from multiple sources.
• Demonstrated capability to plan over short, medium and long-term timeframes and adjust plans and resource
• Experience of setting up and implementing internal processes and procedures.
• Demonstrated capabilities to manage own workload and make informed decisions in the absence of required
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £55,690, UK Health Security Agency contributes £16,133 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. UKHSA's 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.

• 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

Stage 1: Application & Sift

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

At sift stage you will be assessed against the essential criteria listed in the job advert.

You will be required to complete an:

• Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
• up to 1500 word supporting statement/ behaviour statements / technical statements

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

This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role.

You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V –please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible). Please do not email us your CV.

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

• Meets all essential criteria
• Meets some essential criteria
• Meets no essential criteria

Please note we will only take through those who meet ALL essential criteria will progress to shortlisting.

Shortlisting: If we receive a large number of applications an initial sift may be conducted against the lead criteria of:

• 1st Level registration in general nursing
• Post registration Qualification/training in subject(s) relevant to Tuberculosis
• Post registration experience as a practitioner in a related field

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

Please note feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview stage (competency based):

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

This vacancy is being assessed using the criteria in the job description. During the interview we will assess against the below:

• Knowledge
• Experience
• Skills and Abilities

You will be asked to prepare and present a 5-minute presentation at the start of your interview. The subject of this will be sent to you prior to interview but will entail:

• The role of a TB Nurse in the National Team

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

Eligibility Criteria

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

Location

This role is being offered as hybrid working based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale, London or at our Core HQ in Canary Wharf, London.

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 core HQ.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a standard disclosure and barring security check.

Successful candidates must also meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security Standard (if based at Canary Wharf) or Counter-Terrorist Check (CTC) (if based at Colindale).

If based at our scientific campus, 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.

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.

NHS Pension

This role is offered under Agenda for Change (AFC) Terms and Conditions.

• If you are already on AFC T&Cs or accept the role on a fixed-term contract, you will be enrolled in the NHS Pension Scheme or keep your current AFC Pension.
• If you take the role on a loan or temporary promotion, you will retain your existing substantive T&Cs.
• If the role is available under either AFC or Civil Service T&Cs depending on your registration, your pension scheme will align accordingly.

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.

Careers website

Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers

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.

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

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 : John Inglis
• Email : john.inglis@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 UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email: 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: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk