Royal College of General Practitioner Data and Information Lead Liaison

Job summary

Based within the Division, this post provides strategic leadership and oversight for developing and managing a common and bespoke suite of performant, modern, secure, data and analytical tools, services, platforms, and applications, ensuring access to high quality data and analytics services, across the Division and with the RCGP (Royal College of General Practitioners) analytics team. The role will also be expected to work internally and externally across Public Health Microbiology (PHM) and with RCGP external partners to lead the development and delivery of, and access to, data through surveillance systems to help improve health security outcomes.

The role of the UKHSA Lead liaison – RCGP Scientific Data and Information Management is to:

• Deliver technologies and systems that meet the needs of the divisions service users by using appropriate, effective management and linkage of data that are embedded across laboratory services in different platforms and equipment
• Provide strong leadership and senior-level advocacy for the delivery of technology solutions -both IT, data and digital - that support the divisions current and future business transformation programmes, by directing, coordinating, negotiating and decision-making to ensure a provision of robust laboratory services
• Define the strategic direction and business priorities for the development of the divisions technology, ensuring that digitally driven solutions and services are fully supported by the right architectures and systems, and support the rationalisation of legacy systems and contracts where appropriate
• Give effective management to technical architects, setting clear delineation and priorities and making sure that there is strategic coherence between technology and digital on cross-cutting issues such as user needs, public health outbreaks and security
• Embed the delivery of a sustainable, high quality laboratory informatics and surveillance capability across the division, and a complementary commercial strategy to deliver business transformation, including managing and mitigating risks for the delivery of critical services including outbreak management
• Bring a deep knowledge of the laboratory technology landscape and marketplace to the division and ensure that it makes effective use of modern standards and solutions

Job description

• Delivering joint UKHSA-RCGP projects or programmes with a strong understanding of agile project management methodologies, change and risk management and the interaction between product development, implementation and support services
• Defining the problem, vision and solution for the business and cultural change required to drive technology transformation and introducing new processes and procedures to ensure business and service improvements are achieved; by automating processes, analysis of interpretation and visualisation of laboratory and epidemiological data
• Prioritising and driving the successful delivery of programmes and projects (including Capital) within relevant time and costs constraints and to the appropriate level of quality
• Working with the Head of Respiratory Virology, Respiratory Epidemiology, Heads of Units, National Leads, Head of Technical Services, Head of Laboratory Business Operations, and other members of the division to shape the strategic approach to mission IT, including security, procurement, governance, and capability building
• Assuring digital services comply with the Digital by Default Service Standard ahead of being launched on GOV.UK, and that IT projects are delivered in line with a technology code of practice
• Building a culture of data-driven delivery within the department, and ensuring the delivery and iteration of technology services is supported by effective analysis of the financial benefits of taking an agile, open, user-driven approach
• Baseline, develop and monitor department technology-related budgets, costs, forecasts and related performance information
• Actively participating in cross-departmental process improvements, ensuring technology is strategically designed and implemented on a departmental, user-focused basis rather than projecting an organisation’s internal structures
• Advocating and explaining the need for technology transformation to senior leaders, members of the Division Senior Management team and external stakeholders
• Lead on planning, maintaining, and testing IT contingency and business continuity management plans for the Department, working in collaboration with all key stakeholders across the Division and wider UKHSA as required
• Provide line management duties to members of the team, building and fostering relationships and providing leadership to direct reports and team members

Please note this list is not exhaustive.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

• Educated to Degree level in a computing, mathematical, engineering, or science-based discipline
• Masters in microbiology/virology or equivalent level of relevant experience (extensive experience in a clinical or reference microbiology/virology laboratory setting)
• Experience configuring laboratory scientific equipment and enabling automated data transfer to interface with networks and LIMS systems, with additional expertise in automation scripting to streamline laboratory workflows
• Experience of developing technology strategies and managing the delivery of associated technical services, solutions and architectures and technologies
• Understanding and experience of using of agile project management techniques and working practices, open source, cloud platforms and digital services
• Demonstrable experience developing solutions using SQL, Visual Basic for Applications(VBA), BI tools
• Extensive knowledge of database management. Proficient in coding within Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
• Experience of defining system architectures for large, technology-driven organisations
• Demonstrable and practical experience at a senior level, in public or private sector, of working with senior colleagues to deliver transformational change to business processes and systems, to deliver cost savings and service improvements for customers
• Digitally literate and capable of effectively engaging with technical staff, suppliers, and stakeholders to define the best approach to service design to achieve business/user objectives
• Awareness and understanding of industry standard security issues and processes, including understanding of HMG’s security policy framework
• Managing tight resource constraints, conflicting priorities and a dynamic programme would be highly beneficial
• Ability to work under pressure and to respond quickly to changing circumstances and to tight timetables

Desirable role criteria:

• Experience of innovative approaches to sourcing services, and of managing relationships with large suppliers
• Demonstrable experience of working with modern network management solutions (MPLS or similar); utility or commoditised hosting environments; cloud-based procurement
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £75,104, UK Health Security Agency contributes £21,757 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• 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%

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

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 14 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
• 1500 word supporting statement

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 words.

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. (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

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

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

• Masters in microbiology/virology or equivalent level of relevant experience (extensive experience in a clinical or reference microbiology/virology laboratory setting)
• Demonstrable experience developing solutions using SQL, Visual Basic for Applications(VBA), BI tools.
• Experience configuring laboratory scientific equipment and enabling automated data transfer to interface with networks and LIMS systems, with additional expertise in automation scripting to streamline laboratory workflows

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 & assessment.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

Competency Based

You will be invited to a single face to face interview at our site in Colindale. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.

You will be asked to prepare and present a 5-10 minute presentation at the start of your interview. The subject of this will be "Key priorities for creating resilience of laboratory data systems for respiratory virus surveillance over the next 3 years".

Interviews 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.

Location

This role is being offered as office/lab based at our site in Colindale. 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.

Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

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

Eligibility Criteria

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

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.

Please be aware that the salary is based on the office location.

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

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 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