Surveillance and Information Officer

Job summary

The post holder will be responsible for overseeing the environmental epidemiology surveillance and science work programmes that support the national environmental public health tracking (EPHT) objectives and to manage the delivery of this programme for UKHSA. The post holder will be based in the UKHSA RCCE Environmental Epidemiology Team (EET) at Chilton, Oxfordshire or Canary Wharf, London. S/he will also be responsible for the line management of EET staff supporting surveillance and epidemiological investigations.

The post holder will be required to use their existing strong scientific and information management skills and co-ordinate their work as part of an overarching programme management strategy. S/he will manage programmes of work in the EET and to report to project and programme management boards.

The post holder will require an understanding of epidemiology and public health, health informatics, information technology and standards as well as knowledge of public health systems. S/he will author complex and detailed technical and specialised documents, project management systems, risk registers, information assets registers, and all aspects of programme management.

The post holder will require strong communication skills to liaise with stakeholders across multi-disciplines and ensure strong working relationships with senior users, senior suppliers and the Senior Responsible Officer of various projects.

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

Program management
• Take overall responsibility for the management of EPHT programme with scientific knowledge in specialised area (i.e. epidemiology and public health) using systematic methods. Report as necessary to a wide range of stakeholders using written highlight reports, presentations, verbal updates and email. Produce documentation using project management methodology consistent with other projects within the programme.
• Manage the production of all required products defined by the project plan within agreed timescales. This will include production or modification of process maps, scope documentation, databases and ancillary documents. Take responsibility for overall progress and use of resources and initiate corrective action where necessary.
• Coordinate and lead projects such as the implementation of new systems and processes
• Identify potential problems and manage risks, opportunities and issues, including HR recruitment and funding management.

Strategic thinking and governance
• Contribute to the quality programme e.g. through audit (from an information management perspective) and produce recommendations

Communication
• Present internally and externally to partners on EET programmes of work
• Build and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders and partners
• Present at scientific conferences, programme area meetings and other relevant forums

The following responsibilities on own professional development and working relationships will be included but not limited to:

• 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
• Participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all others
• Develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to UKHSA

Person specification

Essential criteria:

• Educated to post-graduate degree level or significant experience of working at a similar level in specialised area, e.g. public health, epidemiology
• Project management qualification or similar level experience
• Proven record of extensive formal epidemiology and public health science or surveillance experience as a researcher and/or project manager
• Strong experience of process mapping, managing risks and report writing.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, ability to liaise effectively and work across disciplines and professions
• Ability to work well as a team member and under pressure with tight schedule
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships

Desirable criteria:

• Experience of working in the public health agency, NHS, health sector or similar
• Demonstrated experience of coordinating projects in complex and challenging environments
• Demonstrated capabilities to make informed decisions in the absence of required information
• Knowledge of financial systems and budgeting skills

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £41,983, UK Health Security Agency contributes £12,162 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%

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 and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

Success profiles Success Profiles - GOV.UK

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)
• 1500 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. (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 will longlist into 3 piles of:

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

If used, the following will proceed to shortlisting:

1. Meets all essential criteria

Shortlisting:

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

• Educated to post-graduate degree level or significant experience of working at a similar level in specialised area, e.g. public health, epidemiology
• Project management qualification or similar level experience
• Proven record of extensive formal epidemiology and public health science or surveillance experience as a researcher and/or project manager

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

You will be invited to a single face to face interview at UKHSA Canary Wharf. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills will be tested at interview.

There will be a presentation which will be assessing your technical skills and experience. Full details will be provided at the interview stage.

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will include:

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Changing and Improving
• Communication and Influencing
• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service - Lead behaviour
• Delivering at Pace

Interviews dates are 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 hybrid working based at our Scientific Campus in Chilton OR at one of our core offices in Canary Wharf.

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.

If you are 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.

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 is Basic Personnel Security Standard OR a Counter-Terrorist Check if you are based at the Chilton site.

Eligibility Criteria – External

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:

Senior Executive Officer (SEO)
• £41,983- £48,128 (National)
• £46,310- £52,113 (Inner London)

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 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 : Gurkamal Bhambra
• Email : gurkamal.bhambra@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.u