Birmingham, West Midlands (England), B9 5SS
Job Summary
The Public Health Laboratory in Birmingham is a UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) microbiology laboratory working in partnership with University Hospitals Birmingham Trust (UHB). The microbiology partnership provides comprehensive microbiology services and specialist services to Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Good Hope Hospital in Sutton Coldfield, Solihull Hospital and general practitioners throughout the area. It is one of the largest microbiology laboratories in the West Midlands NHS Region and is the Regional Public Health Laboratory of UK Health Security Agency. It is fully accredited with UKAS and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
The Regional Head of Laboratory Operations UKHSA has responsibility for the efficient and effective operational management of the Regional UKHSA Birmingham Public Health Laboratory. This is done in conjunction with the Laboratory Clinical Lead and the Laboratory Management team. BPHL hosts the National Mycobacterial Reference Service (North and Central) and the Regional Head of Operations will be responsible, together with the NMRS laboratory manager and Clinical Lead, for the delivery of mycobacterial reference services. This will require working closely with the Regional Head of Operations for London, the South East and NMRS-South.
The post holder will provide vision, leadership and direction to the Birmingham Public Health Laboratory. Additionally the post holder will provide microbiology support to the Midlands Health Protection Teams and Local Authorities, as well as provide expert microbiology advice during outbreaks and incidents of communicable disease.
It is anticipated that the post holder will take a leading role in support of UKHSA activities across the Region.
In conjunction with senior bacteriology and virology colleagues, the appointee will be expected to participate in and support the provision of a comprehensive diagnostic and advisory service to local clinicians and other users of the Laboratory.
This will include regular site visits and consultations with key stakeholders across the Midlands which will form a key component of the job. Additionally, the post holder will have a role in teaching and training, audit, surveillance, and research.
Job Description
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Having overall responsibility for the efficient and effective operational management of the UKHSA Birmingham Laboratory, in accordance with UKHSA and Laboratory policies and procedures, and in line with the relevant accreditation schemes. This work is done in conjunction with the Clinical Lead for UKHSA Birmingham Laboratory, and CPHI for The Midlands.
- In partnership with the senior management team to provide vision, leadership and direction to the Public Health Laboratories and to lead in strategic development, including identification, prioritisation of, and support for specific service developments and research areas.
- To be the budget holder for the public health laboratories, taking primary responsibility for the financial management of the services. This includes having responsibility for budget setting in collaboration with the senior leadership teams and UKHSA Senior Finance Officers and ensuring compliance with UKHSA Standing Financial Instructions.
- In collaboration with senior managers, ensure that the standing financial instructions, professional standards of conduct and other UKHSA policies and procedures including health and safety are observed and operated within the laboratory.
- Provide technical and professional support to the Clinical Lead and CPHI as well as the Deputy Director and Head of Technical and Scientific Services of the UKHSA Clinical Laboratory Network.
- Ensure full compliance with clinical governance and clinical effectiveness requirements of the UKHSA and Trust sites, where co-located.
- To support the Clinical Lead in the performance monitoring of UKHSA Microbiology assets within UKHSA Birmingham.
- In partnership with the CPHI, organise a comprehensive microbiological service to support UKHSA Health Protection Teams, Consultants in Communicable Disease Control, Local Authority Directors of Public Health and Chief Environmental Health Officers in in the Midlands.
- In partnership with the Clinical Lead and CPHI organise the provision of laboratory support for other agencies involved in potential infection hazards e.g. FSA, BWI, Environment Agency, VLA, HSE, MBA, DEFRA, and the Armed Forces.
- The post holder is expected, with the Clinical Lead and Laboratory Managers, to lead in any UKHSA coordinated response or activity of a national/international nature, such as a bioterrorism incident or a major disease outbreak.
- Work with the Trust and UKHSA information analysts to ensure adherence to the requirements of the Data Protection Act and conformity to the Caldicott Guardian requirements of both the UKHSA and any host Trust.
- Facilitate the implementation of regional and national UKHSA strategy as specified in relevant Business Plans.
- Participate in UKHSA national and regional scientific and managerial activities, as required by the Clinical Lead and CPHI for the Midlands and Deputy Director, Clinical Network Laboratories.
- Liaise with NHS and commercial microbiology laboratories throughout the Midlands.
- Provide technical and financial support for other laboratories, where appropriate, in development of clinical and public health networks and project groups.
- In collaboration with the laboratory managers, organise the arrangements for routine surveillance and reporting from UKHSA Birmingham, including participation in enhanced surveillance programmes and "look-back" surveys.
- Liaise closely with the Midlands CPHI, UKHSA Information Analysts and Field Epidemiologists and report promptly any local information which may affect the function of UKHSA.
- Collaborate with UKHSA reference and epidemiological facilities in the reporting and investigation of infections, control of outbreaks, assessment of vaccines, development of the laboratory methods and involvement in surveys.
- Be involved in research activities consistent with the priorities of the Public Health Laboratory, subject to the availability of funding and resources.
- Be involved in the training of medical, nursing, clinical scientist, biomedical scientist and administrative staff.
- Contribute, as required, to the teaching of medical microbiology and epidemiology to undergraduates and postgraduate students in the Midlands region Clinical Governance, audit and professional activities
- Participate in clinical audit.
- Fulfil the requirements of a recognised scheme of continuing professional development (CPD) such as that of the Institute of Biomedical Science or Royal College of Pathologists in accordance with any relevant professional registration or statutory requirements, while maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements.
- To participate in annual appraisal and in the UKHSA Job Planning and Appraisal schemes.
The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.
Your Key Responsibilities Will Include
- Having overall responsibility for the efficient and effective operational management of the UKHSA Birmingham Laboratory, in accordance with UKHSA and Laboratory policies and procedures, and in line with the relevant accreditation schemes. This work is done in conjunction with the Clinical Lead for UKHSA Birmingham Laboratory, and CPHI for The Midlands.
- In partnership with the senior management team to provide vision, leadership and direction to the Public Health Laboratories and to lead in strategic development, including identification, prioritisation of, and support for specific service developments and research areas.
- To be the budget holder for the public health laboratories, taking primary responsibility for the financial management of the services. This includes having responsibility for budget setting in collaboration with the senior leadership teams and UKHSA Senior Finance Officers and ensuring compliance with UKHSA Standing Financial Instructions.
- In collaboration with senior managers, ensure that the standing financial instructions, professional standards of conduct and other UKHSA policies and procedures including health and safety are observed and operated within the laboratory.
- Provide technical and professional support to the Clinical Lead and CPHI as well as the Deputy Director and Head of Technical and Scientific Services of the UKHSA Clinical Laboratory Network.
- Ensure full compliance with clinical governance and clinical effectiveness requirements of the UKHSA and Trust sites, where co-located.
- To support the Clinical Lead in the performance monitoring of UKHSA Microbiology assets within UKHSA Birmingham.
- In partnership with the CPHI, organise a comprehensive microbiological service to support UKHSA Health Protection Teams, Consultants in Communicable Disease Control, Local Authority Directors of Public Health and Chief Environmental Health Officers in in the Midlands.
- In partnership with the Clinical Lead and CPHI organise the provision of laboratory support for other agencies involved in potential infection hazards e.g. FSA, BWI, Environment Agency, VLA, HSE, MBA, DEFRA, and the Armed Forces.
- The post holder is expected, with the Clinical Lead and Laboratory Managers, to lead in any UKHSA coordinated response or activity of a national/international nature, such as a bioterrorism incident or a major disease outbreak.
- Work with the Trust and UKHSA information analysts to ensure adherence to the requirements of the Data Protection Act and conformity to the Caldicott Guardian requirements of both the UKHSA and any host Trust.
- Facilitate the implementation of regional and national UKHSA strategy as specified in relevant Business Plans.
- Participate in UKHSA national and regional scientific and managerial activities, as required by the Clinical Lead and CPHI for the Midlands and Deputy Director, Clinical Network Laboratories.
- Liaise with NHS and commercial microbiology laboratories throughout the Midlands.
- Provide technical and financial support for other laboratories, where appropriate, in development of clinical and public health networks and project groups.
- In collaboration with the laboratory managers, organise the arrangements for routine surveillance and reporting from UKHSA Birmingham, including participation in enhanced surveillance programmes and "look-back" surveys.
- Liaise closely with the Midlands CPHI, UKHSA Information Analysts and Field Epidemiologists and report promptly any local information which may affect the function of UKHSA.
- Collaborate with UKHSA reference and epidemiological facilities in the reporting and investigation of infections, control of outbreaks, assessment of vaccines, development of the laboratory methods and involvement in surveys.
- Be involved in research activities consistent with the priorities of the Public Health Laboratory, subject to the availability of funding and resources.
- Be involved in the training of medical, nursing, clinical scientist, biomedical scientist and administrative staff.
- Contribute, as required, to the teaching of medical microbiology and epidemiology to undergraduates and postgraduate students in the Midlands region Clinical Governance, audit and professional activities
- Participate in clinical audit.
- Fulfil the requirements of a recognised scheme of continuing professional development (CPD) such as that of the Institute of Biomedical Science or Royal College of Pathologists in accordance with any relevant professional registration or statutory requirements, while maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements.
- To participate in annual appraisal and in the UKHSA Job Planning and Appraisal schemes.
The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.
Person specification
Essential Criteria
- MSc Biomedical Science, Microbiology or Biological Science or equivalent experience in a laboratory management role
- State registration with HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist or Clinical Scientist
- Significant postgraduate practical, technical and theoretical experience in Medical Microbiology and Medical Laboratory Sciences
- Extensive knowledge and expertise in various managerial fields, including finance, HR, business, project management, planning, leadership, procurement etc., gained both by qualifications and lengthy experience
- In-depth working knowledge and competency in laboratory bench areas, as appropriate
- Experience of interviewing and recruiting staff
- Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD)
- Ability to initiate changes in procedures or policies to induce service development
- Thorough knowledge of laboratory health and safety legislation and practice
- An understanding of microbiology and its application in clinical practice and public health
- Evidence of using technical experience to assess new and existing systems and processes to initiate change in laboratory practice
- Experience of critically assessing current ways of working and introducing efficient and cost effective practices
- Experience and understanding of planning and project management
- 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%
Selection process details
This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your knowledge and experience, and/or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.
Required
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the 13 essential criteria listed, and this will be in the form of a:
- Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
- 1500-word Statement of Suitability
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.
The Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together.
Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:
- Meets all essential criteria
- Meets some essential criteria
- Meets no essential criteria
Piles Meets all essential criteria will be moved through to the shortlisting stage.
Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:
- Significant postgraduate practical, technical and theoretical experience in Medical Microbiology and Medical Laboratory Sciences
Please do not exceed
1500 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview. Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered.
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.
Feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Stage 2: Interview (competency based)
You will be invited to a (single) remote interview.
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 Birmingham.
If based at one of our labs, 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.
Eligibility Criteria
Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).
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/
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Your application may be rejected and/or you may be subject to disciplinary action if evidence of plagiarism is detected. Examples of plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence (AI), as your own.
Organisation info
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
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.
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.
Security Clearance Level Requirement
Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.
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.
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.
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 the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
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
Recruitment team
Further information
[email protected] 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/