Regional Head of laboratory Operations London, South East

Job responsibilities

Work with the Trust and UKHSA information analysts to ensure adherence to the requirements of the Data Protection Act and conformity to the Caldecott Guardian requirements of both the UKHSA and any host Trust.

Participate in UKHSA national and regional scientific and managerial activities, as required by the UKHSA PHM for London and South East CPHI and Deputy Director, Network Laboratories.

Liaise with NHS and commercial microbiology laboratories throughout London and South East.

Provide technical and financial support for other laboratories, where appropriate, in development of clinical and public health networks and project groups.

Liaise closely with the PHM for London and South East CPHI, UKHSA Information Analysts and Field Epidemiologists and report promptly any local information which may affect the function of the UKHSA.

Collaborate with PHL London clinical scientists, 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.

Contribute, as required, to the teaching of medical microbiology and epidemiology to undergraduates and postgraduate students in the London and South East region Clinical Governance, audit and professional activities

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 London PHL and NMRS.This will include regular site visits and consultations with key stakeholders across London and the South east 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.In partnership with the senior teams to provide vision, leadership and direction to the Public Health Laboratories and NMRS-S and to lead in strategic development, including identification, prioritization of, and support for specific service developments and research areasTo be the budget holder for the public health laboratories, taking primary responsibility for the financial and business 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.

Selection ProcessDetails:

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess yourknowledgeand experience and skills outlined in the essential criteria.

Stage 1:Application& Sift

You willbe requiredto complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 10essentialcriteria and 3 desirable criteriaand this will be in the form ofa:

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

• 1500 word Statement of Suitability

This should outline how your skills,experience,andknowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.

TheApplication formand Statement of Suitability will be markedtogether.

Longlisting:In the event ofa large number ofapplications we will longlistinto 3 piles of:

• Meets all essentialcriteria

• Meets someessentialcriteria

• Meets no essentialcriteria

In order to be shortlisted you must meet all essential criteria.

Shortlisting:In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on.

• State registration with HCPC

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

Please do not exceed 1500 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

You will be invited to a (single) remote interview

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

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

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (includingby definition internalapplicants).

Location

This role is being offered as hybrid working based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale and our main HQ at 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).If based at one of our scientific campuses, 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.

If based at Canary Wharf HCAS would also be included.

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

For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficientperiod of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter-terrorist Check.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

Essential Criteria 1

Essential

• State registration with HCPC

Essential Criteria 2

Essential

• MSc in Biomedical Science/Microbiology/Biological Sciences or equivalent

Essential Criteria 3

Essential

• Significant postgraduate practical, technical and theoretical experience in Medical Microbiology and Medical Laboratory Sciences

Essential Criteria 4

Essential

• 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.

Essential Criteria 5

Essential

• In-depth working knowledge and competency in laboratory bench areas, as appropriate

Essential Criteria 6

Essential

• Ability to initiate changes in procedures or policies to induce service development

Essential Criteria 7

Essential

• Thorough knowledge of laboratory health and safety legislation and practice.

Essential Criteria 8

Essential

• An understanding of microbiology and its application in clinical practice and public health

Essential Criteria 9

Essential

• Evidence of using technical experience to assess new and existing systems and processes to initiate change in laboratory practice

Essential Criteria 10 and Desirable Criteria 1-3

Essential

• Experience of critically assessing current ways of working and introducing efficient and cost effective practices

Desirable

• Presentation skills
• Being technically adept at laboratory procedures
• A knowledge of specialist tests at an expert level

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).