Job responsibilities
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with the head of department 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 other mandatory training
- Maintain continuous professional development in accordance with any professional certifications and maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements
KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
The post holders will develop key working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to UKHSA. This will include:
Internal
- Daily with the head of department and other staff in the department (scientific and administrative); AO up to CS6 (or equivalent)
- Frequently with staff in other RCCE departments (up to Head of Departments HoDs)
- As required with RCCE directors office
- As required with staff in the wider UKHSA, collaborating on common issues
External
- Senior managers and scientists in official bodies such as UK government departments and agencies, including representatives of regulatory bodies on matters of:scientific and technical advice, and contract work to be undertaken on behalf of government departments and agencies
- Senior managers and scientists in healthcare providers and commercial organisations with respect to income generating work
- Periodically with members of the public having concerns on matters involving radiation or radioactive substances
- Periodically with a range of key agencies in response to radiological and nuclear emergencies. These include emergency responders and representatives in DHSC and other government agencies/departments. At a strategic level or tactical level advising on the interpretation of technical data and advising on associated risks and protection of the public. This may also involve liaising with the media
Essential criteria:
- Educated to Masters or PhD level in a science/radiation protection field or, educated to Bachelor degree level in a science related subject, plus substantive experience in operational radiation protection
- Certificated Radiation Protection Adviser
- Proven experience in, and an established reputation for, work in operational radiation protection, with evidence of particular expertise in one or more areas of interest.
- Experience of financial management, complex contract negotiation and development of service business plans.
- Experience in the effective management of professional staff, including the prioritisation of workloads and dealing with sensitive personnel issues.
- Ability to communicate effectively at all levels, formally, informally, orally and in writing to clients, UKHSA staff and representatives from other organisations. This should include excellent presentation skills and the ability to prepare high quality written reports.
- Excellent insight to assess complex situations and interpret detailed documents that may include legislation, along with creativity to develop novel interpretations and development of advice.
- Excellent decision-making skills with demonstrable capability to act upon incomplete information using experience to make inferences and aid decision making.
- Vision, drive and determination to critically analyse working practices, develop new service delivery options and modernise old, with the skills to manage the change effectively.
- A full clean UK driving licence and willingness to travel on UKHSA business.
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.
Desirable criteria:
- Membership of professional body, e.g. Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine; Society for Radiological Protection.
- Understanding of emergency response arrangements and experience of taking senior roles in emergency exercises.
- Demonstrated capability to plan over short, medium and long-term timeframes, with a focus on deadlines and adjust plans accordingly.
Selection Process Detail
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 assessments
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 10essential criteria, and this will be in the form of:
- An Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
- 1250 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.
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.
The Application form and supporting statement 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
Those falling into the 'Meets all essential criteria' pile will progress to shortlisting.
Shortlisting:
In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on the following essential criteria:
- Full clean UK driving licence and willingness to travel on UKHSA business.
- Certificated Radiation Protection Adviser
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.
Please do not exceed 1250 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.
Feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Stage 2: Interview
Competency based
You will be invited to a remote interview.
Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.
You will be expected to prepare and present a 10 minute presentation. This will be based on:
- How your appointment to the role will enhance senior management structure of the Operational Services Department.
Interviews dates are yet 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.
Eligibility Criteria
Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).
Location This role is being offered as hybrid working based at our office/laboratory
in either Chilton, Glasgow or Leeds. 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).
Salary Grade 7 Upper National £64,317 to £66,581 per annum, pro rata Grade 7 Upper Outer London £66,497 to £68,574 per annum, pro rata
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 todemonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.
This role offers an Market Pay Supplement of £5,000 to £15,000.
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 sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requiresCounter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. 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.
