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UK Health Security Agency
About
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) will be responsible for planning, preventing and responding to external health threats, and providing intellectual, scientific and operational leadership at national and local level, as well as on the global stage. UKHSA will ensure the nation can respond quickly and at greater scale to deal with pandemics and future threats.
Operational Preparedness and Partnership Lead
Closed for applications on: 14-May-2024 16:50
Vacancy status: Closed
Closed for applications on: 14-May-2024 16:50
Key details
Location
- Site
- Core UKHSA Locations
- Town
- London, Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool
- Major / Minor Region
- London
Contract type & working pattern
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time
- Part time
- Job share
- Flexible working
Salary
- Salary
- £51,824 - £65,089 Per Annum
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Grade
- (Civil Service: Grade 7)
Specialty
- Main area
- Emergency Preparedness, Resilience & Response
The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is a system leader for health security; taking action internationally to strengthen global health security, providing trusted advice to government and the public and reducing inequalities in the way different communities experience and are impacted by infectious disease, environmental hazards, and other threats to health.
UKHSA’s remit, as an agency with a global-to-local reach, is to protect the health of the nation from infectious diseases and other external threats to health. As the nation’s expert national health security agency UKHSA will:
- Prevent: anticipate threats to health and help build the nation’s readiness, defences and health security
- Detect: use cutting edge environmental and biological surveillance to proactively detect and monitor infectious diseases and threats to health
- Analyse: use world-class science and data analytics to assess and continually monitor threats to health, identifying how best to control and mitigate the risks
- Respond: take rapid, collaborative and effective actions nationally and locally to mitigate threats to health when they materialise
- Lead: lead strong and sustainable global, national, regional and local partnerships designed to save lives, protect the nation from public health threats and reduce inequalities.
Job overview
We are seeking a dedicated and innovative policy professional to join us as the Operational Preparedness and Partnership Lead. In this role, you will play a pivotal role in fulfilling UKHSA's first strategic priority: to be ready for, and prevent, future health security hazards. You will lead the development, implementation, and management of a comprehensive preparedness plan for UKHSA, ensuring readiness for various health security challenges, including pandemics, infectious disease outbreaks, chemical and biological hazards, radiological and nuclear incidents, and natural disasters.
Advert
Please read all the information on this page carefully - The main duties and responsibilities for the role are displayed below
Working for our 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.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Planning
- Manage the development of a strategic preparedness plan aligned with UKHSA's mission and goals.
- Lead on aspects of the overall preparedness cycle, to provide a comprehensive overview of the agency’s readiness to respond to key threats through liaison with analysts within the team and other stakeholders across UKHSA.
Capacity Enhancement
- Collaborate at senior level across the organisation to identify capacity and capability gaps in the UKHSA’s ability to respond to threats.
- Develop multidisciplinary teams within UKHSA to ensure that mechanisms for rapid escalation to respond to health security demands are in place
Relationship management
- The post holder will establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of stakeholders, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to UKHSA.
- Work across UKHSA to ensure that programmes identified to address capacity and capability gaps are integrated into business planning processes and are consistent with our requirements as a Category 1 responder.
- Working with the Head of Readiness and Assurance, collaborate with partners across government departments and health security systems to anticipate threats and opportunities, aligning UKHSA preparedness across DHSC and the wider health security landscape.
Strategic
Support the Head of Readiness and Assurance by;
- Translating emerging visions, priorities, and objectives for the organisation into specific actions to support the development of the strategic preparedness plan, and proactively drive them forward with relevant partners.
- Leading high-impact pieces of work in support of the organisation’s key strategic priority with tangible outcomes, developing evidence-based recommendations, ensuring stakeholder buy-in, supporting teams through delivery of the change process.
- Ensuring that changes to the plan are agreed with stakeholders and perform as expected in real-world scenarios. Ensure effective processes are in place to agree and document changes to deliverables identified through engagement with stakeholders and in support of the development of the strategic preparedness plan.
- Working with all UKHSA Groups as required, to ensure an integrated approach to preparedness and response activities.
- Encouraging and supporting teams to embed improvements as identified as a result of the readiness assessment, to ensure managers and staff are trained to optimum levels and able to self-support.
Leadership and management
- Act as a credible leader within the Directorate and role model effective leadership across UKHSA and externally
- Line management of the SEO Operational Preparedness and Partnership Manager, providing clear direction, support, and motivation and fostering a positive and collaborative working environment. Conduct regular performance reviews and goal-setting discussions, ensuring they receive constructive feedback and have opportunities for professional development.
- Ensure activities and behaviours are aligned with UKHSA’s organisational vision and values and are embedded within the team’s culture.
- Deputise for the Head of Readiness and Assurance as required.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- 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
- To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.
Essential criteria
- Post graduate level qualification in an appropriate managerial discipline of relevance to the role, such as a MBA or NVQ7 or equivalent work experience
- Experience of stakeholder management at all levels; working with and through others to make change happen, implementing new ways of working.
- The ability to think rapidly and creatively when dealing with issues and problems, identifying and proposing solutions. Able to work with and through ambiguit
- Able to interpret a broad range of complex information quickly (including data and analytics) to draw out key insights to support decision making. Make reasoned recommendations and decisions based on this, planning and implementing any changes rapidly when required
- Proven experience of leading others in a managerial or supervisory role including performance management, carrying out appraisals and supporting learning and development.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders across all levels, presenting information clearly using the appropriate tools.
- Highly developed negotiating and influencing skills, overcoming barriers to understanding and acceptance with the ability to gain confidence and credibility of a range of professionals, motivating and inspiring commitment and buy-in.
- Demonstrable ability to think strategically and apply that, implementing change where needed.
- A clear and proven ability to be proactive and work at pace, managing competing demands (self and others) in an outcomes and quality focused way.
- Demonstrate appreciation and acknowledgment of the range and complexities of diversity; self-awareness in terms of emotional intelligence, biases and personal triggers; cultural competence – cultural sensitivity and awareness.
Desirable criteria
- Have a broad understanding of the health security environment, understanding the relationship between the Department of Health and Social Care /UKHSA and the wider healthcare system.
Stage 1: Application & Sift
Success profiles
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on essential criteria, and this will be in the form of
- a CV/ Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
- a 1,000 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 CV and Statement of Suitability will be marked separately, and you must pass both to move forward to interview
Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist.
Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on the essential criteria: 'Proven experience of leading others'
Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment
Please do not exceed 1,000 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.
Feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Stage 2: Interview (success profiles)
You will be invited to a (single) remote interview
Behaviour and strengths will be tested at interview
The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be
- Seeing the big picture
- Communicating and influencing
- Making Effective Decisions
- Leadership
- Delivering at pace
Interviews will be held week commencing 13th May 2024. Please note, these dates are subject to change.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Location information
UKHSA operates 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 one of UKHSA's locations (Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, and London). Specialist or regional roles will be based at the appropriate UKHSA site. For certain roles, some additional flexibility may be possible, which will be agreed upon with the hiring manager based on individual requirements and business needs. As a specialist role we also offer Porton Down, Salisbury.
Eligibility Criteria
External
Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).
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 Basic Personnel Security
Disability Confident Scheme
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria at sift to ensure these candidates are invited to interview. If you wish to be included in this scheme please tick the box on your application form.
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code 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.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment.
It’s important to note that there are currently exceptions to applications being considered if your conviction relates to any of the following:
- life sentences
- arson
- sexual offences
- hate and terror offences
Some departments will also consider the specific offence against the nature of the business, i.e., a conviction for fraud may rule you out for a finance role.
If you are interviewed for the post and do not meet the required threshold for the specified grade, your application may be assessed against a similar, lower grade role and you may be offered the post should one be available
Starting salary
Entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.
The internal roles rules apply to existing Civil Servants, i.e. level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive 10% increase.
Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.
For further details please refer to the Information Sheet - Starting Salaries & Benefits attachment
IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ
This is a Non-Reserved post under the Civil Service Nationality Rules. To be eligible for employment in the UK Civil Service applicants must meet the Civil Service Nationality Rules (CSNRs) which operate independently of and additionally to the Immigration Rules. Applicants must also meet necessary security and vetting requirements, along with any other relevant pre-employment checks.
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
For more information on job nationality requirements and the right to work in the UK, see the Civil Service Nationality rules (opens in a new window) and the UK Visas and Immigration rules (opens in a new window)
For posts on UKHSA Civil Service terms and conditions, new entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. For existing Civil Servants and roles advertised across government, the rules of transfer apply, i.e., level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive a 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.
The Civil Service pay structure and progression is different from NHS Agenda for Change (AfC), most local authority pay grades and other systems that have annual pay increments. For further details, please refer to the Information Sheet- Starting Salaries & Benefits attachment.
For AfC or Medical/Dental posts, you must have the correct professional registration to be appointed. The pay will follow the AfC or Medical & Dental terms & conditions. You may be asked to provide evidence of previous service whilst we are conducting pre-employment checks to determine your starting salary.
For Temporary Appointments, if you are not currently a civil servant, you will take up the post on a Fixed Term appointment. If you are an existing Civil Servant, based outside of the UKHSA, you will take up the post as a loan. If you are an existing UKHSA member of staff, you will take up the post as either a level transfer or a temporary promotion as per the UKHSA’s Pay policy.
Given the nature of the work of the UKHSA, as a Category 1 responder under the Civil Contingencies Act, you may be required in an emergency, if deemed a necessity, to redeploy to another role at short notice. You may also be required to work at any other location, within reasonable travelling distance of your permanent home address, in line with the provisions set out in your contract of employment.
Late Applications will unfortunately not be considered.
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. 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 (attached as a supporting document).
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: [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 here.
Reserve List - If more than the required number of suitable candidates pass the interview criteria, you may be kept on a reserve list for 12 months subject to your agreement. You may be contacted, in merit-order, if similar roles with closely matching essential criteria become available and the department choose to appoint from a reserve list.
Interview expenses will not be reimbursed.
UKHSA is required to check employment and/or education history covering three consecutive years. Please ensure you give details of at least two different referees, even if you were employed in one company for three years or more.
If you are offered a job, information will also be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Records system. Please note, all communication regarding your application will be made via email, please ensure you check your junk/spam folders as emails are sometimes filtered there.
Any move to UKHSA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
Benefits of working at UKHSA include:
- Generous annual leave:
-26 days for the first 5 years of continuous service
-28 days after 5 years of continuous service
-32 days after 10 years of continuous service
-Plus public holidays and one privilege day for the King’s birthday - Access to a generous Defined Benefit pension scheme with employer contributions.
- Access to a cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme, season ticket advances and payroll giving.
- Access to a retail discounts and cashback site.
- We also promote flexible working patterns (part-time, job-share, condensed hours). UKHSA views flexible working as essential in enabling us to recruit and retain talented people, ensuring that they are able to enjoy a long-lasting career with us. All employees have the right to apply for flexible working and there are a range of options available including working from home, compressed hours and job sharing.
- We also offer a generous maternity/ paternity and adoption leave package.
Hybrid Working
UKHSA operates 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 usually spend a minimum of 60% of your contracted hours (averaged over a month) working at one of UKHSA's locations (approximately 3 days a week pro rata) and the rest of your time working from home.
Disability Confident Scheme
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria at sift to ensure these candidates are invited to interview. If you wish to be included in this scheme please tick the box on your application form.
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 take into account 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/
Applicant requirements
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Person specification
Statement of suitability
Essential criteria
- Proven experience of leading others in a managerial or supervisory role including performance management, carrying out appraisals and supporting learning and development.
Desirable criteria
- Have a broad understanding of the health security environment, understanding the relationship between the Department of Health and Social Care /UKHSA and the wider healthcare system
CV
Essential criteria
- Post graduate level qualification in an appropriate managerial discipline of relevance to the role, such as a MBA or NVQ7 or equivalent work experience
Success Profile: Leadership
Essential criteria
- Highly developed negotiating and influencing skills, overcoming barriers to understanding and acceptance with the ability to gain confidence and credibility of a range of professionals, motivating and inspiring commitment and buy-in
Documents
- OPP Lead Job Description (PDF, 464.4KB)
- Functional Requirements (PDF, 192.3KB)
- Civil Service Recruitment Principles (PDF, 2.6MB)
- Civil Service Nationality Rules (PDF, 345.1KB)
- Application Form Guidance Notes (PDF, 77.3KB)
- Information Sheet - Starting salaries and benefits (PDF, 129.4KB)
- Information Sheet - Selection Process (PDF, 110.1KB)
- Working at UKHSA and your benefits (PDF, 219.2KB)
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Gemma Payne
- Job title
- R2R Implementation Lead
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Additional information
For information regarding the role please contact Gemma Payne, R2R Implementation Lead: [email protected]
No longer accepting applications
Sorry, this vacancy is no longer accepting applications.
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