Food Safety and Risk Assessment Lead, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK

Posted on: Nov.18.2022

Food Safety and Risk Assessment Lead, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK

Main area: Food Safety & Risk Assessments
Grade: Grade 6
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time - 37.5 hours per week (This role will be fully based at the Colindale office)
Job ref: 919-39807006-RB-EXT
Employer: UK Health Security Agency
Employer type: Public (Non NHS)
Site: Colindale
Town: London
Salary: £66,291 - £75,411 Per Annum
Salary period: Yearly
Closing: 01/12/2022 23:59

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.

The postholder will be reading and analysing epidemiological and microbiological data, creating visual models to represent possible outcomes and preparing reports about risks for business decisions and response. They will take lead responsibility in the strategic development  of Food Safety Surveillance and introduce systems to produce data to monitor national and local trends and patterns of infection, make public health policy recommendations and contribute towards control initiatives.
The postholder will demonstrate considerable subject matter expertise in risk management building on complex and multidisciplinary data sources .  They will play a leading role in the synthesis of food safety risk assessment and surveillance initiatives through collation of existing initiatives and identifying opportunities for further development.

Performing a risk assessment: Analysing current risks and identifying potential risks that are affecting food safety and gastrointestinal infections
Performing a risk evaluation: Evaluating surveillance data and divisional  handling of risks and incidents,
Establishing the level of risk associated with specific pathogens and exposure to food and environmental sources of contamination and exposure
Preparing risk management approaches and risk reporting tailored to the relevant audience (patients, health protection and clinical teams, international organisation and government agencies).
Conducting policy and compliance audits, which will include liaising with internal and external auditors
Leading prioritisation plans and evaluation of actions taken towards the reduction of the incidence of foodborne diseases
Working with stakeholders and government agencies to continuously strengthening evidence for response to risk and outbreak investigation
Acting as an essential stakeholder in food safety to promote, support and protect public health and reduce the burden of foodborne diseases. Lead risk assessment of increased episode of gastrointestinal infection cases and support incident investigation
Contributing to strengthening surveillance systems of foodborne disease

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.
The Gastrointestinal Infections and Food safety (One Health) Division is located within UKHSA’s Clinical and Public health Directorate at Colindale. The Divisions remit includes providing specialist epidemiology and surveillance for Gastrointestinal Infections (GI), coordinating the investigation of national outbreaks, advising government on the risks posed by various gastrointestinal pathogens and responding to national and international health concerns. 
 
The Division manages the above functions across a broad range of pathogens including enteric and food borne bacteria, viruses and parasites. It plays an important role in Food safety and One Health and in using advanced techniques such as whole genome sequencing to track national and international outbreaks and antimicrobial resistance in foodborne bacteria.

This post will require management experience of projects and staff. Within specified areas, the postholder will lead on developing and designing datasets, managing the collation and validation of data, the timely production of outputs (e.g. reports and articles), and quality assurance. The postholder will be expected to lead on the analysis of datasets, to provide advice and guidance on specialist aspects of the analyses of risks to health linked to food and environmental contamination, to interpret and prepare scientific reports and articles of the results and to undertake research. The postholder will contribute to the teaching activities of GIFSOH at local, national and international level.
The postholder will be expected to cope with multiple and changing demands, and to meet tight deadlines. High levels of intellectual rigour, negotiation and motivation skills and flexibility are required to deal with complex public health issues, to advise and make recommendations regarding the development of strategy and systems implementation.  Exceptional tact and diplomacy is required and an ability to understand other cultures to enable effective working across organisational boundaries and for influencing without authority.
The postholder will be expected to attend and contribute fully to the work of the GIFSOH senior management team. The postholder will establish and maintain positive relationships and collaborations with key stakeholders, and positively affect the behaviour and attitudes of team members and colleagues.

Improving risk assessments of foodborne infections through working with the Food Standard Agency and DEFRA
Developing and utilising information and intelligence systems to underpin public health action across disciplines and organisations, and lead collation and interpretation of relevant data to develop the most appropriate analyses from a range of sources
Undertaking specialist and complex analyses of quantitative and/or qualitative datasets which will require selection of the best option from a range of possible solutions.
Analysing and evaluate quantitative and qualitative data and research evidence from a range of sources to make recommendations and inform decision making which may have long term impacts.
Receive, interpret, provide and advise on highly complex epidemiological and statistical information about the health of populations to all parts of UKHSA, Local Authorities, NHS England, the Department of Health and Social Care, and other key stakeholders, and challenge or respond to differing opinions

Have responsibility for the development and implementation of national and local policies, developing inter-agency and interdisciplinary strategic plans and programmes, with delegated organisational authority to deliver key public health targets
Provide expert public health advice and leadership to support and inform an evidence-based approach within ethical frameworks, across sectors including local authorities, voluntary organisations, etc, in potentially contentious and hostile environments where barriers to acceptance may exist
Influence external agencies in their public health policy decisions by working with complex professional, managerial and population groups and other organisations in the statutory, non-statutory and private sectors
Communicate effectively and diplomatically with a wide audience including the media and the public to change practice in sometimes highly challenging circumstances, for example relating to hepatitis elimination and control
Act in an expert advisory capacity on public health knowledge, standards and practice, to national advisory committees and similar expert panels
Write and/or contribute to national and local policy setting reports on the health of the population

Be a member of the GIFSOH senior management team, with involvement in business planning and development of food safety, surveillance, research and training strategies. Support senior managers to ensure day-to-day operational delivery of the service, its responsibilities and resources are fully equipped and fit for purpose. Deputise where appropriate, using leadership approaches and skills.
Be responsible for the development and implementation of multi-agency long-term public health risk assessment programmes as required, based on identification of areas of potential health improvement, the diversity of local needs and the reduction of inequalities
Compare, analyse and interpret highly complex options for running projects identified as key public health priorities, and communicate this information across organisations and the local community
Manage a team of staff including their day to day management;

Lead on public health research, undertake research or audit and commission research audits/projects and pursue (and manage) external funding for research and development
Initiate and plan research projects and the delivery of organisational research goals (relating to work-areas) that may include colleagues across UKHSA and in external organisations, sometimes over long timescales (5+ years)
Develop and lead on international communications, collaborations and research initiatives for areas of responsibility, as appropriate
Develop links with academic centres, clinical experts and other centres (e.g. UKHSA Regions) as appropriate to ensure the work of UKHSA is based on a sound research and evidence base

Develop public health capacity by contributing to teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate level and by supervising those training and working in public health.

The postholder will:
Manage the risk identification and assessment within the GIFSOH Division,
Implement the UKHSA’S health and safety policies and arrangements and ensure that risk assessments, safe systems of work, control measures and staff training are up to date and effective. Managers will inspect premises, ensure accidents and incidents are reported and investigated and assist in auditing health and safety management arrangements,
Forge and develop key relationships with external and internal staff in relation to the, developing systems and indicators to track progress and ensuring local and national stakeholders use the resultant indicators to inform their work.
Provide expertise in the field of food safety and surveillance to inform guidelines, strategy development and research.
Manage budgets for projects and for R&D grants, as appropriate,
Share deputising duties with senior staff in GFSOH as required.

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.

To apply for the role you are required to complete an online application form. Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered. 
This vacancy will use competency based questions to assess the criteria
As part of the application process you will be asked to provide a detailed Personal Statement / Statement of Suitability of up to 1000 words which will be assessed in line with the criteria listed in the person specification.
Applicants are strongly advised to use the criteria in the job description/person specification (available online) as sub-headings in their application to make it clear how they meet each of the selection criteria.
You will also be asked to provide information within the ‘Employer/ Activity history’ section of the application form. This is equivalent to the information you would provide on a CV, setting out your career history.
Candidates invited to interview will be required to attend in person at the Colindale site and will be asked to prepare a 10 minute presentation. More information on the presentation will be provided prior to the interview.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed for this role is BPSS 
Interviews will be held in mid December 2022. Please note, this may be subject to change.
UK Health Security Agency promoted diversity in the workplace and is an Equal Opportunities employer.

This vacancy is open to all Civil Service employees and employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) who were appointed on merit following a fair and open competition; or were appointed to a permanent post through an exception in the Civil Service Commissioners' rules.

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 UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email: 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.

Inclusion in the Health Care Professionals Council and/or UK Voluntary Register (UKVR) for Public Health Specialists

First degree in science subject or related field
Higher degree (MSc or equivalent) in related discipline
PhD in epidemiology/public health/health promotion or equivalent from experience
Training in risk assessment methods, infectious disease epidemiology, surveillance, prevention and/or public health

Essential criteria
Advanced knowledge of computers and database software packages (e.g. SQL, R, RStudio, STATA, GIS, network analysis tools)
Significant experience of scientific report writing and scientific publication including presentation of papers at conference etc
Practical experience of facilitating change, managing staff and budgets
Advanced knowledge and experience of epidemiological and statistical research methods (i.e. post-doctoral level)
Proven experience of data management and analysis of large and complex datasets and reporting
Extensive knowledge and experience of communicable disease epidemiology, surveillance and/ or prevention
Of teaching and training

Desirable criteria
Working at a senior level in coordination of multi-centre projects, developing and managing projects, managing research programmes and/or sections, and obtaining external research funds through grant applications
Of working within the NHS or other health-related sectors

Essential criteria
Understand information governance, including data protection and the need to maintain required levels of confidentiality
Liaise with a wide range of external collaborators including health service and academic professionals
Lead and facilitate effective team working
Plan strategically and work to a consistently high standard and to deadlines
Communicate ideas and methods clearly and succinctly, both orally and in writing

Essential criteria
An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems

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. 
As from 1 January 2021 broadly the following groups may be eligible to work in non-reserved posts within the Civil Service: 
UK nationals 
Nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK 
Nationals of the Republic of Ireland 
Nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with settled or pre-settled status or who apply for either status by the deadline of the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
Relevant EEA or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service
Relevant EEA or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service
Certain family members of the relevant EU & Turkish nationals 
For more information, please refer to the supporting documents detailing the?Civil Service Nationality Rules.

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: ?Complaints@ukhsa.gov.ukIf 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. 
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 Queen’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.