Apply Now
Details
Reference number
Salary
Job grade
Contract type
Business area
Type of role
Quality
Working pattern
Number of jobs available
Contents
Location
About the job
Job summary
The Health, Safety and Delivery Infrastructure group brings together key professions in one place to focus efforts into achieving our Health, Safety, & Wellbeing, quality, and environmental ambitions, and to enable efficient and effective management of our property assets (Lowestoft and East sites; Weymouth and West sites; and RV Cefas Endeavour).
To fully support our Cefas 2030 strategy we are committed to continually improving what we do and how we do it to facilitate the delivery of excellent science by providing and maintaining quality, professional facilities that allow us to deliver safely, efficiently, sustainably, and innovatively.
There is currently an opportunity to join the group in the role of quality assurance auditor and advisor. The role is ideal for someone looking to expand their skillset and experience in quality management or looking to move into a quality focused role.
Working with the Quality Manager and a Quality Team, you will be responsible for planning and delivering quality assurance audits and the review of non-conformances and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at Cefas to accredited and certified standards (principally ISO 17025 and ISO 9001) and for raising and reviewing nonconformances, using objective evidence and effective communication, against the relevant standards.
Offer high quality support to staff and leadership to ensure that Cefas colleagues maintain a positive engagement with quality management systems. Seeking assurance that we maintain excellence in performance and full conformance with relevant standards.
Suitable training and support will be provided commensurate with current experience.
Cefas is proud of a diverse and inclusive work environment, committed to fairness and the promotion of equality of opportunity for all. We know that having a range of experiences, backgrounds, ways of working and thinking, makes us a stronger organisation, better at reflecting the communities we serve. We embrace different views and experiences and value the fresh perspective that people from a variety of circumstances bring to the work we do. We welcome applications from candidates who have not previously worked for the Civil Service, mid- and late-career changers with transferable skills, people from all backgrounds and circumstances regardless of disability, gender, age, ethnicity, LGBT+ identity and socio-economic status.
Job description
The jobholder will provide an internal auditing service, primarily for ISO 9001 and within ISO 17025 accredited testing in laboratories, predominantly at Lowestoft, and assist with the coordination of external audits. They will be reviewing nonconformities/nonconforming work. And are expected to help identify risks and opportunities for improvement and assist in implementation of any necessary actions. The jobholder will assist in completing the Quality Management assurance programme.
The job holder will provide advice, guidance, and training to staff on quality matters. Also undertaking reviews of procedure documentation, including approval and feedback to document owners. The jobholder will be required to own and assist in the production and control of quality-related documents. The jobholder will be involved in managing external audits as well as arranging and participating in training briefings and staff forums to ensure best practice and opportunities for improvement is shared.
The jobholder is expected to accept and fulfil responsibilities and accountabilities as defined in the Health and Safety and Environmental management systems.
Person specification
The following are essential criteria required for this role and you must be able to demonstrate your skills and experience in the following areas:
- Have a keen interest in supporting Cefas to deliver a quality service to our funding partners through effective internal audits and guidance;
- Be willing to undertake specialist training and development as an internal auditor;
- Effective communication at all levels of an organisation;
- Be able to look at the bigger picture and consider the wider factors and long-term implications of decisions in your area of work and organisation;
- Competent user of MS Office package; proficient in MS Word and MS Excel;
- Undertaking preparation and background research for activities; and
- Analysing information, evaluating and clearly presenting findings in a written report.
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
- Communicating and Influencing
Benefits
- Generous annual leave entitlement Cefas offers 25 days’ annual leave on entry (rising to 30 days over first 5yrs) for full-time new entrants to the Civil Service. Employees receive 8 public holidays a year, plus an additional day to mark the late Queen’s birthday
- Access to learning and development tailored to your role
- A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options
- A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
- Eligible to join the Civil Service Pension scheme more information can be found on the CSP website http://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/
- Staff recognition vouchers
- In-year award scheme
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Application Process
As part of the application process you are asked to provide a CV (job history, qualifications, past skills and experience), a 750-word personal statement on how you meet the essential criteria as stated in the person specification section, a 250-word statement on how you meet the lead behaviour, Communicating and Influencing.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
Sift
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the lead behaviour, Communicating and Influencing. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
Interview schedule and details will be confirmed on release of the sift results.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on your previous experience, behaviours and strengths.
You may also be required to give a presentation. If this is the case, you will receive further information with your invitation.
If scores are equal following interview, an assessment of the lead behaviour, Communicating and Influencing, will be used by the panel.
The interview will be undertaken in person or remotely.
Location
Please be aware that this role will be contractually based at Lowestoft or Weymouth. The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location, and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time.
Travel and subsistence will not be paid for travel to a base office location.
Blended Working
Cefas operates a blended working policy subject to business need, giving people the flexibility to choose when and where they work and collaborate with others.
Our staff are expected to work from one of the office/lab locations in Lowestoft or Weymouth, as required by their role and business team needs. There is flexibility to split the working week, spending a minimum of one day in the workplace, unless exceptional circumstances apply.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Salary
New entrants are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.
Visa Sponsorship Statement
Please take note that Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
- Contact Government Recruitment Service via defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
- Complete the Assistance required section in the Additional requirements page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if youre deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Accessibility
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the ‘Contact point for applicants’ section.
Criminal Record Check
If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Internal Fraud Database Check
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicants details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to Defra from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
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).
Apply and further information
You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Cally Wiles or Alec Wilson
- Email : resourcing@cefas.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
Government Recruitment Services via email: defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Click here to visit Civil Service Commission.
