Apply Now
Details
Reference number
Salary
Job grade
Contract type
Business area
Type of role
Working pattern
Number of jobs available
Contents
Location
About the job
Job summary
We are recruiting a Veterinary Lead for the APHA Pig Expert Group (PEG).
Leadership of the PEG involves managing delivery of the Government-funded project for scanning surveillance for pig diseases in England and Wales. The primary aims of this project are detection, investigation and characterisation of new and re-emerging pig-related threats; provision of species-based expertise to APHA, Government policy customers and other stakeholders; maintenance and development of expertise on pig diseases; and development of veterinary scanning surveillance and knowledge exchange networks. More details on the terms of reference of the SEGs are here.
The post is one of seven Species Expert Group (SEG) Veterinary Leads within the APHAs Surveillance Intelligence Unit (SIU). The SIU team is responsible for collecting, collating, presenting and analysing scanning (passive) surveillance data. This is exciting work which includes evaluation of potential threats to animal health and welfare, and to public health. A significant component of the data that inform potential threats are generated through the APHAs network of Veterinary Investigation Centres (VICs), SRUC, Partner Post-mortem Providers (PPPs) and diagnostic laboratories, alongside horizon scanning activities. A full description of the scanning surveillance network is available here.
The PEG brings together a network of expertise that enables identification and characterisation of disease threats relating to pigs. The post works closely with internal and external stakeholders including pig vets in practice, representatives of the pig industry, Pig Veterinary Society, Government policy teams, SRUC and other surveillance delivery partners and scientific institutions, and a wide network of APHA experts.
The post is responsible for a range of communications and engagement activities including monthly and quarterly scanning surveillance reports for the benefit of a wide range of stakeholders. Examples of these reports can be found here.
The post also includes other activities that support continuous improvement of the surveillance system, working together with the SIU team. Examples include leadership of projects and delivery of surveillance partnership contracts.
Job description
Leadership of the Pig Expert Group (PEG) to deliver its terms of reference and enable PEG to act as a virtual centre of expertise for surveillance intelligence gathering, analysis and dissemination of the findings. Chairing regular meetings and enabling communications within PEG to ensure effective outcomes.
Functional management of APHA PEG members; ensuring membership meets the needs of the group; utilising expertise in the group; and building networks outside the group as necessary.
Evaluation and investigation of potential new and re-emerging threats and making decisions on further actions, including characterisation, mitigation, communication and escalation to Government Risk Assessment groups (including the Veterinary Risk Group and the Human Animal Infections and Risk Surveillance group) as appropriate.
Working with multi-disciplinary experts from across APHA and other contributing organisations, to provide evidence-based advice to policy and others, and publishing key outputs around those threats. Key surveillance outputs include the Quarterly Great Britain pig disease surveillance and emerging threats reports, Veterinary Record monthly pig surveillance reports, and other communications as needed.
Representing APHA within stakeholder groups relevant to the pig industry, these may include the Pig Veterinary Society and the Pig Health & Welfare Council and its subgroups.
Contributing to continuing professional development for vets attending pigs, in pig disease investigation, diagnosis and pathology.
Management of the pig disease surveillance budget, including appropriate allocation of budget to ensure good value for money and improved outcomes.
All members of SIU work together in supporting the strategic development of scanning surveillance.
The post holder will act as disease consultant within APHA for various pig diseases.
All veterinary members of SIU are expected to provide support during, and in preparation for, notifiable or reportable disease outbreaks, in line with APHAs commitment to controlling these diseases.
Person specification
- Excellent people leadership skills
- Ability to develop and maintain effective networks and relationships
- A strategic thinker with analytical and creative problem-solving abilities and well-developed decision-making skills
- Evidence of collaborative working across different scientific disciplines and/or organisations to achieve successful outcomes
- Ability to develop high performance in teams and individuals, and support a learning culture with a strong focus on continuous development and building capability in others
- Excellent written and oral communication skills. The post holder will need to be comfortable communicating with people and groups with a range of scientific knowledge
- Awareness of veterinary surveillance, including delivery of scanning surveillance in England and Wales, the role of Veterinary Investigation Centres and GB partner providers, and other sources of data and information
- Knowledge of pig diseases and current threats, particularly their investigation and diagnosis
- Ability to provide Government policy advice and make recommendations, sometimes with incomplete evidence.
Out of hours work may be required in the event of an incident.
Qualifications
Memberships
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Benefits
In return for your dedication, we will support your ongoing personal development through appropriate training. Inclusion, support and the development of our people matter to us. We aim to support the career and personal wellbeing of everyone in APHA. Our benefits include generous annual leave (25 days rising a day per year up to 30 days after 5 years), flexible working, a contributory pension of 27%, staff bonuses and recognition, salary sacrifice benefit options, and an employee discount scheme.
Should you be successful in your application, you can join the active community of scientists and engineers in government as part of the GSE Profession (GSEP). Becoming a member enables you to grow your understanding of profession activities within your own organisation and across the profession. GSEP encourages all members to develop professionally and personally with a variety of free opportunities to learn, develop and network across government. Visit the GSEP GOV.UK page and GSE blog for more details.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Application Process
As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a CV and personal statement. 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 personal statement. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment/interview. Sift and interview dates as well as the interview location to be confirmed.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on Behaviours and your experience. A presentation or additional exercise may also be assessed.
Location
Please be aware that this role(s) will be contractually based in a Defra group workplace/office. 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.
The post can be located at any of the listed APHA sites. Due to the dispersed nature of the SIU team, this post will require travel, including around the Agencys GB locations, and veterinary practice or veterinary laboratory visits and attendance at conferences as part of ongoing engagement, research, business meetings and training and continuous professional development activities. A valid full driving licence is necessary or access to an alternative means of transport.
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/Disclosure Scotland 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.
For further information on the Disclosure Scotland confidential checking service telephone: the Disclosure Scotland Helpline on 0870 609 6006 and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email Info@disclosurescotland.co.uk
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.
Full Time Only
This role is full time only. Applicants who wish to work an alternative pattern are welcome to apply however your preferred working pattern may not be available and you should discuss this with the vacancy holder before applying. We may consider two part-time staff on a job-share basis if continuity can be arranged. Part-time hours will only be considered as part of a job share.
Higher Security Clearance
Please be aware the levels of national security clearance are changing which may impact on the level needed for this role by the time of appointment. All efforts will be made to keep candidates informed of any changes and what that will mean in terms of vetting criteria. For more information please See our vetting charter
The Weybridge site is a strategically important national asset due to its role as a reference laboratory supporting the Governments response to national emergencies including disease outbreaks. For this reason, all post holders based on the APHA Weybridge site must hold a valid Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) security clearance or above. It is up to each person applying for a post at APHA Weybridge to ensure they meet the residency criteria. Applicants must be currently resident in the UK & have between 3 to 10 years continuous UK residency depending on the level of Security. However, residency qualification maybe reduced for certain roles and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. CTC will only be required if based at Weybridge.
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
Medical
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 : Gemma Aliaj
- Email : gemma.aliaj@apha.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.
