Laboratory Compliance Manager

Defra group Property (DgP) manages the provision of facilities management services to Defra’s executive agency; the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).  APHA uses a wide range of specialist facilities as part of its aims to safeguard animal and plant health for the benefit of people, the environment and the economy. 

These specialist facilities include biocontainment laboratories across the UK with the main laboratory campus being located at Weybridge. The Defra Weybridge site is the largest facility in terms of size and complexity across the Defra network and is currently going through a process of major investment (over £1b) and redevelopment in order to enhance its scientific capability. The site is at the forefront of research and diagnostic testing for animal and zoonotic diseases and leads on disease outbreak response for Defra. 

The DgP Technical Services team at Weybridge fulfils the role of Intelligent Client Function (ICF) for FM services across DgP’s Science Estate.  

The role is based at the Defra Weybridge laboratory site. Weybridge / flexible hybrid with 4 days a week required on site in Weybridge. Some travel will be required.

The Laboratory Compliance Manager’s primary role is to provide assurance on the laboratory facilities on the APHA estate.  Assurance activities will assess compliance with applicable legislation including The Specified Animal Pathogens Order (2008), The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations, (2002), Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations (2014) and The Animal Scientific Procedures Act (1986) and their associated codes of practice and guidance, industry and departmental standards and best practice. 

The role reports to the Bio Risk Manager as part of the Biocontainment and Process Safety Engineering team based at Weybridge, a specialist function acting as part of Defra Group Property Technical Services (DgP-TS).   They act as a specialist in laboratory compliance requirements, monitoring the legal landscape and compliance status of each facility on the estate.  You will be responsible for working with technical leads within DgP-TS to implement biocontainment and process safety engineering policies in laboratories and verifying that the FM service provider follows the agreed processes for intrusive laboratory maintenance and requalification activities.  You will also be responsible for managing the secure storage recalibration of the DgP-TS test equipment.

The scope of the role includes the entire APHA laboratory/science estate, i.e. Weybridge and the Regional Laboratories (some travel will be required).

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading on the implementation of a programme of inspections and audits of the biocontainment laboratory engineering systems. Identifying non-compliance and making recommendations for addressing them.
• Leading on the assurance of the contracted FM service provider’s Contract Assurance Visit programme, ensuring the inspection questions cover the full scope of laboratory services for each laboratory facility and any non-conformances reported to the Bio Risk manager and Head of FM.
• Ensuring the High Containment Scheduled Maintenance Process is adhered to and reported to the High-Risk Engineering Working Group (Operations) every month on non-conformance.
• Maintaining a legal register applicable to the laboratory estate.
• Escalating urgent non-conformances to the Bio Risk Manager and Head of FM at Weybridge.
• Monitoring changes to the regulatory framework and informing the team of new or amended legislation and standards affecting laboratory facilities.
• Responsible for maintaining an asset register for the DgP-Technical Services’ test equipment and ensuring its secure storage and annual recalibration.
• Reporting on the status of each biocontainment facility and recording key issues in the Biocontainment Facility RAG Status report – collaborating with end users, the FM service provider and technical leads to verify the accuracy of information being reported.
• Responsible for closing out assigned actions in the DgP-TS Technical Assurance Programme Action Tracker in a timely manner.
• Supporting and covering the training of inductees.

Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate the following skills and experience:

• Knowledge and understanding of key laboratory compliance requirements for work with ACDP and SAPO hazard group pathogens.
• Knowledge and understanding of laboratory quality standards.
• Knowledge and understanding of compliance in a building services context.
• Experience of conducting audits and inspections.
• Ability to communicate with people at all levels and to work well within a team.
• Good understanding of compliance in the FM industry – hard and soft services.
• Flexible attitude, with the ability to manage a range of tasks at once.
• The capability to work to deadlines, and the ability to prioritise task.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Continually improve processes, policies and ways of working.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal together with experience of delivering presentations.
• NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety or equivalent qualification/experience.
• ISTR Biosafety Practitioner Level 1 or equivalent qualification/experience.

We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service

We’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Knowledge of the legal requirements and relevant industry guidance for building engineering controls in microbiological containment laboratories.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%

Blended Working

Defra operates a blended working policy subject to business need, giving people the flexibility to choose when and where they work and collaborate with others.

Individuals are expected to work from one of the office locations stated in the advert to connect with their colleagues, as required by their role and business team needs.  There is flexibility to split the working week, spending minimum of 40-60% in the workplace, unless exceptional circumstances apply and/or you are a contractual home worker.

Job contact :

• Name : hello@twentysevenconsulting.co.uk
• Email : hello@twentysevenconsulting.co.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk