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Details
Reference number
Salary
Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
Job grade
Contract type
Fixed Term
Loan
Secondment
Length of employment
Business area
Type of role
Veterinary Services
Working pattern
Number of jobs available
Contents
Location
About the job
Job summary
Do you want to be part of a team preventing the introduction of notifiable diseases and invasive species into the UK?
Do you want a role safeguarding standards of animal health and welfare?
Do you want to apply your communication and problem-solving skills in a role that provides variety and flexibility?
If so, why not join us and make a difference.
For further insight into the work that we do please see videos below;
Your role will be to;
- Perform documentary, identity and physical checks to assess compliance and decide if the consignments can enter GB
- Assess fitness for travel and initiate corrective action
Please click here to visit APHAs Veterinary Careers website for further information about the role of Veterinary Inspectors in APHA. In addition, please visit the Government veterinary profession website which provides further information about veterinary delivery and careers in the Civil Service. here
Drop in Sessions
Whilst the advert and accompanying candidate pack provide the essential detail, APHA will be holding a remote drop-in session whilst the advert is live. This session will be an opportunity to ask questions related to the job and the application process.
The drop-in session for this campaign will be held on:
Wednesday 27th September – 12:00
For any additional queries, or for those unable to attend the drop-in session please raise enquiries via hrresourcingsupport@defra.gov.uk
Job description
At the Border Control Post in Heathrow, your time will be spent carrying out checks on live animals imported into GB from the European Union and Third Countries. This role involves a wide range of work including, but not limited to, the following:
Completion of veterinary checks on imported animals, which comprise:
o Documentary
o Identity
o Physical and Welfare checks, dependent on species, origin, and size of consignments
Liaison with BCP Operators, Importers, Agents, Local Authorities, Policy Teams and others involved in the international trade of live animals
Assessment of a wide variety of species and types of consignments
Consideration of the legal implications of consignments which are not compliant
In addition, you may be expected to become involved in:
Incident and disease outbreak response
investigating diseases in animals
undertaking on-site investigations
examining and inspecting animals to support differential diagnosis of disease
collecting and submitting appropriate samples for laboratory testing
collecting, interpreting relevant data and associated administrative documentation
reporting findings and recommendations
maintaining competence in this role
Welfare Investigation – Statutory surveillance and intervention in animal welfare
Inspection, Approval and Audit of premises and transport
Compliance and Enforcement
Local Stakeholder Engagement
Due to the nature of this role there will be regular outdoor working.
Duty and out of hours rotas
You will be required to work shifts and respond to operational needs of the Border Control Posts. Currently there are two shifts rotating to cover 0730 and 2200 on weekdays. Due to the nature of flights and live animal handling staff may be required to work later than 2200 to check and clear the animals from the Border Control Post. There is also regular weekend work where attendance is required for one or more members of the team to attend the Border Control Post. There is no shift pattern at weekends.
A shift disturbance allowance of 12.5% is paid on top of the salary, up to £32,507.
Person specification
We are looking for candidates with the following essential experience;
are able to engage with customers and stakeholders confidentially and professionally
have some experience of working in teams of various skills and disciplines
are confident with responsibility in the face of challenge and can adapt to new situations flexibly
are able to produce reports to communicate veterinary knowledge
are comfortable with excellent record keeping and understand the importance of audits and processes that maintain quality outputs
have some practical experience in veterinary work, preferably including the handling of large animals, and, proficiency with routine techniques and skills which will enable you to develop as a State Veterinarian
practical experience in veterinary work including the handling of animals, proficiency in routine techniques (e.g. blood sampling), and evidence of first hand relevant experience, skills and competencies which will enable development as a State Veterinarian
Licences
Qualifications
Memberships
Languages
have undertaken undergraduate veterinary training in English;
or
having a sufficient command of spoken and written English to effectively perform the role being undertaken by a public sector worker in a customer-facing role
or
have achieved the following scores in the academic international English Language Testing System (IELTS) or equivalent in a single sitting within 24 months at time of application Overall 7, Speaking 7, Listening 7, Reading 7, Writing 7.
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Technical skills
We’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Understanding of notifiable exotic disease in the UK
- Welfare issues found in animals in transit
- Knowledge of current veterinary issues affecting the UK
- Understanding outbreak risks and priorities in the UK
Benefits
£10,069 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
Pension and Financial Benefits
Your pension is a valuable part of your total reward package and there are various options including Alpha and Partnership pension schemes in which Defra can invest in providing a contribution to the cost of your pension.
Life Assurance: if you become too ill or die before retirement valuable benefits will be provided to you and your family.
Time off
25 days annual leave (rising to 30 days over 5 years) for new entrants to the Civil Service. Current Civil Servants will retain existing arrangements .
Special Leave
Additional paid leave for other situations including family-related leave is available for employees volunteering and taking part in public duties, trade union activities, special/trained forces and for health & safety representatives.
Rewards
We have a Staff Recognition Scheme with our in-year awards rewarding exemplary work. At SEO grade for vets we currently have a system that pays a dual-level financial award depending on level of experience and competency in the role. This scheme is only available once staff have passed probation and is not part of the contractual rewards package.
Learning and Development
Access to five days learning and development each year to support professional development through Civil Service Learning is offered. Corporate induction and three days special leave for volunteering. You will be offered full training for the role you are expected to fulfil.
Performance Management
Individual performance plans, learning and development matched to your agreed career objectives and progression plans.
Examination Leave
Paid leave for exams and revision for approved studies.
Staff Wellbeing
Access to an Employee Assistance Programme is available 24/7, providing advice and guidance on both personal and employment issues such as wellbeing, career development and legal matters .Staff are also offered Occupational Health Services and membership of the Civil Service Sports Council.
Headspace
Free access to Headspace which is a mindfulness, meditation and sleep app, is available to all staff
Travel & Transport Benefits
A range of travel and transport benefits are available. Access to the cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme that enables you to buy a bike up to the value of £6k.
Shopping and Leisure Benefits
A variety of discounts at online stores and leisure experiences are available via Mylifestyle.
Interest Free Loans
For season tickets and/or bicycles and safety equipment as well as tenancy deposit scheme.
Other Benefits:
Sick Pay
We have various measures in place to assist with your physical and emotional health. Our focus is on early intervention and proactivity in addressing health issues. However, should you not be well enough to attend work, occupational sick pay, increasing by length of service, is available.
Enhanced Parental Leave
We offer generous maternity leave, paternity leave, adoption leave and shared parental leave.
Making it work for you
With so many flexible options, most people can find a work schedule to suit their circumstances. Working within a team of 350 vets and 500 Animal Health Officers and scientists means that theres plenty of flexibility available.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Application Process
As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a CV, including job history and qualifications, together with a personal statement.
For your CV, outline your current and previous relevant roles and the length of time in each role. Provide a brief description of your duties and responsibilities.
Please provide a statement demonstrating how your skills, experience and suitability meet the requirements of the job description and responsibilities as outlined in the advert. Your personal statement should be no longer than 500 words.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
Sift
Candidates who pass the sift will be progressed to interview.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on the behaviour, Communicating and Influencing. This may be assessed through a presentation. Further details on this will be provided in the invitation to interview.
In addition, you will be assessed on the technical elements of the role as stated in the technical skills section above.
You will also be asked strength questions.
Interviews will be held via MS Teams.
Health Check
Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical. You will be required to have (or a willingness to receive) a BCG vaccination and a Rabies vaccination.
Location
Please be aware that this role(s) will be contractually based in a Defra/Apha 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.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Salary
New entrants to the Civil Service 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.
Contract Types
Some of these roles will be offered as a Fixed-term Appointment as a Senior Veterinary Inspector for Heathrow Border Control.
Loan and Fixed Term Appointments
Existing Civil Servants and applicants from accredited NDPBs are eligible to apply but will only be considered on loan basis (Civil Servants) or secondment (accredited NDPBs). Prior agreement to be released on a loan basis must be obtained before commencing the application process. In the case of Civil Servants, the terms of the loan will be agreed between the home and host department and the Civil Servant. This includes grade on return.
Permanent roles will be offered to candidates in merit order, with fixed term roles being offered to those in lower merit order.
The post requires temporary cover, for no more than 24 months, pending potential approval of a permanent post. The fixed term will end (if the post has been approved as permanent) when the permanent recruitment completes or will end on the fixed term end date if the post has not been approved as permanent.
This post will therefore begin from the candidate’s start date and end on 31st March 2025.
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.
All of these posts require the successful candidate to hold Counter Terrorist Check security clearance. Candidates posted to Heathrow will be subject to a higher level of clearance because of the security requirements for that location. Job offers to these posts are made on the basis of merit. Security vetting will only take place after the receipt of a job offer.
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
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Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : HR Resourcing Support team
- Email : hrresourcingsupport@defra.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
