Visa Information
While this position offers a certificate of sponsorship, all international applicants must verify their visa eligibility directly with the employer. The certificate of sponsorship does not guarantee visa approval, and applicants should confirm all visa requirements and costs with UK Visas and Immigration before applying.
Job Overview
The Human Factors Health and Safety Specialist position at the UK Health Security Agency represents an excellent opportunity for international professionals specializing in human factors and health safety. This role is based within the Corporate Health and Safety Team and offers the possibility of remote working while requiring regular travel to UKHSA’s scientific campuses at Chilton (Didcot), Colindale, and Porton.
Job Responsibilities
The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in implementing a Human Factors Strategy aligned with HSE’s Human Factors Delivery Guide. The position focuses on managing Human Factors health and safety risks, particularly in relation to work with biological agents. Key responsibilities include providing Human Factors support for inspection and auditing activities, conducting risk assessments, producing integration plans for new build projects, and assessing safety critical equipment.
Key Duties
Primary duties encompass developing and delivering Human Factors training and awareness programs, creating policy and guidance documents, and investigating incidents and near misses. The specialist will also participate in research initiatives involving Human Factors and maintain professional links with relevant bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF).
Professional Development
The post holder will be expected to identify and address their own professional development needs through appraisal and individual development plans. This includes attending mandatory training such as fire safety and information governance, as well as maintaining Continuous Professional Development (CPD) to sustain Chartered Membership status with CIEHF.
Working Relationships
The position requires developing and maintaining working relationships with a diverse range of individuals across UKHSA, particularly within the Science Group. The specialist will advise and influence Health and Safety Advisors, liaise with Occupational Health/Well-Being colleagues, and maintain external links with Human Factors professionals in other organizations.
Selection Process
The selection process uses Success Profiles and assesses Behaviours, Experience, and Technical Skills. At the sift stage, candidates will be assessed against 11 essential criteria based on their application form and supporting statement (up to 1500 words). Those meeting all or some essential criteria will progress to shortlisting.
Interview Requirements
Shortlisted candidates will participate in an interview that tests behaviors such as Working Together (Lead behaviour), Communicating and Influencing, and Delivering at Pace. Candidates must also prepare and present a 10-minute technical presentation on developing Human Factors competence and capability within UKHSA.
Essential Qualifications
Applicants must hold Chartered Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors or demonstrate eligibility for Chartered Membership. A MSc or BSc qualification in Human Factors/Ergonomics accredited by CIEHF is also required, along with Health and Safety auditing training.
Essential Experience
Candidates must possess broad experience of auditing Health and Safety management systems to identify issues with Human Factors risk control measures. Significant practical experience in implementing human factors for risk control in major hazard environments is essential, as is experience with human factors in new build and refurbishment projects.
Risk Assessment Expertise
The role requires extensive experience in Human Factors risk assessment and adverse incident investigation in major hazards contexts. Candidates must demonstrate significant experience in leading, carrying out, and supporting Safety Critical Task Analyses, as well as identifying human reliability issues with safety critical equipment.
Training Development Experience
Applicants should have significant experience in contributing to and leading Human Factors training and awareness activities. This includes developing, producing, designing, and delivering training courses and materials relevant to managing Human Factors risks in major hazards and biological agents contexts.
Desirable Criteria
While not essential, experience with biological high containment facilities (CL3/CL4 and SAPO3/SAPO4) is highly desirable. Knowledge of regulating Human Factors health and safety risks in biological facilities and experience in human factors risk assessments in biological agents contexts would be advantageous for this position.
Location and Working Pattern
This role offers flexible working arrangements including full-time, part-time, and home/remote working options. While primarily remote, the position requires regular travel to UKHSA’s main scientific sites at Chilton (Didcot), Colindale, and Porton. The agency is committed to supporting work-life balance through flexible arrangements.
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive salary ranging from £54,416 to £68,344 per annum, pro rata, depending on location and experience. The UK Health Security Agency provides an excellent benefits package including a defined benefit pension scheme, generous annual leave, and opportunities for professional development.
Security Requirements
Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring service check and obtain Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance. There is a requirement to work towards Security Check (SC) clearance, for which candidates should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 5 years. Those with less residency should contact the vacancy holder for advice.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the NHS Jobs website. Candidates will need to complete an application form (Employer/Activity history section) and provide a supporting statement of up to 1500 words that outlines their skills, experience, and knowledge relevant to the role. The supporting statement should specifically address how the candidate meets the essential criteria.
How to Apply
For international applicants, the following steps are required:
1. Verify visa eligibility and certificate of sponsorship requirements with UK Visas and Immigration
2. Prepare a CV highlighting your Human Factors qualifications and experience
3. Complete the NHS Jobs application form thoroughly
4. Submit a supporting statement addressing each essential criterion
5. Prepare for the technical presentation on Human Factors competence development
6. Contact Carmelita Goodwin at [email protected] with any questions
Further Information
The UK Health Security Agency is committed to being an inclusive employer that values diversity. Applications are encouraged from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of background. For further information about the agency and its work, please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency.
Equal Opportunities
As an equal opportunities employer, the UK Health Security Agency actively encourages applications from all groups, including those currently underrepresented in the workforce. The agency is committed to creating an inclusive culture where differences drive innovative solutions and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all staff.
Contact Information
For further inquiries about this position, please contact Carmelita Goodwin at [email protected] or call +44 (0)1234 567890 during office hours (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday).
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted by 23:59 GMT on 31 October 2023. Late applications will not be considered. Shortlisted candidates will be notified by 15 November 2023, with interviews scheduled for early December 2023.
Visa Sponsorship Details
The UK Health Security Agency will provide a certificate of sponsorship for successful candidates who require it for their visa application. The certificate will be issued after a successful job offer and security clearance verification. Applicants must meet all UKVI requirements and demonstrate sufficient funds to maintain themselves in the UK.
Probation Period
This position includes a 6-month probation period during which candidates will be assessed against the role’s competencies and objectives. Successful completion of the probation period will confirm continued employment with UKHSA.
