Principal Information System Manager

The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is a system leader for health security; taking action internationally to strengthen global health security, providing trusted advice to government and the public and reducing inequalities in the way different communities experience and are impacted by infectious disease, environmental hazards, and other threats to health.

UKHSA's remit, as an agency with a global-to-local reach, is to protect the health of the nation from infectious diseases and other external threats to health. As the nation's expert national health security agency UKHSA will:

• Prevent: anticipate threats to health and help build the nation's readiness, defences and health security
• Detect: use cutting edge environmental and biological surveillance to proactively detect and monitor infectious diseases and threats to health
• Analyse: use world-class science and data analytics to assess and continually monitor threats to health, identifying how best to control and mitigate the risks
• Respond: take rapid, collaborative and effective actions nationally and locally to mitigate threats to health when they materialise
• Lead: lead strong and sustainable global, national, regional and local partnerships designed to save lives, protect the nation from public health threats and reduce inequalities.

Job overview

The post holder will be responsible for leading and managing the surveillance data and information systems requirements in the hepatitis team with some responsibility across the Blood Safety, Hepatitis, STI & HIV Division. They will provide expert advice on Information Governance and ensuring robust data management support. They will work with partners in UKHSA to support the hepatitis team to transition to the data delivery platform, identifying and mitigating any risks.  The post holder will lead and support projects to strengthen existing hepatitis related surveillance systems, and develop solutions for new surveillance and monitoring systems.  The post holder, will identify business intelligence and reporting needs and be responsible for ensuring delivery from system specification through to implementation and output production. This will include the delivery and management of a centralised data storage and reporting solution providing workload, financial and KPI data. Through the application of advanced analytical and software skills, the post holder will support the hepatitis team and Blood Safety, Hepatitis, STI & HIV Division activities, develop solutions and undertake complex analytical and programming tasks. The post holder will provide information management expertise to the hepatitis team and across the division and contribute to project management and delivery activities, working strategically with colleagues to ensure effective partnership working.

Advert

Information Management

In this role you will

• lead, develop and manage the technical and analytical aspects of surveillance data collection and management within Blood Safety, Hepatitis, STI & HIV Division.
• provide expert technical advice within Blood Safety, Hepatitis, STI & HIV Division on the design, analysis and interpretation of surveillance databases and data
• lead evaluations on information systems on behalf of Blood Safety, Hepatitis, STI & HIV Division and act on results more widely
• be responsible for planning, implementing and maintaining a high-level information management service to meet Blood Safety, Hepatitis, STI & HIV Division needs.
• be responsible for the quality of data collected, stored and extracted and contribute to the wider quality assurance work of the Division.
• manage and supervise information staff in the development of outputs and statistical analysis.
• manage delivery of agreed work programmes including timely reporting to stakeholders
• provide direction for the Consultant Epidemiologist in the development of information system specifications for surveillance systems within Blood Safety, Hepatitis, STI & HIV Division

Working for our organisation

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.   

UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.  

Please visit our careers site for more information

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Information Governance 

You will

• advise on all aspects of information governance including information security and contribute to the development of new policy and protocols
• identify new areas for audit, produce recommendations and evaluate

Statistical skills

• prepare and present study data for use within the Division, wider UKHSA and external stakeholders as required.
• support the Division in the preparation and analysis of data for production of business reporting and scientific papers.

Software skills

• use common statistical/database/mapping/web tools such as MS Access, SQL Server, SQL Server Reporting and Analysis Services, Select Survey, ArcGIS, SharePoint etc. in routine reports, study activities and the development of solutions
• undertake complex analytical and programming tasks using common and specialist software packages for example R and Stata to support data extractions, analysis and validation
• develop outputs to demonstrate uses of data using modern business intelligence and reporting tools (dashboards)

Data architecture and analysis skills

• undertake a review of information assets, cataloguing data items and their sources
• identify candidate data assets for inclusion in surveillance
• propose data models for the datasets within Blood Safety, Hepatitis, STI & HIV Division
• recommend suitable terminology and metadata standards
• make recommendations on technology platforms to enable near-real time data linkage
• develop requirements specifications and business cases to support projects as required
• evaluate technical proposals from external suppliers, and make implementation recommendations to senior stakeholders as required
• work with appointed suppliers to develop appropriate data model on supported technology platforms
• represent Blood Safety, Hepatitis, STI & HIV Division in discussions about data management within and outside the organisation, including taking a lead role in coordinating actions required to support data transitions that affect Blood Safety, Hepatitis, STI & HIV Division

*Please note that this list is not exhaustive*

Essential criteria  

• A postgraduate qualification such as an MSc in Information Systems Management, MBA with IT specialisation or MSc in Computer Science or extensive experience of designing, managing and/or evaluating large data systems
• Relevant post graduate qualification or equivalent experience in health data systems
• Substantial experience of surveillance data management including knowledge and understanding of information governance issues in relation to data collection, storage and sharing and research.
• Experience of providing stakeholder focused information services (including the general public, health care workers and communities affected).
• Understanding the purpose of, and experience in all aspects of the design, development, implementation and maintenance of surveillance systems
• Experience of effective line management
• Experience of overseeing and ensuring the successful delivery of projects relating to information systems and management
• Experience in the operational testing, development and implementation of new information systems
• Experience of identifying needs or gaps in data or information
• Knowledge and experience of the NHS Information Governance Toolkit, The Data Protection Act and Caldicott and data protection and confidentiality requirements
• Ability and skills to develop automated routines and solutions as required and to oversee and respond to more complex or sensitive data requests
• Expert skills and knowledge of common and database/mapping/web tools such as MS Access, SQL Server, SQL Server Reporting and Analysis Services, MySQL, ProstgreSQL, OpenEdge Database, ArcGIS ,SharePoint, R, Github, Redshift and Stata etc.
• Ability to analyse and interpret complex surveillance data and analytical and programming tasks using common and specialist software packages to support infectious disease surveillance.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Able to build and maintain effective relationships with coworkers and key stakeholders including health care staff, NHSE and people living with or affected by blood borne viruses and other sexually transmitted infections
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management system

Desirable criteria:

• Experience of working in blood borne viruses (hepatitis B and C, HIV) and sexually transmitted infections

Selection Process

Stage 1: Application & Sift 

This vacancy is using Competency framework

At sift stage you will be assessed against all criteria listed in the job advert.

You will be required to complete an:

• application form ('Employer/ Activity history' section on the application)
• 750 word supporting statement

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 750 words.

This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role.

You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V –please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible)

If we receive a large number of applications an initial sift against the lead criteria will be conducted.

• Degree level such as: MSc in Information Systems Management, MBA with IT specialisation or MSc in Computer Science or extensive experience of designing, managing and/or evaluating large data systems

Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we may longlist into 3 piles of:

• Meets all essential criteria  
• Meets some essential criteria  
• Meets no essential criteria  

Only those who meet ALL essential criteria will be taken through to interview stage.

Desirable criteria may be used if we receive a large number of  applications.

Please note feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview stage (competency based):

You will be invited to a remote interview.

This vacancy is being assessed using a competency framework. During the interview we will assess against the below:

• Knowledge
• Experience
• Skills and Abilities

You will be asked to prepare and present a 5–10-minute presentation prior to your interview, this will be along the lines of:

• Opportunities and challenges of establishing, managing and evaluating a large data system.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Location

• This role is being offered as hybrid working based at our lab in Colindale, London. We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, (averaged over a month). 

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).  

Please note: If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.

Security Clearance Level Requirement  

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed.

• The level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security Standard
• Successful candidates must pass a basic disclosure and barring security check.  
• CTC - Counter Terrorism Check

For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires a Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder / Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice. 

IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ 

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use. 

Link below:

Artificial intelligence and recruitment | Civil Service Careers

This is a Non-Reserved post under the Civil Service Nationality Rules. To be eligible for employment in the UK Civil Service applicants must meet the Civil Service Nationality Rules (CSNRs) which operate independently of and additionally to the Immigration Rules. Applicants must also meet necessary security and vetting requirements, along with any other relevant pre-employment checks. 

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) 
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

For more information on job nationality requirements and the right to work in the UK, see the Civil Service Nationality rules (opens in a new window) and the UK Visas and Immigration rules (opens in a new window)

For posts on UKHSA Civil Service terms and conditions, new entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. For existing Civil Servants and roles advertised across government, the rules of transfer apply, i.e., level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive a 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.  

The Civil Service pay structure and progression is different from NHS Agenda for Change (AfC), most local authority pay grades and other systems that have annual pay increments. For further details, please refer to the Information Sheet- Starting Salaries & Benefits attachment. 

For AfC or Medical/Dental posts, you must have the correct professional registration to be appointed. The pay will follow the AfC or Medical & Dental terms & conditions. You may be asked to provide evidence of previous service whilst we are conducting pre-employment checks to determine your starting salary. 

For Temporary Appointments, if you are not currently a civil servant, you will take up the post on a Fixed Term appointment.  You may be able to take this role up as a Secondment.  If you are an existing Civil Servant, based outside of the UKHSA, you will take up the post as a loan which you will need your department to agree. You cannot take the post up as a fixed term. If you are an existing UKHSA member of staff, you will take up the post as either a level transfer or a temporary promotion as per the UKHSA's Pay policy.  

Given the nature of the work of the UKHSA, as a Category 1 responder under the Civil Contingencies Act, you may be required in an emergency, if deemed a necessity, to redeploy to another role at short notice. You may also be required to work at any other location, within reasonable travelling distance of your permanent home address, in line with the provisions set out in your contract of employment. 

Late Applications will unfortunately not be considered. 

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

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).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles.

If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via  email:  [email protected] If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website here. 

Reserve List - If more than the required number of suitable candidates pass the interview criteria, you may be kept on a reserve list for 12 months subject to your agreement. You may be contacted, in merit-order, if similar roles with closely matching essential criteria become available and the department choose to appoint from a reserve list. 

The panel will assess if candidates meet the requirement of the role first, using a specific benchmark system. If you are interviewed for the post and do not meet the required threshold for the specified grade, your application may be assessed against a similar, lower grade role and you may be offered the post should one be available. 

Interview expenses will not be reimbursed. 

UKHSA is required to check employment and/or education history covering three consecutive years. Please ensure you give details of at least two different referees, even if you were employed in one company for three years or more. 
 
If you are offered a job, information will also be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Records system. Please note, all communication regarding your application will be made via email, please ensure you check your junk/spam folders as emails are sometimes filtered there. 

Any move to UKHSA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at . 

 Benefits of working at UKHSA include: 

• Generous annual leave: 
  -26 days for the first 5 years of continuous service 
  -28 days after 5 years of continuous service 
  -32 days after 10 years of continuous service 
  -Plus public holidays and one privilege day for the King's birthday 
• Access to a generous Defined Benefit pension scheme with employer contributions. 
• Access to a cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme, season ticket advances and payroll giving.
• Access to a retail discounts and cashback site.
• We also promote flexible working patterns (part-time, job-share, condensed hours). UKHSA views flexible working as essential in enabling us to recruit and retain talented people, ensuring that they are able to enjoy a long-lasting career with us. All employees have the right to apply for flexible working and there are a range of options available including working from home, compressed hours and job sharing.
• We also offer a generous maternity/ paternity and adoption leave package. 

Hybrid Working

UKHSA operates a hybrid working model where business needs allow.  This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce.  

As a hybrid worker, you will usually spend a minimum of 60% of your contracted hours (averaged over a month) working at one of UKHSA's locations (approximately 3 days a week pro rata) and the rest of your time working from home. 

Disability Confident Scheme

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria at sift to ensure these candidates are invited to interview.   If you wish to be included in this scheme please tick the box on your application form.  

Reasonable Adjustments

The Civil Service is committed to making sure that our selection methods are fair to everyone.

To help you during the recruitment process, we will take into account any reasonable adjustments that could help you.

An adjustment is a change to the recruitment process or an adjustment at work. 

This is separate to the Disability Confident Scheme. 

If you need an adjustment to be made at any point during the recruitment process you should: 

Contact the recruitment team in confidence as soon as possible to discuss your needs. 

You can find out more information about reasonable adjustments across the Civil Service here:

International Police Check

If you have spent more than 6 months abroad over the last 3 years you may need an International Police Check.  This would not necessarily have to be in a single block, and could be time accrued over that period. 

Internal Fraud check 

If successful for this role as one aspect of pre-employment screening, applicant's personal details – name, national insurance number and date of birth - will be checked against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub and anyone included on the database will be refused employment unless they can show exceptional circumstances. Currently this is only for External candidates to the Civil Service.

Security Vetting

Please check the Security Clearance needed for the role and follow the link for more information:

Future location 

UKHSA is investing in a new state-of-the-art National Biosecurity Centre in Harlow, Essex, which will eventually bring together teams currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale and Porton Down. For more details, please see: Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection - GOV.UK.

The new facilities will start becoming operational in the mid-2030s, with full completion by 2038. Staff will move in phases as facilities become available. If you're appointed to a role currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale or Porton Down, please note that we'll continue investing in these sites for the next decade. As we get closer to the transition, we'll provide full information about relocation support available to staff.

---