About the job

Job summary

UKHSA’s local Health Protection teams provide a central part of how UKHSA works with partners to deliver its first function to protect the public’s health. They deliver this through a range of core functions including surveillance and monitoring, operational support and advice, education, training and research.

The Data Surveillance Scientist (DSS) works as part of a dynamic analytical community and supports the regional health protection team (HPT) by providing the health protection intelligence function to delivery of an effective health protection service. As part of that dynamic analytical community, the postholder will work collaboratively with, and may rotate working with the Knowledge and Intelligence (K&I) function of the Health Improvement Directorate, the regional Health Protection function and the National Infection Services Field Services team to jointly enhance services and develop hubs of excellence in analytical services.

The DSS is responsible for the surveillance systems across specific topic areas, and supports the data collection, validation and production of routine surveillance intelligence in these areas.   This includes developing and maintaining effective health surveillance databases, developing and delivery of routine and bespoke reports and supporting the use of HPZone (a national UKHSA web-based incident management system). The DSS will analyse and interpret surveillance data and develop automated routines and solutions as well as overseeing and responding to more complex or sensitive data requests. This will be through their application of, and expertise in, analytical, statistical, database, mapping and web tools. They will provide expert advice on information governance and quality and evaluate surveillance systems.

 

Location

This role will be based in Nottingham.

UKHSA offers hybrid working for its employees – This role will be based at UKHSA offices in Nottingham with opportunities for an element of working from home.

Currently this requires working from an allocated UKHSA base location for 60%, from the beginning of 2024.

The balance between home and workplace working is to be agreed with the line manager, determined primarily by business need and in line with departmental policy.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.

Job description

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Public Health Intelligence, Surveillance and Data Analysis

1. Support the development, operation and improvement of the enhanced surveillance system to ensure a detailed long term understanding of threats to health in region including and beyond Covid-19.
2. Provide advice and support on data analysis, presentation and interpretation to the HP team.
3. Present and demonstrate the use of data science tools and methodologies.
4. Analyse the main communicable disease surveillance data and health protection programme and outcome indicators (process / coverage).
5. Work closely with analytical and HP colleagues to help identify analytical requirements and shape the development of statistical analysis approaches.
6. Support the creation of surveillance system specifications and development of surveillance systems.
7. Conduct comparative analyses of population health indicators using appropriate statistical techniques to measure health care and health inequalities in the population and track changes over time. Interpret results of analyses to suggest what conclusions may be drawn.
8. Support HP risk assessments for outbreaks and incidents.
9. Develop systems for receiving and sharing health protection intelligence within UKHSA and with local partner organisations.
10. Prepare data tables/graphs/maps for presentations and reports. Provide information, intelligence and project management support for the production of regular HP intelligence bulletins.
11. Respond to data requests and identify common themes or issues to be addressed.
12. Support the development of automated routines and solutions for surveillance data reports.
13. Contribute to public health scientific analyses and writing reports on specific projects, regular and ad hoc publications and peer reviewed publications.
14. Support public health/epidemiological data analysis through GIS analyses and mapping of epidemiological data and to assist in the design, quality control, and analysis of research and surveys.
15. Liaise with key UKHSA staff to ascertain public health information and reporting requirements to support HP functions and processes. Support the production of the underlying datasets and indicators for the monitoring and evaluation of key public health programmes.
16. Maintain an overview of the outputs from team and surveillance systems (tracking disease trends and emerging threats).
17. Support the development of systems within UKHSA to share public health information and knowledge such as through the UKHSA web sites and through the development of databases and systems for disseminating information and intelligence within the HPT and to local health partners.
18. Support the use of HPZone by HPT staff (developing systems for data capture and reporting by the system, supporting and training new staff when necessary).

Outbreak Support and Epidemiological Investigations

1. Support information and data management in cases of outbreak or epidemiological investigation.
2. Provide first line advice on information governance aspects of outbreak management and response escalating for senior input as appropriate.

Software and Statistical skills

1. Support application of a range of common statistical tests and algorithms including time trend analysis and to support exceedance investigations
2. Support translation of statistical processes into automated solutions where appropriate.
3. Use common statistical/database/mapping/web tools such as Stata, R, ArcGIS, network analysis, SQL and SharePoint in routine reports, surveillance activities and the development of solutions.
4. Support analytical and programming tasks using common and specialist software packages to support data extractions, analysis and validation

Audit, Quality and Governance

1. Responsible for the validation and regular audit of surveillance systems to ensure compliance with Information Governance Guidelines and contribute to initiatives to improve the quality of data and surveillance.
2. Support the associate Caldicott Guardian for the HPT maintaining an overview of information governance regarding personal identifiable information processed by the HPT.
3. Undertake regular routine audit of data information flows and procedures to ensure the integrity and reliability of surveillance data and other data sources.
4. Ensure the security, confidentiality and appropriateness of storage, access and retrieval of records in accordance with legislative and UKHSA policies.

Collaborative Working

1. Maintain constructive relationships with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Work closely with Field Service colleagues and other regional information specialists to form a cross-regional professional association of information support staff.
3. Work with other organisations including universities and local government in gaining access to existing data sources, and in avoiding duplication in work and analyses
4. Present own work/give joint presentations covering work and of the team to a range of technical and non-technical groups which may entail explaining statistical concepts and findings.

Research and Development

1. Undertake literature reviews, evaluative research surveys, audits and other research as required.

Professional development

1. Identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through appraisal / individual development plan. Attending internal / external training events.
2. To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.

Communication and key working relationships

The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to UKHSA.

This will include:

Internal

• UKHSA Regional teams
• Other UKHSA divisions/directorates

External

• Local Authorities
• Local NHS, including commissioners and providers.
• Community and Voluntary Sector
• Other Government Agencies
• Local Resilience Fora and Local Health Resilience Partnerships
• Care Homes
• Healthcare Professionals
• Local Prisons

Other

The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role.  You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by your line manager.

The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the division and UKHSA.

It should be noted that the work of the division is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.

Person specification

It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of 1,250 words (max) that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the following criteria:

Essential Criteria:

• Educated to degree level in relevant subject or equivalent level of experience of working at a similar level in specialist area
• Experience and understanding of evaluating and measuring the performance of health services
• Experience in communications and stakeholder management
• Clear communicator with excellent writing, report writing and presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiences
• Evidence of success in efficient and effective project and programme management
• Skills for communication on complex matters and difficult situations, requiring persuasion and influence
• Ability to analyse and interpret information, pre-empt and evaluate issues, and recommend and appropriate course of action to address the issues
• Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands
• Attention to detail combined with the ability to extract key messages from complex analysis
• Independent thinker with demonstrated good judgement, problem-solving and analytical skills
• Skills for project management
• Ability to engender trust and confidence and demonstrate integrity in the provision of advice and support
• Skills for manipulating information.
• Intermediate keyboard skills
• Used to working in a busy environment
• Adaptability, flexibility and ability to cope with uncertainty and change
• Commitment to continuing professional development
• Demonstrate a strong desire to improve performance and make a difference by focusing on goals
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, and in relation to management systems
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, and in relation to management systems

Desirable Criteria:

• Knowledge of project management and/or health information systems development
• Previous experience in similar role in public sector
• Knowledge of UKHSA role in outbreaks/incidents
• Proficient and/or expert in the use of some of the following: spreadsheets, databases, GIS, statistical software (e.g. R, Stata, SAS, SPSS) Experience of maintaining code using R or an alternative statistical package
• Experience in utilising Power BI

Benefits

• 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%
• Range of health and wellbeing support

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 Childcare Choices , 30 Hours Free Childcare, Tax-Free Childcare and More , Help with Costs , GOV.UK

Things you need to know

Selection process details

STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT: 

You will be required to complete an application form and a statement of suitability. Your Statement of Suitability should outline your skills, experience, and achievements, providing evidence of your suitability for the role, against the essential criteria (outlined in the person specification section). Your Statement of Suitability must not exceed 1,250 words.

You will also be asked to provide information within the ‘Employer/ Activity history’ section of the application form. This is equivalent to the information you would provide on a CV, setting out your career history. The sift selection panel will only consider relevant career history information from the last 5 years.

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview.

STAGE 2 – INTERVIEW:

This competition will involve an interview in person (preferred).

As part of the process, candidates will be invited to interview which will involve an in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence in relation to the criteria set out in the Person Specification.

This vacancy is being assessed using Success Profiles. During the interview we will assess your Strengths/Ability/ Experience/Technical skills.

There might be a task you need to complete as part of your interview, information will be shared with you before your interview.

Advert close: 17/01/2024 – unfortunately, late applications will not be considered. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Interviews: TBC

Please note these dates could be subject to change.  

Eligibility Criteria

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

Security clearance level requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security Standard.  People working with government assets must complete Basic Personnel Security Standard checks.

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. 

Please Note

This role is to be appointed under Civil Service Terms & Conditions. Full details on the T&Cs are found https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/

Are you already a civil servant, or employed by a Civil Service Commission accredited public body? Please state home department on your application form.

Do you meet the nationality requirements for this post? https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/

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: Complaints1@ukhsa.gov.uk. 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. 

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

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

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

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 equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.