About the job

Job summary

Do you have excellent leadership, communication skills, thrive in a fast-paced, changing environment and enjoy working to tight deadlines? Would you like to be part of an agency where we value managers responsible for building and maintaining employee morale, helping employees reach their full potential and inspiring employee loyalty? If so, we would love to hear from you!

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is an executive agency of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, and works on behalf of the Scottish Government and Welsh Government. Our diverse teams of over 2,500 skilled and committed professionals come together to provide research, advice and support to UK Government for safeguarding animal, public and plant health for benefit of the environment and economy

The Science Directorate (SD) delivers high quality, high impact and highly relevant multidisciplinary science. Our People are diverse, talented, engaged and inspired to deliver innovative outcomes. The Science Strategy and Planning Department (SSP) provide strategic direction and support across this Directorate. The department has a wide breadth of supportive functions including the People Lead team who deliver advice and give assistance to all staff in the Science Directorate (SD) in people related matters. This role may move into a different Directorate overtime due to organisational design across APHA.

As Deputy People Lead (middle manager) you will support the People Lead (Senior Manager) Science Directors, Head of SSP, HR Business Partner, HOD’s Business Managers, Science Admin Manager and Recruitment team in the following areas:

Polices

Recruitment

Apprenticeships

Learning and Development

Career Fairs and Corporate Inductions

Higher Security Clearance

Departmental Health and Safety Adviser

Business Support

Job description

HR Polices

To work closely with the People Lead, and Assistants, Shared Services (SSCL) and Government Recruitment Service (GRS) to advise and interpret polices for staff and their managers. Be able to know where to find appropriate information on policy and procedures and point all staff in the direction of where to find this information and advice as appropriate. Ensure any issues with policies and procedures and issues are fed back to SSCL, Defra and HR etc where appropriate. Proactively ensure issues and anomalies are queried and resolved. Cascade information to Heads of Departments (HODs) and other appropriate staff within SD as appropriate and updating them through local team briefs.

Recruitment

Managing the recruitment team within SSP to ensure all the necessary information required on Science vacancies and MI for Workforce Planning (WFP) meetings fortnightly is accurate and submitted in a timely manner. This will also include submission on vacances for APHA monitoring purposes on a weekly basis and as and when required.  Attending Science WFP in absence of the People Lead to discuss vacancies along with Directors, Finance BPs, HR and other staff as appropriate. Co-ordination with Business Managers to ensure the establishment lists are completed. Approving vacancies through the approval App checking thoroughly they are within the FTE count and sending approval emails. Writing and communicating any important information on recruitment to HODs, Business Managers, Admin Team Leaders and Recruitment team as appropriate. Follow up and issues with GRS and find solutions and advice as appropriate. Take part in GRS monthly calls monthly for the People Lead as appropriate, putting forward issues and circulating any appropriate information. Working with People Lead on any particular recruitment projects as appropriate.

Apprenticeships

Assisting the People Lead by managing apprenticeships, monitoring thereof, co-ordination with the Defra team, maintaining Management Information. Liaising with Universities, Colleges and external providers of apprenticeships. Co-ordination of contracts. Writing and delivering communications as appropriate, liaising with apprentices, mentors, ambassadors and HODs of progress. Assisting with finding staff appropriate apprenticeships and making recommendations. Keeping up to date on availability of apprenticeship through websites and Defra pages. Maintaining SD Sharepoint page on apprenticeships. Attending any meetings on behalf of People Lead when required.

Learning and Development (L and D)

Managing and assisting in the planning the SD L and D Budget, L and D Plan including the co-ordination of annual requirements of L and D across SD. Checking with the team they are on track with planned courses, budget spending giving updates to the People Lead on progress of spending on monthly basis. Writing up information for any specific tenders including completing forms to CSL and liaison with key experts within SD and where appropriate across other directorates. Attend any meetings for the People Lead in their absence as appropriate and adding details for local team brief of appropriate courses.

Career Fairs and Corporate Induction

Attendance at local career fairs and events at Weybridge site and local fairs in Surrey and in London to promote both recruitment and apprenticeships. Attendance at Corporate Induction to promote apprenticeships for Science Directorate ensuring all posters and literature is up to date.

Higher Security Clearance

Overseeing and acting as Authorising Officer for higher security renewals for APHA staff based at Weybridge ensuring the Admin Officer is on track in sending out renewals in a timely fashion. Communicating with People Lead for any issues.

Departmental Health and Safety Adviser (DSA)

As the DSA you will be required to know where to find information and know the appropriate procedures and risk assessments in Health and Safety (H&S) including reporting accidents, raising alarms and the fire brigade. You will be required to develop working relationships with the staff in SHaW team and selectively distribute information which is relevant to the dry science and admin team in SSP.

 You will conduct H&S Induction talks with new staff, follow up to ensure they have read the relevant information and signed off and added to the relevant roll call list which is used in the event of a fire drill. Conduct two Safety Tours/ Inspections per year with HOD.  You will need to carry out checks on First Aid boxes. In addition, be fully aware of  changes to H & S policy and procedures. Take action on behalf of the Head of Department.

Business Support

Assisting the People Lead with any specific projects. Managing any specific people related work requested for SD and SSP. This will also include attendance at meetings to take notes and investigations for complex cases following the policy and procedures for example on poor performance, poor attendance, and complaints. Management of two EOs and countersigning manager of three AOs and responsibility of their development, one to one meetings etc.

Approve Purchase Order Requisitions as appropriate for example for recruitment costs and training courses.

Deputising for the People Lead in all areas in their absence and any other work as appropriate for SSP, SD and across APHA.

Person specification

Experience and skills: You will need to demonstrate the following: Experience of communicating and influencing effectively across diverse skills groups including senior staff and to be able to promote us at various events. An understanding of financial systems and planning for L and D budget planning and approval of spending Effective planning and organisational skills and ability to switch tasks at short notice as this is a very busy role and you will be expected to learn quickly, understand requirements and make decisions quickly and accurately Dealing with conflicting priorities and to know when to act and when to consult Excellent IT skills including Excel – knowledge of pivot tables, manipulation of data, Interpretation and analysis of data to be able to present to different levels of staff Experience of working collaboratively to collate and present accurate information and works confidentially and using discretion Experience and understanding of recruitment or L and D processes Excellent written and oral skills to be able to get message across plainly and succinctly Knowledge/awareness of apprenticeships Ability to interpret policy and procedures to advice staff/managers in people related matters. Willingness to learn the Departmental Safety Adviser role and be committed to the role Quick learner, willingness to advise and resolve issues on behalf of the staff in SSP and Science Directorate. Management of staff including training, advising, coaching and development thereof. This will include the ability to fit into an established hard working, friendly team Experience of managing large volumes of work quickly and accurately. Security clearance The Weybridge site is a strategically important national asset due to its role as a reference laboratory supporting the Government’s response to national emergencies including disease outbreaks. For this reason all staff based on the APHA Weybridge site must hold a valid Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) security clearance or above. It is up to each person applying for a post at APHA Weybridge to ensure they meet the residency criteria. Applicants must be currently resident in the UK & have at least three years continuous UK residency as this is a requirement to work at the Weybridge site where the team and work is situated.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £35,857, Animal and Plant Health Agency contributes £9,681 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.

Application Process

After submission of the first stage of your application, you will be invited to complete a Civil Service Verbal Test, and Civil Service Numerical Test. If you successfully pass the test, you will be invited to complete the final stage of the application. 

Please complete the online tests as soon as possible (within 24-48 hours is recommended), the closing date for the tests and application is 23:55 on 25th January 2024. If you fail to complete the online test before the deadline your application will be withdrawn. Guidance for the test will be available when you are invited to take the test. The tests are administered online and accessed via the CS Jobs website. 

Do not leave completing the tests until the last minute in case you experience any access or technical issues. There may not be technical support available after business hours and after 2pm on the closing date of 25th January 2024. 

While the tests should work on most operating systems and modern browsers with a good internet connection, we cannot guarantee that every combination will work. At the beginning, the test will check which browser you are using, and alert you if it is likely to be incompatible. 

It is highly recommended that you complete the online tests on a desktop computer, not a mobile phone or tablet. 

Please note that online tests associated with this vacancy are not subject to time limits. Click https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reasonable-adjustments-for-online-tests-a-candidate-guide for test guidance

As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a CV, 750 word personal statement, and a 250 word behaviour statement. 

Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

Interview

If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on Behaviours, essential skills/experience, Technical ability and on Strengths. A presentation or additional exercise may also be assessed.

Location

Please be aware that this role(s) will be contractually based in a Defra 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 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 you’re 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 applicant’s 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.

Full Time Only 

This role is full time only. Applicants who wish to work an alternative pattern are welcome to apply however your preferred working pattern may not be available and you should discuss this with the vacancy holder before applying. 

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.

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

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). 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. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.