About the job

Job summary

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) helps people to live better for longer. We lead, shape and fund health and care in England, making sure people have the support, care and treatment they need, with the compassion, respect and dignity they deserve. To achieve this, and to create a great place to work, we have four values: we are inclusive, we constantly improve, we challenge, and we are agile. If this sounds like an environment you’d like to work in, we’d love to hear from you.

We have a vacancy for a Science Strategy Lead working in the Chief Scientific Advisors (CSA) office. The CSA has overall responsibility for the department’s research and development, including the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), and helping to create an effective and efficient research system for the NHS, public health and social care. She is also responsible for advice to Ministers and DHSC on specific aspects of policy questions.

The Secretary of State for Health has a Statutory Duty to promote research and the use of research evidence, and the Chief Scientific Advisor (CSA), and the Science Research and Evidence (SRE) Directorate plays a central role in ensuring she can fulfil this duty. 

The aim SRE is to improve the health and wealth of the nation through science, research and evidence to inform policy and practice. SRE works to underpin the work of DHSC’s ministers, officials, and arms-length bodies through improving the generation, synthesis, and use of evidence.  We seek to maximise the contribution that research makes to the health, wellbeing, and economic prosperity of the country and globally by working closely with colleagues in other government departments, research funders in the public, private and charity sectors, the NHS, care system and universities.

We do this through the DHSC-funded National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The DHSC CSA is CEO of NIHR. The NIHR was established in 2006 to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research. NIHR delivers against this mission through: funding, supporting and delivering high quality research; engaging and involving patients, carers and the public; attracting, training and supporting the best researchers; investing in world-class infrastructure and a skilled delivery workforce; partnering with other public funders, charities and industry. 

Job description

This G7 role as Science Strategy Lead offers an exciting opportunity to make an impact at national scale. The role presents a unique opportunity to support DHSCs CSA in all aspects of her role across government and the devolved administrations. This includes advancing cross-governmental science and technology priorities and setting and delivering scientific priorities for DHSC. The role will also support the science system within DHSC including through strengthening the Science and Engineering Profession and working with the Government Office for Science on cross government efforts to improve the government science system.

Activity will be varied, fast paced and high profile and so we are looking for a self-motivated individual who thrives in demanding but highly collaborative environments. A background in health research is desirable. You will need to manage challenging situations and complex problems with tact and diplomacy. 

The post holder will report to the Head of Science Strategy within the SRE Directorate. The post holder will work closely with the Deputy CSA, the CSA, and SRE’s Senior Management Team, as well as with colleagues across DHSC, UKHSA, NHSE, other government departments, and with government and other research funders. The post-holder will have a willingness to be security cleared at SC level once in post. 

Person specification

Role responsibilities

The post-holder will work in a small, dynamic team with the Head of Science Strategy and the Deputy CSA. They will work collaboratively in matrix teams across DHSC and wider government to deliver strategic priorities. They will lead on specific projects and support the delivery of others in the following areas:

• Develop and deliver DHSC’s contribution to cross-government science and technology strategies, for example:
  • Delivering DHSCs R&D contribution to the UK Science and Technology Framework including AI, engineering biology, and quantum. 
  • Working with other government departments to advance joint research priorities.
• Develop and drive strategic science initiatives for DHSC, ensuring that they respond to government priorities and the needs of the health and care system, and are aligned with wider government activities, for example:
  • Developing and delivering DHSC Areas of Research Interest
  • Delivering Ministerial and Chief Medical Officer research and innovation priorities 
• Ensure that the science system within DHSC is fit for purpose including through strengthening the Science and Engineering Profession, and support cross government efforts to improve the government science system more broadly, for example:
  • Strengthen the DHSC Science and Engineering Profession by increasing the recruitment, retention, and contribution of DHSC Science and Engineering Professionals to the policy making process.
  • Deliver aspects of the Governments Science Capability Review to improve the science system in DHSC, including how we work with Public Sector Research Establishments, and ensuring DHSC has appropriate Science Advisory Committees.
• Support the work of the CSA and SRE in providing briefings to Ministers, the Chief Medical Officer, and other parliamentary work.  

In addition, the post holder will need to:

• Work collaboratively with partners and key stakeholders across government and externally, including with other government departments, NIHR, other research funders, the charity sector, academia, and industry.
• Work on other priority areas if needed.
• Work flexibly and collaboratively with colleagues across DHSC, delivering work in areas outside of your expertise to deliver CSA and SRE priorities.
• Represent the CSA and SRE in DHSC and cross-government meetings, and at external events.
• Build knowledge of research nationally and internationally.
• Understand the role health research plays in improving the health of the nation and its contribution to economic growth.
• The post-holder will have a willingness to be security cleared at SC level once in post.

Key skills and experience required for this role

Essential

• Life Sciences or health-related scientific undergraduate degree.
• Scientific experience, ideally in a health-related area, for example through working in academia, industry, in research funding, or in science facing roles in government.
• An ability to deliver through matrix teams and influencing others.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills demonstrated by an ability to present complex issues clearly, succinctly, and persuasively.
• Proven ability to persuade and influence others, and the credibility to establish collaborative working relationships with a wide range of senior stakeholders.
• Strategic skill set, with the ability to set clear direction, translating strategic priorities into clear outcome-focused policies and objectives.
• Robust analytical skills with an ability to take information and evidence from a variety of sources, to make policy recommendations based on a range of complex evidence and data and to take decisive action when needed.
• An ability to work flexibly across multiple areas and at pace to adapt plans and resolve complex issues.

Desirable

• A post-graduate degree (MSc and/or PhD) in Life Sciences or health-related scientific discipline.
• An understanding of the health and care environment, including the Life Sciences industry.

Flexible working location requirements

Your normal place of work will be your contractual primary workplace, usually either London or Leeds.  Within DHSC we offer non-contractual hybrid working. The expectation at present is a minimum of 60% of your working time spent in the office, enabling in person interaction and collaboration and enhancing team working, learning, and support. 

You will be asked to express a location preference during the application process. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas and some travel may be required across the DHSC estate. 

Opportunities for some working from home may be available; other flexible working options may be discussed with the hiring manager in line with individual circumstances and business need. 

There are a limited number of DHSC colleagues who have existing agreed homeworking contracts resulting from Our Future Estate Programme 2023-2024. Colleagues covered by these arrangements are eligible to apply for this role whilst continuing their agreed existing home working arrangement. Occasional travel to DHSC offices or other locations may still be required according to business need. Travel and subsistence will be provided in line with the pre-agreed homeworker arrangements.    

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £53,116, Department of Health and Social Care contributes £14,354 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, Experience and Technical skills.

Sift date: W/C 15/04/2024

Interview date: expected W/C 29/04/2024

Interview location: The interview will take place at 39 Victoria Street, Westminster, London, SW1H 0EU. Further details will be released to candidates who are successful at sift. 

The available interview slots will be released with the sift scores. 

Applications will be sifted on CV, Statement of Suitability, and a Behaviour.

Please use your CV to set out your career history, highlighting specific responsibilities and achievements that are relevant for this role. These can be found in the ‘key skills and experience required for the role’ section of the advert. Please also include a list of your relevant qualifications. 

Please use your statement of suitability to (in no more than 500 words) outline how you meet the key skills and experience required for the role as set out in the job advert.  

An initial sift based on CV and Statement of Suitability may be held if a large number of applications are received. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.

At interview candidates will be assessed on Behaviours, Experience, and a Technical Skill. 

Candidates will be questioned on their scientific and research experience and expertise at interview.

Candidates will be asked to give a presentation which will assess a technical skill: Strategic Thinking. Details of the presentation question will be issued to candidates with the release of the sift scores. 

To find out more about working in the department please visit our page on the Civil Service Careers Website here and to find out more information on how to apply visit the Civil Service Careers Website here 

Applicants who are appointable but were not successful in appointment to this vacancy, may be held on a reserve list for up to 12 months, and contacted if similar vacancies become available. 

Please be aware that some travel may be required across the DHSC estate. 

Please note that applicants will require BPSS clearance.

Qualifications required for the role will be checked and verified by the vacancy holder as part of the onboarding process. You may also be asked to provide evidence that any qualifications obtained overseas are equivalent to those advertised.

Terms and Conditions

Candidates should note that DHSC’s Terms and Conditions of employment changed from 1 October 2013. It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure they are aware of the terms and conditions they will adopt should they be successful. 

New Entrants to the Civil Service

New entrants appointed in grades AA to G6 will receive DHSC’s modernised terms and conditions:

• Annual Leave: 25 days on entry rising by one day for each completed year of service to a maximum of 30 days and pro-rata for part-time staff
• Privilege Leave: 1 day - for the King’s birthday
• Hours of Work: 37 hours (net) per week for full time staff in all geographical locations, including London and pro rata for part-time staff
• Occupational Sick Pay (OSP): one month full pay/one month half pay on entry, rising by one month for each completed year of service to a maximum of five months’ full pay and five months’ half pay
• Mobility: Mobility clause in contracts allow staff to be mobile across the Civil Service
• Probation: 6 month probation period

Existing Civil Service staff transferring from another Government department, on either level transfer or promotion

All staff moving to DHSC will transfer onto DHSC’s modernised terms and conditions (as outlined above). 

Existing DHSC staff, appointed on either level transfer or promotion

If DHSC’s modernised terms and conditions are already held, the employee will retain those terms and conditions. If DHSC’s pre-modernised terms and conditions are held, the employee will transfer onto DHSC’s modernised terms and conditions (as outlined above).

This role is being advertised on a permanent basis. If preferable, Loan or Secondment options will also be available for existing Civil Servants (Loan) and applicants from accredited NDPBs or any other employer (Secondment). 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.

Further Information

A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.

Any move to DHSC 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 https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

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 dhscrecruitment.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. 

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. 

New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.

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.

If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

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. 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.