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 Senior Data Surveillance Scientist (SDSS) 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 SDSS is responsible for the surveillance systems across specific topic areas, and leads 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 SSSHP 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 – Any opportunities for informal hybrid working, including whether a hybrid working arrangement is suitable, will be discussed with you prior to you taking up your post. This will be determined primarily by business needs and in line with departmental policies for flexible working.

Currently this requires working from an allocated UKHSA base location for 20% of your contracted time as a minimum, increasing to 40% from the beginning of 2023.

*Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.* 

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. Identify surveillance needs within given lead areas, and support developments.
3. Create surveillance system specifications and develop and oversee surveillance systems.
4. Respond to complex or sensitive data requests.
5. Conduct complex statistical analyses of surveillance data.
6. Interpret surveillance data and make appropriate recommendations.
7. Assure on the preparation, quality and delivery of routine and ad hoc surveillance reports.
8. Manage/supervise scientific and information staff in the development of outputs and statistical analysis.
9. Build and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders and partners.
10. Oversee data requests and identify common themes or issues to be addressed.
11. Develop automated routines and solutions for surveillance data reports.
12. Lead and contribute to public health scientific analyses and writing reports on specific projects, regular and ad hoc publications and peer reviewed publications. Present, communicate and disseminate data science products effectively, appropriately and with high impact using the most appropriate medium to visualise data to tell compelling and actionable stories relevant for business goals.

Outbreak Support and Epidemiological Investigations

1. Oversee the information and data management to support an outbreak or epidemiological investigation.
2. Provide expert advice on information governance aspects of outbreak management and response.
3. Supervise the investigation of exceedances.
4. Provide expert advice on information governance aspects of outbreak management and response.

Software and Statistical skills

1. Apply a range of common statistical tests and algorithms including time trend analysis and to support exceedance investigations.
2. Translate 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. Undertake complex analytical and programming tasks using common and specialist software packages to support data extractions, analysis and validation.

Audit, Quality and Governance

1. Advise on quality and governance issues including information security.
2. Evaluate existing surveillance systems and act on results locally.
3. Evaluate acute response to incidents and outbreak, and use to improve standards and consistency across the team.
4. Contribute to the Regional centre’s quality programme such as through audit.
5. Be responsible for the quality of data collected, stored and extracted and transferred.

Collaborative Working

1. Support collaborative working closely with health protection surveillance & intelligence colleagues across Public Health England to promote synergy of operation wherever possible and appropriate.
2. Liaison with colleagues across the National Infection Service, wider UKHSA and NHS colleagues at regional/local level as appropriate.
3. Present to local partners on lead area / specialty.
4. Present at scientific conferences and programme area meetings.

Research and Development

1. Project manage research studies.
2. Advise on information governance aspects of research such as data sharing and ethical approval.
3. Analyse datasets with appropriate methodology to answer research questions.
4. Perform systematic review of literature.
5. Develop a grant proposal and apply for ethical approval.
6. Present at scientific conferences, programme area meetings and other fora
7. Publish and present scientific papers on public health surveillance, outbreaks and infectious disease control in collaboration with health, public health, academic and other partners.

Leadership / Management / Workforce / HR

1. Effectively appraise, manage performance and development, and address HR/disciplinary issues for staff line managed as required.
2. Be responsible for managing own workload, including developing objectives and reviewing progress against these.
3. Lead and motivate team members.
4. Deputise for line manager where appropriate, using leadership approaches and skills.

Teaching / Training

1. Contribute to teaching/training programmes and activities on surveillance, epidemiology, information management and governance.
2. Teach colleagues and stakeholders on surveillance and epidemiology and support ongoing training activities within the department.
3. Contribute to the work and professional development of other staff in the team and this may extend to health protection colleagues to improve services and information quality. Develop teaching material and courses.

Strategic Thinking

1. Build and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders and partners.
2. Actively engage in meetings with internal and external colleagues
3. Identify potential problems and seek to resolve.
4. Undertake a lead role for a specific topic or function area, on behalf of the Regional Centre as a whole.

Project Management

1. Coordinate and lead projects such as the implementation of new systems and processes

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:

• First degree (relevant subject) or demonstrable equivalent level of experience of working at a similar level in specialist area (in the maintenance, analysis of data)
• Knowledge / experience in data management and epidemiology for outbreak investigations
• Knowledge of principles and practice of surveillance, including data management, data transmission, data security, data quality, data analysis and interpretation including descriptive statistics and graphics and data reporting
• Demonstrable experience of public health, health protection or epidemiology
• Experience in all aspects of the design, development, implementation and maintenance of systems including understanding of information governance issues
• Awareness of relevant infectious disease epidemiology, and information flows in the NHS and allied services
• Experience of overseeing and ensuring the successful delivery of projects relating to information systems and management
• Ability and skills to develop automated routines, reports and solutions as required
• Proficient 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
• Ability to apply a range of common statistical tests and algorithms including time trend analysis and an understanding of exceedance
• Able to build and maintain effective relationships with co-workers and key stakeholders
• Excellent accuracy and attention to detail with proven report writing & presentation skills
• Good organizational, prioritisation and time management skills
• 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:

• Experience of research activities including statistical analyses & peer reviewed publication
• Knowledge and experience of common statistical tests and modelling, including time trend analysis, survival analysis, regression, logistic regression, and perform multivariable analysis
• Experience in utilising Power BI

Benefits

For more information on the UKHSA please visit: UK Health Security Agency - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

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:

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.