About the job

Job summary

In DHSC, we are proud of our purpose – to enable everyone to live more independent, healthier lives for longer. To achieve this, and 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.

This role offers the exciting opportunity to implement the UK medical technology strategy, focussing on the delivery of a streamlined innovation pathway so that impactful new products reach those in need as quickly as possible.

The post sits within the medtech strategy, policy and regulation team, in the medtech directorate. The team are responsible for setting the UK priorities for medical technology and ensuring their successful implementation and delivery. The post directly links to the Government’s priorities, specifically investment in technology, a critical aspect of the life sciences sector and health system. You will play a key role in enhancing the performance of medtech to positively impact outcomes.

The medtech directorate adopts a system-wide approach to ensure that the health and care system has a resilient supply chain and high-quality products, gets value for money, embeds sustainability, drives innovation adoption and promotes UK interests in global markets. It also oversees the regulation of medical devices.

Job description

The inaugural Medical technology strategy, launched in February 2023, aims to ensure the right product is in the right place for the right price. Now more than a year into delivery, the adoption of innovation to ensure excellent patient outcomes and the attractiveness of the UK as a global life sciences hub remains a priority.

The postholder will lead the project management of the Value-Based Procurement initiative as we move towards implementation. They will be responsible for maintaining key project documents including the RAID matrix and stakeholder map. They will also provide stakeholder engagement support. They will work directly with the Initiative Lead to ensure progress of the policy to projected timeframes. There is an opportunity to provide support in stakeholder policy development, as required.  

The postholder will also provide support to the Programme Delivery Lead who is responsible for maintaining the framework within which the MedTech Strategy Programme can deliver. The post holder will be responsible for maintaining and scrutinising key programme delivery documents, such as the programme plan and risk and issue log. 

This is a high-profile area, so proactivity and attention to detail is essential to ensure timely delivery. 

This is a stretching and rewarding role, ideally suited for an individual looking to further develop skills in programme delivery, strategy development and project implementation in a fast-paced and high-profile area with both Number 10 and DHSC ministerial interest.  

This is a stretching and rewarding role, ideally suited for an individual looking to further develop skills in programme delivery, strategy development and project implementation in a fast-paced and high-profile area with ministerial interest.

Due to the high-profile nature the post involves frequent engagement with seniors within the Department and across government. This is a complex programme with multiple moving parts with internal and external stakeholders accountable for delivery to DHSC, with progress reported to ministers monthly and quarterly programme boards. 

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.    

Person specification

The role will play a key part in delivering the medtech strategy and the value-based procurement initiative. The role is flexible and can be adapted to the skillset and development objectives of the individual.

Responsibilities will include:   

• Deliver and maintain oversight of programme and project management documents. Horizon scan for upcoming challenges and risks to delivery and support in identifying mitigations.   
• Hold initiative leads to account through supporting regular reporting processes including monthly ministerial reporting and quarterly governance Board reports.  
• Think strategically to advance policy goals, considering the wider policy environment across the MedTech Strategy, department and government with regular stakeholder touchpoints and progress tracking.  
• Support and lead where appropriate in drafting policy documents including submissions and briefings.  
• Contribute to a team approach responding to PQs and correspondence and briefing requests.  
• The team has a strong focus on L&D and post holders will be able to take advantage of opportunities offered within the Directorate, such as front-line visits to see technology deployed. 

Key Skills and Experience Required -

Essential:

• Strong organisational skills with a good eye for detail; including the ability to multi-task, set priorities and work to tight deadlines at pace. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience of working with stakeholders. 
• Ability to quickly develop an understanding of new policy areas. This includes the ability to grasp issues and communicate them clearly and concisely via different communication channels.  
• Demonstrate a flexible approach to supporting the wider team in reflection of the high-profile and fast paced nature of the team.  
• Remain calm, while working to deliver results at pace and manage upwards to ensure seniors are appropriately briefed and sighted on a high-profile project.  
• Understanding of the wider policy environment and government priorities for health and innovation and experience of developing strategic policies, ideally with experience implementing policy initiatives.   
• Ability to monitor your own and team’s work against milestones and to act promptly to prioritise work.  

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £32,188, Department of Health and Social Care contributes £8,690 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 and Experience.

Sift date: W/C 20/05/2024 and/or 27/05/2024

Interview date: expected W/C 03/06/2024 and/or 10/06/2024

Interview location By Video

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

Applications will be sifted on Behaviours and CV.

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. 

An initial sift based on the Lead Behaviour, Delivering at Pace. 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 and Strengths.

To find out more about working in the department please visit our page on 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.

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.

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).

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. 

For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the following page https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/demystifying-vetting

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

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.