Application Process
As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a CV, Personal Statement and Two Behaviour statements.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form. As part of the assessment process, you will be asked to give examples of Behaviours and Experience using Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR).
Sift
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the lead behaviour, Making Effective Decisions. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
Sift expected to take place at the start of August 2023.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on Behaviours criteria as well as Experience.
Interviews are expected to take place mid-August 2023, this is subject to change.
Location
Please be aware that this role(s) will be contractually based in an APHA 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.
Please be aware that this role will be contractually based at APHA Weybridge where the team is located. Due to the nature of the role and the duties, the successful candidate is required to work at this location most of the time. Flexibility in working hours is required if called upon to finish a particular urgent task or in an event of an outbreak.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Salary
New entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. The internal roles rules apply to existing Civil Servants, i.e. level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.
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. We may consider two part-time staff on a job share basis if continuity can be arranged.
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 APHA 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.
Other Information
CTC security clearance is required for the work of this post. 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 post holders 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 between 3 to 10 years continuous UK residency depending on the level of Security.
Should you be successful at interview you will be required to undertake this security check along with Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) check. This includes: identity, employment status, nationality and immigration status, criminal records and any other essential pre-employment checks.
Restrictions on outside/domestic contact with poultry may apply. Restrictions on outside/domestic contact with small animals, mainly rodents and rabbits, will apply.
The successful candidate should not keep pigs or poultry or live on premises where there are domestic livestock or poultry.
Depending on the areas of work involved, you will be expected to have necessary vaccinations and health surveillance. This will be arranged by the Health team, Weybridge. It may also be necessary to undergo a pre-employment medical assessment.
The successful candidate will need to comply with a number of health protocols and wear protective clothing and Respiratory Personal Protective Equipment (RPPE) as required.
The work of the post can be physically demanding. Due to access requirements to biosecure areas, individuals must be physically able.
This post is based at APHA Weybridge. It is a technical role and will require full-time attendance to site.
Out of hours work may be required in the event of an incident or as part of on-call rotas.
Travel may be required to attend training courses. You must have a valid driving licence, or be able to call upon suitable alternate means of transport.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.