Distribution and Supply Chain Inspector
Veterinary Medicines Directorate
Apply before 11:55 pm on Monday 23rd September 2024
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About the job
Job summary
We are recruiting an Inspector in the Distribution & Supply Chain Inspections Section (DSCIS) at the VMD. Reporting to a Regional Managing Inspector (RMI), you will be responsible for inspecting Veterinary Practice Premises (VPPs), SQP (Suitably Qualified Persons) Retailers, Feed Business Operators and Wholesale Dealers to ensure compliance with the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013 (as amended) (VMR). You will also investigate alleged breaches of the VMR.
You will be home based and inspect in a designated area. You will be expected to travel throughout the UK to assist colleagues, other enforcement officers and to attend meetings, publicity events and training as required. You must therefore be willing to stay away from home, potentially for several days at a time, and occasionally to work unsociable hours, including weekends.
The three roles are based in the following areas
• North West of England (Cumbria, Lancashire, Manchester, Merseyside, Wirral) ,
• South East of England (East Sussex, Greater London, Kent, Surrey, West Sussex) ,
• South Central region of England (Buckinghamshire, Dorset, Hampshire, Middlesex, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire)
Job description
Your role contributes to the VMD’s aims and objectives through inspections and investigations to ensure that UK veterinary-only wholesale dealers, feed business operators and veterinary medicines retailers comply with the Veterinary Medicines Regulations (VMR). Your main responsibilities will be
- To conduct inspections to check that businesses are complying with the VMR, taking action and offering guidance and solutions to problems businesses may be having.
- Planning, organising and managing your work to ensure that the VMD delivers its risk-based inspection programme, to plan and within budget.
- Provide a high-quality service, including advice on compliance, to businesses inspected by the DSC such as wholesale dealers, feed business operators, VPPs and SQP retailers.
- Ensure infringements of the VMR are dealt with in accordance with the VMD’s published Enforcement Policy.
- Investigate issues of residues violations.
- Comply with ISO 9001 (quality management) and ISO 27001 (information security) standards, and GDPR and record management requirements.
- Act corporately – meeting, role-modelling, embedding, and championing the corporate objectives set by the VMD.
Person specification
You must have experience outlined below:
- BSc in a relevant science, or a minimum of 2 years experience working within the animal health and/or animal feed industries.
- Able to drive and have a Full UK Driving licence
- Able to communicate confidently and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Confidently engage with a wide range of stakeholders (at all levels) both in technical and non-technical environments.
- Be organised to plan and prioritise your workload in a changing and challenging landscape.
- Computer literate with MS Office.
Licences
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Managing a Quality Service
- Delivering at Pace
- Making Effective Decisions
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%
- Free onsite parking
- Free eyesight test
- Onsite gym
- Access to a prayer room
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Application Process
As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete a CV and Personal Statement, and Behaviour Statements. The CV will ask for your job history, qualifications and past skills and experience.
Your Personal Statement should be no more than 500 words and should demonstrate how your qualifications / knowledge / skills / experience match the requirements set out in the job advert.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
When giving examples of Behaviours please use the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) format. Behaviours , Civil Service Careers (civil-service-careers.gov.uk)
Sift
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the lead behaviour, Communicating and Influencing
Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on Behaviours, Experience, and Strengths.
A presentation or additional exercise may also be assessed.
Sift and Interview dates
The sift will be conducted week commencing 23 September 2024
Interviews are currently scheduled to take place via MS Teams week commencing 7th October and week commencing 14th October
Please note that this timeline is indicative at this stage and could be subject to change.
Salary
New entrants are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.
Location
You will be home based and inspect in a designated area.
Please be aware that the VMD headquarters are based in Addlestone, Surrey.
Travel costs to non-contractual workplaces will be subject to departmental travel and subsistence policies. Travel costs to contractual workplaces are the responsibility of the employee.
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.
Working Pattern
This role is full time only, as a lease car is provided and a designated area is covered.
You will be expected to travel throughout the UK to assist colleagues, other enforcement officers and to attend meetings, publicity events and training as required. You must therefore be willing to stay away from home, potentially for several days at a time, and occasionally to work unsociable hours, including weekends.
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
Near miss
Candidates who are judged to be a near miss at interview may be considered for other positions in Defra which may be at a lower grade but have a potential skills match.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
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.
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
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
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).
Diversity and Inclusion
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Iwan Rees
- Email : i.rees@vmd.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : DefraRecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
Government Recruitment Services via email: defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Click https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/contact-us/ to visit Civil Service Commission.
