Drugs, Toxicology and Noxious Materials Scientific Support
Home Office
Apply before 11:55 pm on Thursday 17th October 2024
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About the job
Job summary
The Home Office works to build a safe, fair and prosperous UK. We achieve this through our work on counter-terrorism, policing, fire, crime, drugs policy, immigration and passports.
The Science, Technology, Research and Analysis (STAR) Group sits at the heart of the Home Office. The group ensures the best evidence and analysis are used to address the strategic issues facing the department. We also provide the science, technology, data, and international insights and collaboration capabilities to drive delivery.
As part of a small team supporting the Forensic Science Regulator, this role reports directly to, the Scientific Lead for the Drugs, Toxicology and Noxious Materials portfolio. The role holder will investigate quality issues referred to the Regulator, help develop policies and support the wider work of the team. There will be significant engagement with stakeholders across Home Office, Police, commercial forensic science providers, the judiciary and leading experts across industry and academia.
Following the introduction of the statutory Code of Practice for forensic science, this is an exciting opportunity to help develop that further and shape the future of the forensic science regulation in England and Wales.
Job description
The post holder will join a friendly inclusive team of Home Office officials in the Office of the Forensic Science Regulator (OFSR) which supports the work of the Regulator. The team works across sites in Birmingham and London.
This is a varied role, working with, and reporting directly to, the Scientific Lead for the Drugs, Toxicology and Noxious Materials portfolio of Forensic Science Activities (FSAs) as set out in the Regulator’s Code of Practice.
The role involves the investigation of quality issues that are referred to the Regulator, often requiring a degree of troubleshooting in the context of the forensic process. Training will be given in root cause analysis where necessary.
The role also involves significant stakeholder engagement with specialists developing policies and guidance for the wider forensic science community, as well as those carrying out FSAs within the portfolio. This could involve the role holder carrying out some secretariat function in preparing for and minuting meetings.
The role holder will also support the wider work of the team, either working with other scientific or the business and compliance leads. This could be supporting legal obligations, or supporting the organisation of events.
Working pattern
This role is available on a full-time basis with the option of compressed hours working. This role is also suitable for part-time working hours, with a minimum requirement to work 4 days per week due to business requirements.
Travel
Travel between London and Birmingham work locations on an approximately bi-monthly basis will be required, with occasional additional travel within the UK.
Responsibilities
- Providing scientific and technical advice on Drugs, Toxicology and/or Noxious Materials and the development of the Code and associated guidance to the OFSR Science Lead, the Head of the OFSR, the Regulator and key stakeholders.
- Supporting the team in delivering the priorities, work plan and objectives of the Regulator.
- Tracking, monitoring and investigating incidents and referrals about quality in forensic science activities including evaluating risk and root causes.
- Providing support to the OFSR corporate and business functions for the Regulator, including administrative, and secretariat support when necessary.
- The role holder is currently not expected to have line management responsibility.
Person specification
Essential criteria
- A demonstrable knowledge and experience of forensic science processes, with a focus on any Drugs, Toxicology and Noxious Materials forensic science activities.
- Good communication skills, with the ability to convey key issues, technical information, and solutions effectively to an audience from a range of backgrounds through written reports, briefings, and other material.
- Ability to analyse and interpret information effectively and present findings clearly and concisely.
- Flexibility, adaptability, and ability to work under pressure with sound judgement and decision-making skills.
- Proven experience in building positive stakeholder relationships.
- An understanding of quality management principles.
Desirable criteria
- A science-based degree.
- Experience of working within a regulated environment, involving forensic science or within law enforcement agencies.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Delivering at Pace
- Making Effective Decisions
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- GSE: Disseminating science and engineering with an “emerging” level of knowledge and/or experience for this stage
Benefits
In addition to your salary, a career with the Home Office offers a range of benefits, including:
- An annual Recruitment and Retention Allowance (RRA) of £1,600.
- A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
- In-year reward scheme for one-off or sustained exceptional personal or team achievements.
- 25 days annual leave on appointment, rising with service to 30 days.
- Eight days of public holidays, plus one additional privilege day.
- Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working. This is a non-contractual arrangement where all employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office.
- See more of our benefits on our careers website.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
This gives us the best possible chance of finding the right person for the job, drives up performance and improves diversity and inclusivity.
We will endeavour to conduct the selection process in line with the dates indicated below, but cannot guarantee that these will not, where necessary, be revised.
1. Application – by 17th October 2024
As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete:
- Personal Statement (maximum 750 words).
- Evidence of the GSE Technical Skills: Disseminating science and engineering with an “emerging” level of knowledge and/or experience for this stage (maximum of 250 words).
For guidance on the Technical skills, please refer to the Government Science & Engineering (GSE) Framework.
The Personal Statement should be aligned to and demonstrate how you meet the skills and experience set out in the essential criteria, detailed in the job description.
For guidance and information on how to construct your application (Personal Statement and Behaviours), you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers website.
2. Sift – week commencing 21st October 2024
The sift will be held on the Personal Statement and Technical Skill.
Should a high volume of applications be received, an initial sift will be conducted on the GSE Technical Skill: Disseminating science and engineering with an “emerging” level of knowledge and/or experience for this stage. Candidates who pass the initial sift will then be progressed to a full sift that will consist of the Personal Statement.
3. Interview – week commencing 18th November 2024
If you are successful at sift stage, you will be invited to an interview that will be:
- Technical Skill GSE: Disseminating science and engineering with an “emerging” level of knowledge and/or experience for this stage
- Behaviour (as listed in the job advert) based questions.
Interviews will be face-to-face in Westminster (London 2 Marsham Street). Further details will be provided ahead of interview. Please note travel costs will not be reimbursed.
For guidance and information on what to expect and how to prepare for an interview, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers.
Problems during the application process
If you experience problems accessing this advert, or you think you’ve made a mistake on an initial application, please contact hocandidates.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk, including the vacancy reference, at least two working days before the vacancy closes. Further information can be found on our website.
Location Preferences
You can select up to two locations in order of preference. Please ensure that these are locations you are prepared to travel to. If you are offered a role at one of your preferred location(s) and you decline, your application will be withdrawn.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made. There is no guarantee that being held on a reserve list will lead to a job offer. Further information can be found on our website.
Reserve lists will be held for each location. Candidates will be appointed in merit order by location.
Candidates judged to be a near miss at interview may be offered a post at the grade below the one advertised without the need to go through a further selection process, providing the role has the same Success Profiles elements and essential skills. There is no guarantee that further such vacancies will arise.
Standards
All Civil Servants are expected to comply with the Civil Service Code, and its core values of integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality.
Additional Security Checks
As well as successfully obtaining UK Security Vetting clearance, candidates will be subject to a range of additional checks. The range of checks carried out will depend on whether you are a current Home Office employee, existing civil servant or an external new entrant as well as the role requirements. Further details are included in the Notes to Candidates.
Further Information
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
If you are invited to an interview, you will be required to bring documentation for the purposes of establishing your identity.
You will need to meet the nationality requirements for this role and obtain the necessary security clearance to take it up. For meaningful security checks to be carried out, individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. Learn more on our website. Security Checks - Home Office Careers
Visa sponsorship
We do not sponsor individuals via Skilled Worker Sponsorship / Tier 2 (General) work visas.
Reasonable Adjustments
If a person with disabilities is 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 HOrecruitment.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 you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the ‘Contact point for applicants’ section.
Feedback
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 : Home Office Resourcing Centre
- Email : HORCCampaignTeamCorporateEnablers@homeoffice.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : HOrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
HORecruitment.GRS@cabinetoffice.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response that you receive, then you can contact the Civil Service Commission.
