At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure food safety standards in abattoirs and communicate with onsite staff.
- Company: Join the Food Standards Agency, a vital part of the UK's food system.
- Benefits: 4-day work week, competitive pay, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: On-the-job training provided; must reside within 60 miles of the plant.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food safety and quality across the UK.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and attention to detail required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Are you a driven individual with excellent communication skills? Are you looking for a rewarding role that will have a real life impact on everyone in the UK? If so, these exciting opportunities to join the Food Standards Agency (FSA) as a Qualified Official Auxiliary (OA) are for you and we’d love to hear from you!
The FSA is a non‑ministerial department of over 1300 people, with a big vision – to drive change in the food system so that it delivers “food we can trust”. The heart of the FSA’s mission is to deliver “food we can trust”, and it’s more vital than ever that every precaution is taken to ensure the food on Britain’s plates is safe to eat, and exactly what it says it is.
Our meat production systems in abattoirs are one of the vital points of contact between the FSA and the food industry and represent an important on‑ground part of our work. By ensuring high standards of animal welfare, quality control and workplace best practice are adhered to, we can make an active and ongoing difference in both the quality of the meat that reaches our plates but also the reputation that our nation and its food exports have on the global markets. The work the FSA does in abattoirs and food processing plants across the country each day has impact far beyond those factory walls.
Our Official Auxiliaries are vital parts of this process, delivering these standards through a number of means. These will include the performance of ante‑and post‑mortem inspections of animals, unannounced inspections on working practices across your dedicated site, the collecting and dispatching of samples for offsite analysis and communication with both FSA team members and onsite staff to create the safest and healthiest factory environment.
Where will I be working?
- You’ll be working in the following FBO Plant within the East region of the UK:
- Cluster 14: Cranswick Country Foods, The Abattoir, Brandon Road, Watton, Norfolk, IP25 6LW
- Working Pattern: 4 Day Week, Fixed non‑working day, 9.25 hours + 1 hour contractual overtime per day
- Working Pattern: Monday + Tuesday 07.15am – 14.30pm, Wednesday + Thursday 07.15am – 16.00pm, Sunday 07.15am – 16.00pm. Contractual Overtime Wednesday + Thursday 1.25 hours, Half Time Overtime Sunday
- Cluster 19: Forge Farm Meats, Powder Mill Lane, Southborough, Kent, TN4 9EG
- Working Pattern: 4 Day week, 9.25 hours, 07.30am – 17.15pm
Please refer to the map on the candidate pack which highlights the location of each cluster across the UK. It is a mandatory requirement that you need to reside within 60 miles or 90 minutes of your preferred plant location. Should you be offered a position with us, we will verify that you reside within this remit as part of the pre‑employment process and failure to meet these requirements may result in your offer of employment being withdrawn. Please note that other plants may become available throughout the year, and candidates who are placed on reserve will be offered these positions when they become available.
About you
We are looking for driven individuals who are able to maintain focus on repetitive tasks. You will be comfortable working in a busy factory environment with early start times, working a core 37 hrs each week with an option to be deployed on a 5, 4 or 3‑day working pattern based on business demand and operational requirements of the base plant allocated (please note this working pattern will only apply once you have successfully completed the training). You will have strong communication skills that will allow you to talk with onsite staff across company hierarchies to influence and guide decision making as part of our FSA team. A sharp attention to detail is required for this role, and as such we can regrettably only consider those with normal colour vision (trichromacy) for this role.
With on‑the‑job training, and plenty of opportunities for progression in the FSA, the Qualified Official Auxiliary gives you a strong first step if you’re seeking to build a career around keeping Britain’s food safe for all.
Qualified Official Auxiliary – East employer: Food Standards Agency
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is an exceptional employer dedicated to ensuring food safety and quality across the UK, offering a meaningful role as a Qualified Official Auxiliary. With a strong commitment to employee development, a supportive work culture, and a flexible 4-day working week, the FSA provides a unique opportunity to make a real impact on public health while enjoying a balanced work-life environment. Join us in our mission to deliver 'food we can trust' and be part of a team that values your contributions and fosters growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Qualified Official Auxiliary – East
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Food Standards Agency (FSA) inside out! Research their mission, values, and recent projects. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former FSA employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Qualified Official Auxiliary role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions! Think of examples from your past where you've demonstrated strong communication skills or attention to detail. The interviewers will want to see how you handle real-life scenarios.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the FSA team!
We think you need these skills to ace Qualified Official Auxiliary – East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for food safety and quality shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in the food system!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We love seeing how your background aligns with our mission at the FSA.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to communicate your qualifications and experiences, as we appreciate clarity in communication.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Food Standards Agency
✨Know the FSA's Mission
Before your interview, make sure you understand the Food Standards Agency's mission to deliver 'food we can trust'. Familiarise yourself with their work in abattoirs and how it impacts food safety. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you connect your answers to their core values.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Since strong communication is key for this position, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles. Think about times when you influenced decisions or guided others, especially in a busy environment. This will demonstrate your ability to interact with onsite staff across different hierarchies.
✨Emphasise Attention to Detail
Given the nature of the job, attention to detail is crucial. Be ready to discuss specific instances where your keen eye for detail made a difference, whether in quality control or ensuring compliance with standards. This will reassure the interviewers that you can handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you'd handle real-life situations in a factory setting. Think through potential challenges you might face as an Official Auxiliary and how you would address them. This preparation will help you respond confidently and show that you're ready for the demands of the job.
