Business Support Officer (rIGS)

Overview

UKHSA’s remit is to protect the nation’s health from infectious diseases and other external threats. The agency’s core functions are to prevent, detect, analyse, respond and lead on health security at national, regional and global levels.

The Rabies and Immunoglobulin Service (RIgS) is a cross‑divisional team based in Colindale that supports post‑exposure treatment of serious infections. The service is staffed by nurses, a business manager and administrative support and is supported by consultants from Immunisation, Virology and other relevant divisions.

Responsibilities

• Answer and triage the RIgS telephone line, recording accurate information into CIMS the Case, Incident Management System.
• Upload completed risk‑assessment forms to ensure correct ordering of immunoglobulins or antitoxins.
• Coordinate with external stakeholders to confirm delivery of ordered products to the specified addresses on time.
• Process emergency orders and manage the daily/weekly/monthly reporting system.
• Maintain multiple electronic inboxes and provide overall administrative support for the service.
• Triage requests for pre‑exposure vaccine and process them appropriately.
• Update the UKHSA duty doctor pack and assist in the development of request forms.
• Record patient test results accurately on CIMS enquiries.
• Support product recall activities by ensuring all required information is provided promptly.
• Work autonomously but flexibly within a multi‑disciplinary team and across UK sites.
• Occasional out‑of‑hours duty (17:30–09:00) every six weeks to issue emergency vaccines and immunoglobulins.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders via email, telephone, letter or in person.
• Plan and produce meetings, reports, minutes and action logs, and maintain databases as needed.
• Assist with project support activities, including maintaining project plans and providing management information.
• Perform line‑management duties where applicable, such as appraisals, training, induction and recruitment of administrative staff.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree level in a relevant science subject or equivalent significant experience in a specialist area.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint). Proficiency in IT and database management.
• Significant administrative or secretarial experience, including developing and maintaining office systems and handling sensitive information.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to adapt style to the audience.
• Knowledge of health or public‑sector systems and an understanding of equality, diversity, inclusion and anti‑harassment policy.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and travel to the Colindale office Monday‑Friday.
• High level of accuracy, analytical thinking and decision‑making capability.

Eligibility

• UK nationals, nationals of the Republic of Ireland, Commonwealth countries with right to work in the UK, EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and family members of these nationalities with settled or pre‑settled status.
• Additional nationalities may be considered if they meet the required residence criteria for security clearance.

Application Process

Applicants must complete the online application form and submit a supporting statement (up to 1500 words) addressing the essential criteria listed above. Successful candidates will be short‑listed based on meeting all essential criteria.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range is £32,624 – £37,737 per annum (contract full‑time). Benefits include a defined benefit pension scheme, cycle‑to‑work and season ticket schemes, retail discounts, flexible working arrangements, maternity/paternity adoption leave and paid sick leave.

Security Clearance

Applicants must obtain a Counter‑terrorist Check (CTC). This requires the applicant to have lived in the UK for at least three years. Vaccination checks may be required for certain sites.

Equality and Diversity

UKHSA is an inclusive employer that promotes equality of opportunity and encourages applications from under‑represented groups. All candidate applications will be managed in accordance with civil service recruitment principles.