Working for DHSC
We offer a varied, exciting, challenging and rewarding working environment.
Previous experience in a government department is not essential: our staff have backgrounds in the voluntary, public and private sectors.
Jobs at the Department of Health and Social Care
We are currently recruiting to a variety of roles. Visit the Civil Service Jobs website for more details and to apply.
All Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) jobs are advertised on the Civil Service Jobs website. We also advertise in national and local media.
Vacancies on DHSC’s expert committees and other non-standard advisory roles are listed below. If there are no vacancies listed below, then we are not currently recruiting to any roles on our expert committees.
Vacancies on the boards of our arm’s length bodies are listed on the Public Appointments website.
The Department of Health and Social Care values and promotes diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity for all.
Pay
We provide:
- a competitive salary that is reviewed annually
- the opportunity to earn performance awards
- an occupational pension when you join DHSC
Employee benefits and rewards
Employee benefits and rewards include:
- an employee discount scheme
- childcare vouchers or tax-free childcare scheme for eligible employees
- an employee assistance programme providing confidential advice, information and counselling
- the option to join a trade union
- an in-year award scheme for one-off exceptional personal or team achievements
- sick leave on full pay, followed by half pay, up to the maximum allowed by the relevant scheme
Flexibility
Flexibilities include:
- up to 30 days annual leave and 9 days public and privilege leave in a year (pro rata for part-time staff)
- time off to deal with emergencies, unexpected situations and certain other unplanned special circumstances
- paid time off for public service duties, for example if you are an armed forces reservist
- family-friendly policies, including flexible working patterns
- flexible working hours, subject to business needs
Family-friendly policies
Eligible employees are entitled to:
- maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks full pay followed by 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid
- paternity leave of up to 2 weeks full pay
Development and career opportunities
We offer:
- rewarding and challenging jobs to help you develop and reach your potential
- a comprehensive range of learning and development opportunities to help you develop your skills, knowledge and experience
Roles
UK Advisory Panel for Healthcare Workers Living with Bloodborne Viruses - chair
The Chief Executive of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is looking to appoint a chair to the UK Advisory Panel for Healthcare Workers Living with Bloodborne Viruses (UKAP).
UKAP gives advice and guidance on the transmission and management of bloodborne viruses (BBVs) among healthcare workers - specifically HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. The panel also provides support for local incident management teams and maintains a monitoring register of healthcare workers living with HIV and hepatitis B who perform exposure prone procedures.
As the chair you will be responsible for ensuring UKAP’s continued standing as the UK’s recognised leading body in the provision of advice and guidance on BBVs in healthcare workers.
We are looking for an outstanding individual with a good reputation and strong leadership skills, able to command the confidence of the panel, healthcare professionals and academic community.
The chair will preferably have experience of successfully leading a committee, and a commitment to:
- evidence-based advice
- maintaining the independent integrity of UKAP
- the values of accountability and probity
- following the best practice principles as set out in the Chief Scientist’s Code of Practice for Scientific Advisory Committees.
They should be an expert in the area of occupational health, public health and/or BBVs and be able to commit time to the work of this high-profile advisory panel.
They should have excellent communication skills and be capable of dealing sensitively and authoritatively with panel members and key stakeholders. Experience of working at the interface between science and public health policy making would be an advantage.
In addition, all applicants should have:
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strong skills in absorbing and analysing information and scientific or medical data, including:
- applying relevant knowledge, perspective, and skills
- identifying key issues and actions needed
- developing evidence-based, workable solutions to sometimes complex issues
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excellent communication skills, including:
- engaging effectively with, and using knowledge and skills to make, impartial and persuasive arguments based on a sound understanding of the evidence available
- providing effective challenge in face-to-face discussions and telephone conferences
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experience at a senior level, including:
- making significant personal contributions to a particular field of study
- commitment to the principles of giving independent advice to stakeholders and/or government
- sound understanding of and commitment to the principles of public life and equalities
The time commitment is 9 to 12 days per year. The Chief Executive of UKHSA determines the length of appointment, which may be for up to a maximum of 3 years. There is no remuneration for this post, but expenses will be paid in line with UKHSA policy.
For further information please see the candidate information pack. To apply please email your CV and supporting statement to ukap@ukhsa.gov.uk.
The Department of Health and Social Care values and promotes diversity and encourages applications from all sections of the community.
The closing date for applications is midday on Friday 19 April 2024.
Local authority improvement advisors and commissioners
The government is seeking to recruit individuals with extensive experience of leadership in settings relevant to adult social care, who are interested and would be committed to acting on behalf of the Secretary of State and Department of Health and Social Care to support local authorities to identify and address any failings in the delivery of their adult social care duties.
Applications are sought from candidates with the following experience:
- experience of successfully leading improvement activity in an organisation
- proven ability to shape and champion good governance and approaches to risk management
- ability to identify reasons for service failure and instigate the measures necessary to stabilise service delivery and implement improvement
- experience working in a comparable role such as people director or director of adult services
- experience of working in difficult political environments and a thorough respect for democratic accountability
- an in-depth understanding of local government and the significant issues facing it
- demonstrable evidence of leading transformational change in the context of growing demand and increasingly constrained resources, while ensuring that the adult social care needs of the population are met
- proven track record of consistent and demonstrable leadership at a senior level within an organisation of comparable scope and complexity
- ability to build, develop, negotiate and influence strategic relationships and partnerships, by demonstrating highly visible and inspirational leadership skills to achieve outcomes
- demonstrable track record of leading, motivating and managing teams to achieve high performing, significant and sustainable service improvements and outstanding results through internal and external partnerships
- expert knowledge and understanding of relevant legislative frameworks, policy and governance requirements appropriate to adult social care
- demonstrable evidence of working within a complex political and/or policy environment, including of successful work with people holding elected office
- experience of working in complex contexts, leading diverse activities across multiple service areas meeting agreed targets and strategic objectives within budget
Successful candidates will be appointed to a pool of suitable individuals that can be deployed to support local authorities when required.
This advert will remain open until at least 31 August 2024, with applications being considered approximately every 6 weeks.
Expert committee roles
Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens (ACDP) - members
DHSC is looking to appoint 2 members to ACDP to replace outgoing members. ACDP is an independent expert advisory committee that provides scientific advice across the UK on the risks of exposure to various pathogens. ACDP’s work spans different organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
We are looking for candidates with the following expertise:
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clinical scientist with experience of laboratory work in microbiology and safe working practices
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veterinarian with expertise in veterinary public health and zoonotic infections
As a member of ACDP, you will work as part of a group or subgroup to agree advice to provide to the government, sometimes in areas of scientific ambiguity, with limited data. You will work in a way that reflects the highest standards of public life and will take personal responsibility for your part in the effective functioning of ACDP.
You must be able to demonstrate the ability to analyse complex information, apply your knowledge and identify the key scientific issues. You must provide the best advice to inform the policy decisions taken in government.
Your scientific communication skills must be excellent. You will also be able to interact effectively and respectfully with other committee members and the chair, secretariat and government officials. You will understand the importance of using data, not opinion, and you will be able to provide effective challenge in discussions.
In addition, you must have experience at a senior level, including the ability to make significant personal contributions to organisations’ achievements or to a particular field of study, and be recognised as an authoritative expert in your field. You must also be committed to the principle of giving independent advice to government departments.
The term of appointment will be 3 or 4 years. It will normally involve a time commitment of 3 meetings per year with additional subcommittee meetings or ad hoc meetings as required. However, in an emergency situation the time commitment may considerably exceed this. There is no remuneration for this post, but expenses will be paid in line with DHSC policy.
For further information on the role of a member and ACDP, see the candidate information pack.
To apply, email your CV, supporting statement and completed monitoring form (see below) to appointments.team@dhsc.gov.uk.
If you require an alternative format, contact Dan Probert at dan.probert@dhsc.gov.uk or call 0113 254 5414 quoting the reference VAC-1845.
The closing date for applications has been extended to midday on Wednesday 17 April 2024.
Committee on Carcinogenicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COC) - members
DHSC is looking to appoint 5 new expert members to the Committee on Carcinogenicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COC).
COC is an expert advisory committee which provides independent scientific advice to government departments and agencies on matters concerning carcinogenicity risks to humans and advises on whether substances are likely to cause cancer.
As a member of COC, you will contribute to the discussions of the committee, working alongside other recognised experts assessing the current issues under consideration while assisting in drafting advice appropriate for wider dissemination to the general public. You will also contribute to the work of COC sub-groups and show a commitment to public health issues and public service values.
You must be able to demonstrate that you have excellent communication skills, sound judgement and sensitivity, together with a strong team approach. You must have excellent analytical skills and the ability to articulate scientific issues and information clearly, comprehensively and concisely.
All candidates must be a recognised expert with a track record of national or international achievement in one or more of the following specialities:
- epidemiology - in particular relating to chemical or environmental exposures
- cancer biology or toxicology
- risk assessment of chemicals for potential carcinogenicity
- a specific area of expertise - including exposure assessment, in silico approaches and data integration
The term of appointment will be 3 years with a time commitment of around 3 meetings per year with additional time for reading and preparation when required. There is no remuneration for this post, but expenses will be paid in line with DHSC policy.
For more information about the role and details of how to apply, see the information pack for applicants below. If you require more information, or need it in an alternative format, contact appointments.team@dhsc.gov.uk quoting the reference VAC-1850.
The closing date for applications is midday on Tuesday 16 April 2024.
Monitoring form
DHSC values and promotes diversity and encourages applications from all sections of the community.
Complete the monitoring form as part of your application. You can complete it in Word or PDF.
Jobs in the NHS
If you’re interested in working for the NHS, see the NHS Jobs website.