Business Support Officer (Sponsorship Available) at UK Health Security Agency

Employer: UK Health Security Agency
Job Title: Business Support Officer
Location: London, United Kingdom
Salary: £32,624 to £37,737 per annum
Job Type: Part-time & Full-time
Closing Date: 24 November 2025

Job Summary

The UK Field Epidemiology Training Programme (UKFETP) Office, based at UKHSA Colindale, oversees the development, delivery, and management of the UKFETP — a two-year specialist postgraduate programme for professionals interested in applied epidemiology. Training includes both classroom and on-the-job learning, with six to eight fellows recruited annually across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

The current UKFETP team includes:

• 1 Director

• 4 Scientific Co-ordinators

• 1 Virtual Learning Designer

• 1 Business Change Manager

• 1 Business Operations Manager

• 1 Business Support Manager

• 3 Business Support Officers

The Business Support Officer will:

• Provide daily administrative and PA support to senior management.

• Maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

• Work flexibly and independently as part of a multidisciplinary team.

• Collaborate with colleagues based across various locations in the UK.

Main Duties:

• PA Support

• Administrative Support

• Project Support

• Financial and Resource Management

• Leadership and Management

Communication and Key Working Relationships

The role involves regular communication with clinical and non-clinical staff, scientists, managers, and corporate teams (HR, Payroll, etc.) through calls, emails, and meetings. The post holder will handle correspondence and enquiries, including those from public health organisations such as the NHS and the Department of Health.

About UK Health Security Agency

UKHSA promotes equality and inclusion, striving to be an employer where Everyone Matters. The agency values diversity, removes barriers, and encourages equity for all employees.

For more information, visit: https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers

Job Description

PA Support

• Provide comprehensive PA support to senior directors.

• Manage diaries, emails, and travel arrangements.

• Draft correspondence and prepare presentations.

• Conduct basic research when required.

Administrative Support

• Offer administrative support across the directorate.

• Lead specific corporate processes (e.g., risk assessments, sickness reporting).

• Handle stakeholder communications professionally.

• Organise meetings, workshops, and training events.

• Develop efficient administrative systems.

• Participate in internal projects and working groups.

• Conduct information analysis and maintain databases.

• Manage own workload effectively and provide team cover when needed.

Project Support

• Provide project support when required, including using digital tools such as JIRA.

• Assist with project documentation, plans, and data reporting.

Financial and Resource Management

• Support budget management in collaboration with the Finance Business Partner.

• Manage procurement, goods receipts, and expenditure tracking.

• Assist with month-end and year-end account closures.

Leadership and Management

• Act as a positive role model.

• Offer advice, training, and support to team members.

Other Responsibilities

• Adhere to all UKHSA policies and values.

• Support corporate goals and emergency preparedness responsibilities.

Professional Development

• Engage in performance reviews and personal development plans.

• Attend all mandatory internal and external training sessions.

Essential Criteria

• Educated to A level (or equivalent) in a business management-related subject.

• Professional secretarial qualification (NVQ4 Business & Admin or equivalent).

• Experience working within a team.

• Ability to handle confidential documents.

• Excellent organisational skills and ability to meet deadlines.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Calm and resilient under pressure.

• Commitment to equality and good working relationships.

Desirable:

• Experience in scientific, health, or education environments.

• Experience organising training events or workshops.

• Experience with financial transactions and budget management.

Selection Process

Stage 1: Application & Sift
Candidates must complete an application form and a 1250-word supporting statement addressing the essential criteria.

Longlisting:
Applications will be categorised as:

1. Meets all essential criteria

2. Meets some essential criteria

3. Meets no essential criteria

Shortlisting:
Shortlisting will prioritise applicants who meet:

• A level (or equivalent) in a business-related subject.

• Strong Microsoft Office skills.

Stage 2: Interview
Interviews will be conducted remotely. Dates to be confirmed.

Eligibility and Location

• Open to all external applicants.

• Office-based role at UKHSA Scientific Campus, Colindale, London.

• Hybrid working is not available for this position.

Salary Information

Salary offers are based on grade scale minimums. Exceptions may be made for higher existing salaries. Pay increases align with annual pay awards.

Security Clearance

• Candidates must pass a Counter-Terrorist Check (CTC).

• Typically, applicants should have lived in the UK for the past 3 years.

• Additional guidance is available from the recruiting manager.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This role is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check due to its nature under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications are welcomed from candidates requiring Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
From 6 April 2017, applicants must provide criminal record certificates for countries lived in for 12+ months in the past 10 years.
More details: Criminal records checks for overseas applicants

How to Apply:

If you’re interested in this role, visit the official website for more information — click here to apply now.