Employer: UK Health Security Agency
Job Title: Business Support Officer
Location: United Kingdom
Salary: £30,441 to £35,576 per annum
Job Type: Full-time
Closing Date: 07 December 2025
Job Summary
The post holder will provide day-to-day administrative and/or dedicated PA support to the Directorate or senior management team. They will maintain effective working relationships with a variety of stakeholders both internal and external to the organisation. The post holder will work with minimal supervision and be expected to work flexibly as part of a multi-disciplinary team providing a wide range of specific administrative duties. The post holder may work with colleagues who are based across the country at different sites and/or who work remotely.
The role will be varied, and it is expected the successful candidate will maintain effective working relationships with a variety of stakeholders to work flexibly as part of a multi-disciplinary team covering a wide range of specific administrative duties. The post holder may work with colleagues who are based across the country at different sites and/or who work remotely. The successful candidate will assist with corporate and general administrative workstreams, which may include meeting support, data entry and acute response work. It is anticipated the successful candidate will proactively contribute to improving our ways of working.
UK Health Security Agency is looking for a Business Support Officer to provide support across the directorate and to the senior management team.
Main Duties of the Job
Administrative Support
Provide comprehensive administrative support to teams across the Directorate
Lead and act as a central coordinating point of contact for a range of business administration activities
Communicate and engage effectively with internal and external staff and stakeholders
Responsible for the organisation of meetings, events, reports, minutes and action logs
Support development of systems and procedures using SharePoint, Power Automate and Shifts
Participate in internal working groups/projects and initiatives across the organisation
Carry out information analysis and reporting, maintaining databases using digital tools
Contribute to effective information management and collation of information/returns
Organise and control own workload, ensuring deadlines are observed
Provide cover for other team members as necessary
Project Support
Undertake project support when required, responding to information requests and meeting tight deadlines
Assist project teams with project plans, management information, and working groups
Financial and Resource Management
Provide support and information for budget management in liaison with the Finance Business Partner
Oversee placement of orders for goods/stationery using the FARM system
Support end-of-year/monthly account close down
Leadership and Management
Be a positive role model, providing training, advice and support
Undertake line management responsibilities (if applicable) including appraisals, training, discipline and recruitment
Supervise the business support team on day-to-day activities
Communication and Key Working Relationships
Develop working relationships with clinical/non-clinical staff, scientists, managers and corporate staff
Manage communication through calls, emails and face-to-face interactions, including external stakeholders and the public
Personal and Professional Development
Undergo ongoing development and education, including the annual appraisal process
About UK Health Security Agency
UK Health Security Agency prides itself as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in the workforce.
UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all staff and stakeholders, nurturing a culture where differences drive innovative solutions. The organisation celebrates and protects differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.
Please visit the careers site for more information — https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers
Essential Role Criteria
Ability to work without supervision, meeting tight and changing deadlines
Significant administrative/secretarial experience including handling sensitive information
Ability to work well as part of a team
Strong communication skills across digital and traditional channels
Ability to use finance systems and support financial analysis
Ability to follow relevant policies, procedures and legislation
Experience organising meetings, agendas and taking minutes
Experience using Microsoft Office or equivalent
Ability to work under pressure, handling multiple tasks and prioritising workload
Inquisitive and committed to learning
Understanding of equality of opportunity and good working relationships
Desirable Role Criteria
Ability to use digital tools e.g., JIRA
Line management skills
Selection Process Details
Stage 1: Application & Sift
Assessed against essential criteria. Includes an application form and up to 750-word supporting statement. Longlisting may occur if applications are high, followed by shortlisting against key criteria.
Stage 2: Interview (Competency-Based)
Interviews held week commencing 17th December 2025. Assessed on knowledge, experience, skills and abilities.
Once the job closes, the advert will no longer be available.
Additional Information
Eligibility to Work in the Civil Service
Open to all external applicants.
Location
Hybrid role based in Harlow. Minimum 60% of working hours required in the office.
Security Clearance Level Requirement
Basic Personnel Security Standard clearance required.
Salary Information
Pay offered at scale minimum unless exceptional circumstances apply. Pay increases through annual award.
Person Specification
Essential criteria — Application form and supporting statement
Essential criteria — Questions on Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check due to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from Skilled Worker visa applicants are welcome. Criminal record certificates required for applicants who have lived abroad for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.
How to Apply
If you’re interested in this role, visit the official website for more information — click here to apply now.