Licencing Support Officer

Overall Purpose of the Job:

Working closely with the Compliance and Licensing Manager, the role holder will be responsible for managing licence applications to the Animals in Science regulatory Unit and associated training and compliance matters. This will include the correct drafting and submission of all applications for new personal and project licences and amendments for Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB) review and subsequent submission to the Animals in Science Regulatory Unit (ASRU). They will also be expected to participate in the role of Named Training and Competency Officer (NTCO) in managing the training and competency for all those working with animals at the University of Manchester under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act, 1986 (ASPA) as well as undertaking regulated procedures as deemed necessary.

Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities, or Duties:

Project licensing support

·       Working with the Compliance and Licensing Manager, advise licence holders on drafting and applying for project licences under ASPA.

·       Bringing new applications and amendments from inception through to AWERB review and submission to ASRU.

·       Liaising with the other Named Persons, particularly Named Animal Care and Welfare

·       Officers) NACWOs and Named Veterinary Surgeons (NVSs) to ensure that all

·       refinements are enacted in licences.

·       Liaising with ASRU and the Animals in Science Policy unit and the wider research

·       community to enact best practice.

Personal Licensing Support

·       Advice personal licence applicants and holders on training required for their planned

·       work under ASPA, providing teaching and training in various in vivo techniques: either

·       personally or by identifying others who have the necessary skills and experience.

·       Periodically, as mandated by ASPA and University of Manchester policies, undertake

·       Personal Licence reviews with the licence holders and confirm Standard Condition

·       comprehension.

·       With the other NTCOs, manage recording of competencies of all of those working with

·       protected animals for research purposes including undertaking periodic competency

·       reviews and reconfirmation of competency for regulated procedures and euthanasia of

·       protected animals, assessing this where necessary and suggesting training where

·       required.

·       Working with the other NTCOs, advising on and reviewing competencies as part of Study

·       Plan review.

·       Drafting and managing best practice competency recording and associated practices.

Training and Development:

·       Assisting the Compliance and Licensing Manager in the organisation of the Home Office

·       training courses for prospective personal licensees and the accreditation of the courses.

·       Deliver teaching on Home Office courses, both theoretical and practical.

·       Working with BSF administration support, arrange background screening and health confirmation for all new workers with protected animals.

·       As part of the Experimental Support Group, periodically undertake regulated procedures for BSF users.

·       Communications and Compliance:

·       Contribute to the review and update of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and risk assessments, consulting with the Executive Leadership and Health and Safety Team to ensure they align with best practice.

·       Cultivate strong relationships throughout the organization to influence behaviour, drive

·       change, and ensure compliance with processes and culture.

·       Contribute to team objectives

·       Extensive interaction with research workers with regards to training and competence management.

·       Maintain confidentiality and act with integrity at all times.

·       Convey professionalism and composure.

·       Demonstrate commitment to the welfare of animals.

·       Maintain a positive attitude and embrace change whenever it is presented.

Person Specification:

Essential skills and experience

·       Thorough knowledge of the legislation governing the use of animals in scientific research including working under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act, 1986.

·       Commitment, through action and philosophy, to the implementation of the 3Rs and the ethical use of animals for experimental purposes.

·       Have technical/academic insight and ability to understand the scientific research process, particularly in vivo research and deliver training where required. This includes research models, animal husbandry, welfare and care, experimental techniques and equipment and reporting.

·       Have strong communication and influencing skills, with an ability to discuss complex matters relating the in vivo licensing, animal husbandry, experimental technique and University policy with all members of the University and additional stakeholders and colleagues from the UK and abroad.

·       Be experienced at negotiating with staff/students and external agencies and achieving successful conclusions

·       Ability to work collaboratively, being able to develop and maintain personal relations at all levels, both internally and externally.

·       Confidence and authority enough to set and implement effective training goals and strategies and standards for all staff across the University.

·       Have the ability to work under own initiative.

·       Planning and organising skills such that training is delivered, and competency records are maintained and reviewed in a timely manner.

·       Be innovative and pro-active, decisive, firm and diplomatic, self-confident, enthusiastic and articulate.

·       Be able to perform effectively under pressure with good personal organization and time management.

·       Be able to produce clear and concise written material.

·       Have empathy with the animals and a proven record of interest in animals.

·       Understand the ethical issues with the use of animals for research.

Desirable skills and experience

·       A PhD in a relevant scientific discipline (with a preference for the life sciences).

·       Extensive research experience.

·       Be analytical and able to resolve problems.

·       Knowledge of IT packages (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook etc.)

Further details and an application form.