Apply Now: Business Support Officer (CoS Available) at UK Health Security Agency – UK 2026

Employer: UK Health Security Agency
Job Title: Business Support Officer
Location: United Kingdom
Salary: £28,547 to £33,196 per annum
Job Type: Full-time
Closing Date: 21 January 2026

Job Summary

AMR & HCAI Division

This post is within the Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infection Division of UKHSA. The mission of the division is to protect people from healthcare-associated and antimicrobial resistant infections, through world-leading public health microbiology, outbreak response, surveillance, antimicrobial stewardship, modelling, research and evidence-based interventions.

Primary Care and Interventions Unit (PCIU)

The Primary Care and Interventions Unit (PCIU) is a small research team based in Gloucester. It aims to prevent and improve the management of common infections in primary care through research, guidance, resource development and education of professionals, the general public and young people.

The team works with GP practices, pharmacies, care homes, universities, schools, and the public to raise awareness about antibiotic resistance and preventing infection.

Work includes creating educational resources and implementation tools for healthcare professionals, the public, and schools.

National Programme Support and Partnerships

This work supports the UK Government’s efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR), including the UK AMR 20-Year Vision and the National Action Plan (2025-2029).

The team collaborates with a wide range of partners to create educational resources and conduct research that informs and evaluates interventions.

Examples of work include:

• TARGET Antibiotics Toolkit

• e-Bug educational website

Main Duties of the Job

The post holder will provide day-to-day administrative and/or dedicated PA support for the PCIU and e-Bug team.

The post holder will:

• Maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders

• Work with minimal supervision

• Work flexibly as part of a multi-disciplinary team

• Support colleagues based across the country and remote locations

About UK Health Security Agency

UK Health Security Agency promotes equality of opportunity and actively encourages applications from groups currently underrepresented in the workforce.

UKHSA aims to create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture where differences drive innovative solutions for workforce and community needs.

This is achieved through removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity.

Job Description

Administrative Support Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support across the Directorate

• Act as a central coordination point for business administration activities

• Communicate effectively with staff and stakeholders

• Manage stakeholder enquiries

• Organise meetings, events, reports, minutes and action logs

• Provide secretariat support

• Support development of systems and procedures

• Participate in internal projects and initiatives

• Carry out information analysis and reporting

• Maintain databases using IT applications

• Manage workload and deadlines

• Provide cover for team members

• Conduct basic research

Project Support

• Provide project support where dedicated roles are unavailable

• Respond to information requests

• Meet tight deadlines

• Use Microsoft 365 and JIRA

• Maintain project plans

• Support management information

• Participate in working groups

Financial and Resource Management

• Support effective budget management

• Liaise with Finance Business Partner

• Place orders using MaPS system

• Maintain expenditure logs

• Support monthly and end-of-year account closure

Leadership and Management

• Act as a positive role model

• Provide training and advice

• Undertake line management responsibilities

• Supervise business support team activities

Communication and Working Relationships

The post holder will communicate with:

• Internal teams

• External stakeholders

• e-Bug partners

• Educators

• Research participants

• Members of the public

• NHS organisations

• Department of Health

Personal and Professional Development

Ongoing development will include:

• Quarterly performance reviews

• Internal and external training

Other Responsibilities

• Adherence to UKHSA policies and procedures

• Adherence to UKHSA values

• Support corporate service activity

• Contribution to emergency preparedness and response

This list of duties is not exhaustive.

Essential Criteria

• Teamworking ability

• Inquisitive approach to learning

• Degree/NVQ Level 6 qualification or equivalent experience

• Advanced Microsoft Office and IT skills

• Finance system experience

• Ability to work independently

• Strong written and verbal communication

• Understanding of equality and workplace behaviour standards

• Administrative and secretarial experience

• Meeting organisation and documentation skills

• Ability to work under pressure

Desirable Criteria

• Line management skills

• Experience using JIRA

Selection Process

Stage 1 – Application and Sift

Applicants must submit:

• Application form

• Supporting statement (maximum 1000 words)

CV uploads are not accepted.

Longlisting

Applications may be grouped into:

• Meets all essential criteria

• Meets some essential criteria

• Meets no essential criteria

Shortlisting

Initial sift may focus on communication skills.

Desirable criteria may be applied where necessary.

Stage 2 – Interview

• Single remote interview

• Competency-based assessment

• Technical test

Location and Hybrid Working

This role is based at the Gloucester office with hybrid working.

A minimum of 60% of contractual hours must be worked on-site.

Security Clearance

Successful candidates must pass:

• Enhanced DBS check

• Basic Personnel Security Standard clearance

Eligibility Criteria

External applicants from outside the Civil Service are eligible.

Salary Information

Roles are offered at the pay scale minimum unless exceptional circumstances apply.

Annual pay awards apply.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Applications from Skilled Worker visa applicants are welcome.

Criminal record certificates are required for countries lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.

Adult dependants aged over 18 are also subject to this requirement.

How to Apply

If this opportunity interests you, head to the company’s official website for full details — click here to submit your application.