Proficiency Testing Manager

Job summary

The Home Office works to build a safe, fair and prosperous UK. We achieve this through our work on counter-terrorism, policing, crime, drugs policy, immigration and passports.

Home Office Digital designs, builds and develops services for the rest of the department and for government. Every year our systems support up to 3 million visa applications, checks on 100 million border crossings, up to 8 million passport applications and deliver 140 million police checks on people, vehicles and property.

The high performance of laboratories that process forensic evidence is critical in the ability to generate a DNA profile that is of high enough quality to search against, or keep on, the National DNA Database. The Proficiency Testing Manager holds ultimate responsibility for the technical aspects of the proficiency testing schemes, ensuring they continue to provide high quality assurance measures for the DNA supply chain and retain their accreditation status.

This is an exciting opportunity to join an established team with a wide-ranging and interesting portfolio, and with significant exposure to senior leaders. Your workload will be varied and unpredictable, and you will have the opportunity to continually shape the service to meet the needs of our stakeholders.

Job description

The Forensic Information Databases Service (FINDS) operates and administers national forensic database systems that identify links between forensic evidence recovered from scenes of crime and arrestees (and on occasion other individuals including vulnerable persons and missing persons). FINDS deliver scientific services ensuring the integrity of records held on the National DNA Database (NDNAD), the National Fingerprint Unified Collection (IDENT1), the National Footwear System (NFS), and the Police National Computer (PNC), on behalf of policing and the wider Criminal Justice System.

The FINDS Proficiency Testing (PT) Manager promotes and maintains the assurance for DNA profile submissions to the National DNA Database (NDNAD) through the development and maintenance of PT as part of the performance management framework of the whole NDNAD supply chain. They develop and deliver PT schemes and associated quality assurance measures which meet the needs of the FIND Strategy Board and the Forensic Science Regulator (FSR). FINDS PT schemes support the accreditation to ISO 17025 for Forensic Service Providers (FSPs) and Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs), and the accreditation to ISO 15189 for Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs).

Key Responsibilities

• Manages 3 Scientific Officers.

• On behalf of the FINDS Head of Unit, the role holder manages the delegated budget (~£300k) for running the PT schemes, maintaining the full cost recovery charging model, and ensures that any commercial requirements for running the PT schemes are defined and the appropriate procurement protocols are complied with.

• Acts as Technical Manager for the DNA Proficiency Testing schemes offered by FINDS with ultimate responsibility for the technical aspects of the proficiency testing scheme, this includes the analytical procedures and processes, interpretation and reporting of results, and providing appropriate records to verify the techniques used.
• Accountable for demonstrating quality assurance, including the identification of deviations from technical activities and the initiation of appropriate actions to prevent/minimise such deviations. They are also responsible for authorising the halting of work as required and the resumption of work following a quality failure.
• Maintains accreditation to ISO 17043 for the FSP and LEA PT schemes and ensures PT products meet the needs of the FIND Strategy Board and Forensic Science Regulator (FSR).
• Maintains effective relationships with HO colleagues, LEAs in England and Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, the Forensic Capability Network (FCN), FSPs, and SARCs to ensure there is an understanding of the risk profile associated with the NDNAD supply chain.
• Manages and delivers change and improvement projects arising from regulatory updates, accreditation requirements, scientific developments and strategic priorities, ensuring controlled implementation and minimal disruption to business‑critical services.

The above responsibilities are not exhaustive, and the post holders may be required to undertake any of the above tasks or additional tasks not listed above, within the remit of their grade, to support the team.

Travel

Occasional travel may be required to other work locations within the UK according to business needs and may include overnight stays. All related costs will be reimbursed in line with Home Office policy.

Working Pattern

Due to the business requirements of this role, it is only available on a full-time basis. However compressed hours are available.

This role is office-based, requiring attendance at the office for all working hours with no remote or hybrid working arrangements as standard.

Person specification

Essential criteria:

• Experience of working with accredited quality standards, such as ISO 17043 and/or ISO 17025, in a scientific, testing or laboratory environment.
• Degree level in a relevant scientific subject or equivalent experience.
• Ability to communicate complex technical, quality and risk-related information clearly and effectively to a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Ability to analyse and interpret data, producing clear, evidence-based findings and recommendations.
• Sound judgement and decision-making skills, with experience managing risk and handling sensitive information appropriately.
• Experience of leading, coaching and developing individuals or teams within a quality-focused environment.
• Knowledge and practical application of quality management systems, risk-based approaches and project management principles to drive assurance and continuous improvement.

Desirable criteria:

• Demonstrable experience with different DNA technologies, profiling systems and performance monitoring, including the use of quality indicators, trend analysis and assurance mechanisms to support confidence in DNA processes and outputs.
• Good knowledge of policies, procedures, and regulatory frameworks that govern the activities of LEAs and FSPs within the Criminal Justice System, or within a similar regulatory framework.

Qualifications

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Managing a Quality Service
• Leadership
• Changing and Improving

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Seeing the Big Picture

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Technical Oversight and Management

Benefits

In addition to your salary, a career with the Home Office offers a range of benefits, including: