Named Training & Competency Officer

We are seeking an experienced Named Training & Competency Officer (NTCO) to oversee training, competency assessment, and professional development.

The role is central to ensuring compliance with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA) while promoting high standards of animal welfare, scientific excellence, and a strong culture of care. The successful candidate will work closely with researchers, technical staff, and regulatory bodies to ensure all individuals working under ASPA are appropriately trained and competent.

Basic Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences or a related discipline
• Personal Licence holder under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA) (current or previous)
• Comprehensive knowledge of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and associated regulatory requirements
• Significant experience working within the biomedical research sector
• Strong knowledge and expertise in animal welfare science and the 3Rs
• Experience delivering classroom and practical training in biomedical or laboratory animal science topics
• Experience leading and coordinating animal welfare or training-related projects, including quantitative data recording
• Experience building and maintaining strong collaborative relationships with research colleagues and external stakeholders
• Excellent planning, organisational, networking, and communication skills
• Ability to manage sensitive issues with professionalism and confidentiality
• Strong IT competency, including the use of Microsoft Office and relevant software systems

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Establish and maintain local standards for training, supervision, competency assessment, and continuous professional development (CPD)
• Develop and maintain a robust training and competency assessment framework
• Ensure departmental compliance with all training and competency requirements under ASPA
• Maintain accurate records of staff training, competency assessments, and professional development
• Work closely with other Named Persons (as defined under ASPA) to ensure regulatory compliance
• Serve as an active member of the Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB) and other relevant advisory groups
• Define and monitor appropriate staff training and development across the department
• Oversee, organise, and contribute to the delivery of Personal Licence training courses, including training for trainers and assessors
• Deliver induction training for internal staff and external users
• Work collaboratively with all staff and academic researchers to understand and support training and competency requirements
• Maintain oversight of all individuals working under A(SP)A within the department
• Provide guidance on experimental design and implementation of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement)
• Provide scientific and technical input into in vivo studies where required
• Hold and maintain the Home Office Project Licence
• Promote and embed a strong culture of care within the department and wider stakeholder community
• Foster effective working relationships with other Named Persons
• Participate in departmental working groups to support strategic development, service improvement, and operational efficiency
• Develop and maintain external networks to support information sharing and best practice
• Provide expert advice on animal welfare and the 3Rs to relevant stakeholders, including PPL holders, PIL holders, animal care staff, AWERB members, and other stakeholders