Job Description:

We’re proud to be supporting our client in the appointment of an experienced Home Office Liaison Contact (HOLC) and Named Training & Competency Officer (NTCO) in Manchester.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced animal laboratory professional to take on a high-profile regulatory and training role within a leading research environment.

You’ll be at the heart of the Institute’s animal research governance — supporting researchers, advising on Home Office licensing, overseeing training and competency, and helping to ensure the highest standards of animal welfare, regulatory compliance and ethical practice.

If you’re looking for a role where your expertise really matters and where you can make a tangible contribution to research that could improve outcomes for cancer patients, this could be your next move.

What you’ll be doing

As HOLC and NTCO, you’ll have a varied and influential remit, including:

• Act as the key link with the Home Office ASRU, providing advice and guidance on A(SP)A 1986, licensing and regulatory requirements.
• Support the Establishment Licence Holder and Named Individuals with their legal, regulatory and administrative responsibilities.
• Advise licence holders on new applications, amendments and renewals, including the import and export of laboratory animals.
• Lead oversight of training, supervision and competency for staff working with animals, ensuring they are appropriately trained and continue to maintain their expertise.
• Coordinate Home Office modular training and oversee the Institute’s in-house training, competency and CPD programmes.
• Work with Biological Resources Unit (BRU) colleagues to maintain high standards of training, supervision, competency and professional development.
• Monitor competency and adherence to approved procedures, identifying refresher training and development needs.
• Maintain accurate records relating to licences, training, competency and the Schedule 1 register.
• Provide secretariat support to the Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB), including meetings, minutes and Project Licence reviews.
• Support AWERB with advice on education, training and competency.
• Coordinate ASPA-related licence holder meetings and contribute to relevant Home Office liaison and training forums.
• Coordinate the Annual Return of Procedures and other regulatory submissions and reports to the Home Office.
• Keep up to date with A(SP)A 1986, associated legislation, guidance and ethical review requirements.
• Build strong relationships across the Institute, providing a professional, responsive and trusted service to colleagues at all levels.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who combines strong animal research experience with excellent regulatory, organisational and communication skills.

You’ll need:

• A relevant degree in biological or biomedical sciences, equivalent experience, or an IAT National Certificate in Animal Technology.
• Current or previous experience as an ASPA Personal Licence Holder.
• Experience as a Home Office licence holder.
• Proven experience of managing a project and/or service.
• Good knowledge of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (A(SP)A).
• Knowledge and understanding of ethical review processes.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and a proven ability to maintain accurate and comprehensive records.
• Excellent communication skills, with the confidence to explain complex regulatory or technical information clearly.
• The ability to build effective relationships and work collaboratively across organisational boundaries.
• A commitment to equality, fairness and integrity.
• Willingness to travel where required.

Why this role?

This is much more than a compliance position. You’ll have the opportunity to influence how animal research is trained, governed and delivered, working closely with researchers, operational teams and key regulatory stakeholders.

You’ll be joining an organisation where high-quality science, animal welfare and regulatory excellence are central to its work — and where your knowledge and expertise can make a genuine difference.

Interested? We’d love to hear from you.