David Uc-GrantThe role of a Portal Official Veterinary Surgeon at Killingholme port in Grimsby is a prestigious and highly sought-after position within the veterinary profession. This role is integral to ensuring that all animal-origin products arriving at the port meet rigorous safety and quality standards. The responsibilities include performing essential checks—documentary, identity and physical—as mandated by retained EU regulations.
The role also involves managing equipment and facilities to ensure effective veterinary inspections, collecting samples for laboratory testing and issuing necessary documentation like Common Health Entry Documents for Animal Products (CHED-Ps). The position requires a proactive approach to handling rejected consignments and ensuring proper disposal, as well as maintaining accurate records and responding to importers and Port Health Officers as needed.
In addition to these technical responsibilities, the role offers a range of benefits and opportunities for professional growth. Successful candidates will receive comprehensive training and support, even if they do not have prior experience in portal or export certification. The position includes a competitive salary, a company car or allowance, RCVS membership fees and various other perks such as a mobile phone, laptop and an attractive annual leave package.
Moreover, the role provides avenues for career development and personal growth through the Perkbox Scheme and opportunities for further training. With a focus on compliance, hygiene and effective management, this role is ideal for veterinarians looking to advance their careers while making a significant impact in the field of animal health and safety.
Key Responsibilities for the Portal Official Veterinary Surgeon:
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that all animal-origin products arriving at the port are inspected in accordance with retained Regulation EU 2017/625 (OCR). This includes performing documentary, identity and physical checks as stipulated by retained Commission Implementing Regulation EU 2019/2130.
- Equipment and Facilities Management: Confirm that all necessary equipment and facilities are available at the port to conduct veterinary checks effectively, as required by retained Regulation EU 2017/625 and retained Commission Delegated Regulation EU 2019/2014.
- Sample Collection and Laboratory Examination: Oversee the collection of adequate and appropriate samples for laboratory testing as per the National Monitoring Plan. Ensure that samples are submitted when Intensified Official Controls are in effect.
- Presence During Checks: Be physically present at the port during all veterinary inspections, including documentary, identity and physical checks.
- Documentation and Notifications: Issue Common Health Entry Documents for Animal Products (CHED-Ps) for all consignments. Provide notifications for rejections of consignments that do not pass veterinary checks.
- Handling Rejected Consignments: Ensure that rejected consignments are managed and disposed of in compliance with the Animal By-Products (Enforcement) (England) Regulations 2013.
- Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records and documents at the port site. Ensure that all consignments are documented thoroughly.
- IPAFFS Monitoring: Monitor the Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System (IPAFFS) for incoming notifications and process CHED-Ps promptly.
- Audit Participation: Be present for external audits conducted by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA). Contribute to internal self-verification audits as requested by the port site manager.
- Hygiene Management: Ensure that the port operates hygienically to adhere to Hygiene Regulations, preventing any risk to the consignments being processed.
- Follow-Up Actions: Record CHED-Ps for consignments requiring follow-up actions, such as re-exports or destruction. Investigate if no confirmation is received regarding the consignment’s destination.
- Advice and Support: Provide responses and/or advice to importers, agents and Port Health Officers as needed.
Qualifications Required
- Veterinary Medicine degree
- MRCVS registration or eligibility for registration
- Experience in portal or export processes is desirable
- Valid UK driving license
What We Offer
- Competitive salary
- Company car or car allowance
- Payment of RCVS membership fees
- Mobile phone and laptop
- 20 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays, increasing to 25 days
- Company pension scheme
- Perkbox Scheme offering a range of discounts and benefits
- Opportunities for personal and professional development
- Paid visa sponsorship scheme if required
- Life Assurance
This role presents a valuable opportunity to engage in a dynamic environment and contribute to vital veterinary services at a key port location.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications are required for this role?
Candidates must have a degree in Veterinary Medicine, be MRCVS registered or eligible for registration and ideally have experience in portal or export processes. A valid UK driving license is also required.
Is prior experience in portal or export certification necessary?
While prior experience in portal or export certification is desirable, it is not mandatory. Comprehensive training will be provided to ensure that all new hires are equipped to perform the required duties.
What are the shift patterns for this role?
Shifts are rotational and cover two main periods: 6 am to 2 pm and 12 pm to 8 pm. The role requires availability for shifts across all seven days of the week.
What benefits are included with this position?
The position offers a competitive salary, a company car or car allowance, payment of RCVS membership fees, a mobile phone, a laptop, 20 days of annual leave plus bank holidays (rising to 25 days), a company pension scheme and access to the Perkbox Scheme for discounts and benefits. There is also paid visa sponsorship available if required.
What is the role’s involvement in audits?
The Portal Official Veterinary Surgeon is expected to be present during external audits conducted by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA). They will also contribute to internal self-verification audits as requested by the port site manager.
David Uc-Grant
