About The Health Protection Agency

WITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR protecting the wellbeing of citizens around the UK, it is only right that the Health Protection Agency (HPA) looks after its own. It safeguards us against ailments from swine flu and superbugs to anthrax and E coli, and responds to emergencies caused by hazardous chemicals, poisons or radiation.

Employees at just five other of the 50 medium-sized public sector bodies listed see themselves as making a more positive difference to the world we live in (74%). Staff don't feel that the HPA is overly driven by budget concerns (62%) and, with an average average salary of £35,000, they are happy with their pay and benefits (61%, ranking 21st).

www.hpa.org.uk

What is it like to work for The Health Protection Agency

Personal Growth

74% of staff agreed:

My work is stimulating

The HPA encourages personal growth and many staff use the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) route to ensure that they are up to date. The main centre’s run a number of lunchtime seminars on a diverse range of scientific topics. These are open to all staff irrespective of discipline. They have strong collaborative arrangements with a number of professional and academic institutions allowing for the interchange of ideas, some of this takes place nationally and internationally.

74% of staff agreed:

My work is stimulating

Giving Something Back

79% of staff agreed:

My organisation makes a positive difference to the world we live in

Although they are unable to endorse specific charities many staff voluntarily get involved locally and sometimes nationally. Staff are also allowed time off to fulfill public duties such as being a school governor or magistrate or involvement in the armed forces. They have recently introduced an environmental sustainability policy which encourages all staff to be more aware of the impact they are having on the environment and to limit their carbon usage amongst other approaches. As a result some parts of the organisation operate a cycle pool which not only helps reduce carbon but also promotes fitness.

79% of staff agreed:

My organisation makes a positive difference to the world we live in

Fair Deal

60% of staff agreed:

I am happy with the pay and benefits I receive in this job

They recently introduced an annual VIP Award, Values in Practice. This has six categories that colleagues can be nominated for. These awards were presented by Sir Liam Donaldson and are a public recognition of the outstanding effort made by HPA staff. All local newsletters publish examples of the work that staff are doing, much of it in collaboration with other agencies or organisations. At a local level managers are encouraged to praise achievement whether individually or in team meetings.

60% of staff agreed:

I am happy with the pay and benefits I receive in this job

Learn more about the 8 factors of workplace engagement here