Agenda for Change (AfC) Band 3 equivalent
Pay scales for 2026/27 | NHS Employers
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
The following apply either across all workstreams within smaller Section 10 units or to a specific workstream within larger Section 10 units or licensed services.*1
Microbial Testing and Analysis
- Incubate and read microbiological samples, including total viable count (TVC) assessments
- Perform sterility testing in accordance with established procedures
- Conduct media growth promotion testing
- Undertake basic microbiological identification, including Gram staining
- Carry out microbiological testing of handwash water samples
- Process microbiological monitoring samples, including receipt, incubation, reading, preliminary colony identification and referral for external identification where required
Environmental Monitoring and Equipment Validation
- Carry out physical and microbiological environmental monitoring (EM) activities under supervision, and support reporting requirements
- Perform routine equipment pre-use checks
- Support the management and calibration of equipment (e.g. scales), including arranging external calibration where required
- Assist with temperature mapping activities and data collection
- Monitor and check temperature monitoring systems
Testing and Quality Control
- Perform basic and low-risk quality control testing (e.g. pH testing, selected raw material testing and infrared analysis where applicable)
- Support in-process testing activities, including sampling and routine measurements
- Prepare stock solutions in accordance with standard operating procedures
Pharmaceutical Quality System (PQS) and Quality Management
- Participate in activities supporting the maintenance of PQS or ePQS, including completion of required documentation
- Report deviations in line with organisational procedures
- Record and report errors to support quality improvement processes
Supervision, Training and Development
- Supporting the delivery of operational training under supervision
Stock and Inventory Management
- Receive and process requests for clearance kits
- Assemble and issue PST (Process Simulation Test) kits
- Undertake routine stock checks
Customer and Stakeholder Interaction
- Liaise with senior staff regarding out-of-specification or unexpected results
Operational and Administrative Duties
- Undertake administrative tasks, including filing and archiving
- Input and maintain data within electronic systems
- Manage waste disposal in accordance with local policies and regulatory requirements
Medical Gases Management (MGPS)
- No specific tasks identified within this category at present
Leadership & Service Management
- No specific tasks identified within this category at present
