Executive Officer in Application Management

News story

Details of a permanent Executive Officer vacancy within our Application Management team.

This exciting and interesting role puts you at the heart of the VMD’s work in the authorisation of applications for veterinary medicinal products. You will be part of a team that links with scientific disciplines and has frontline interactions with the pharmaceutical industry and with regulators from other global jurisdictions.

Job Title

Executive Officer in Application Management

Grade

EO

Salary & Pension

£27,963 – £29,806 per annum with Pension Scheme

Annual Leave entitlement

Commencing at 25 days

Role

You will be responsible for overseeing the progression of application procedures subject to published standards targets for licensing work, as set out in the VMD Business Plan. Also meeting and contributing to objectives set out in the Authorisations Work Plan.

The job holder is a primary contact for members of the pharmaceutical industry, and involves communicating with internal assessors, other global country national regulatory body representatives and the pharmaceutical industry.

How to apply

You must make your application via Executive Officer in Application Management – Civil Service Jobs – GOV.UK where you will find a full job description including salary details.

Closing Date

30 September 2022

Published 22 September 2022



Performance update – September 2022

News story

On a monthly basis, we publish the latest official statistics on appeals performance, which represent the highest volume (in terms of number of cases) of the work of the Planning Inspectorate.

Woman making planning appeal on laptop

Planning Inspectorate statistical release 22 September 2022

Alongside this, we update the appeals handling times data to give customers the latest information on the average time it takes to receive a decision and provide an update on our other main casework areas.

In summary:

  • There are currently 62 live local plan examinations in progress. Local Plans help to protect communities from speculative or unwanted proposals. We encourage Local Planning Authorities to use our advisory visits to help them get their plans in good shape and deal with challenges well before submission.

  • We have a high number of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) at various stages. They include 70 national infrastructure schemes where we are providing advice before submission, 10 applications being considered by us and 12 proposals where we have completed our recommendations and the Secretary of State’s decision is awaited. These are vital to the ongoing support by The Planning Inspectorate to the country’s economic recovery.

  • We continue to meet the statutory deadlines for infrastructure applications and are currently recruiting inspectors to do infrastructure work in preparation for an expected increase in submissions next year.

  • The overall number of open cases at the end of August was 13,981 which was consistent with the previous month. We continue to focus on casework with the most community interest and those key to supporting the nation’s economic recovery, such as national infrastructure applications, local plan examinations and appeals needing a hearing or inquiry. We continue to encourage all parties to resolve matters locally and reduce pressure on the appeals service.

  • The number of decisions made in August was 1,474, slightly higher than the 12-month average.

  • The Planning Inspectorate continues to work practically to reduce average decision times, a key priority with the new Ministerial performance Measures announced earlier this year. Since April 2022 newly received planning appeals heard by hearing are considered on a similar procedural timescale to planning inquiries, with decisions in 24-26 weeks. The median decision time for planning appeal hearing decisions is reducing and was 43 weeks in August. Many planning inquiries continue to be decided in fewer than 30 weeks, although some take longer.

  • By the end of September many appeals in 30 Local Planning Authorities (LPA) will no longer be submitted via the Appeals Casework Portal (ACP) but through a new GOV.UK service. It is quicker and easier to use than ACP and is designed with users and to full accessibility standards. It is being tested live so it can be improved and rolled out to appellants in most LPAs by the end of March 2023.

  • It is vital appellants can have confidence in the quality of our decision making and our quarterly (April to June 2022) data shows 831 appeal cases were quality assured. This represents 22% of all decisions issued and includes 598 by Inspectors in Training as part of their learning.

Published 22 September 2022



Foreign flagged ships detained in the UK during August 2022 under Paris MOU

During August, there were nine new detentions of a foreign flagged vessel in a UK port.

  1. In response to one of the recommendations of Lord Donaldson’s inquiry into the prevention of pollution from merchant shipping, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) publishes details of the foreign flagged vessels detained in UK ports under the Paris MOU regime each month.

  2. The UK is part of a regional agreement on port state control known as the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (Paris MOU) and information on all ships that are inspected is held centrally in an electronic database known as THETIS. This allows the ships with a high risk rating and poor detention records to be targeted for future inspection.

  3. Inspections of foreign flagged ships in UK ports are undertaken by surveyors from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. When a ship is found to be not in compliance with applicable convention requirements, deficiencies may be raised. Depending on the inspection findings, the vessel may be liable for detention in these cases.

Notes on the list of detentions:

  • Full details of the ship:

The accompanying detention list shows ship’s International Maritime Organisation (IMO) number which does not change throughout the ship’s life and uniquely identifies it. It also shows the ship’s name and flag state at the time of its inspection.

The company shown in the vessel’s Safety Management Certificate (SMC) or if there is no SMC, then the party otherwise believed to be responsible for the operation of the ship at the time of inspection.

The list shows the classification society responsible for classification of the ship only.

Responsible for conducting the statutory surveys and issuing statutory certificates on behalf of the flag state.

The deficiencies listed are those marked as Grounds for Detention. Further details of other deficiencies can be provided on request.

SHIPS DETAINED IN AUGUST 2022

Vessel Name: DOUWE-S

GT: 2862

IMO: 9467225

Flag: Netherlands (white list)

Company: Steenstra Shipping

Classification society: Lloyds Register

Recognised organisation: Lloyds Register

Recognised organisation for ISM Doc: Lloyds Register

Recognised organisation for ISM SMC: Lloyds Register

Date and place of detention: 01 August 2022 at Sharpness.

Summary: Nine deficiencies with three grounds for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
07125 – Evaluation of crew performance (fire drills) Lack of familiarity Yes
10133 – Bridge operation Lack of familiarity Yes
15150 – ISM Not as required Yes

This vessel was released on 05 August 2022.

Vessel Name: GOLDY SEVEN

GT: 2844

IMO: 9135731

Flag: Antigua and Barbuda (white list)

Company: Island Maritime d.o.o

Classification society: Croatian Register of Shipping

Recognised organisation: Croatian Register of Shipping and Bureau Veritas

Recognised organisation for ISM Doc: Bureau Veritas

Recognised organisation for ISM SMC: Bureau Veritas

Date and place of detention: 02 August 2022 at Seaham.

Summary: Twenty-three deficiencies with three grounds for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
10109 – Lights, shapes, sound-signals Inoperative Yes
03108 – Ventilators, air pipes, casings Corroded Yes
07125 – Evaluation of crew performance (fire drills) Lack of training Yes

This vessel was released on 08 August 2022.

Vessel Name: MSC ADELAIDE

GT: 95390

IMO: 9618290

Flag: Panama (white list)

Company: Mediterranean Shipping Co Srl

Classification society: DNV

Recognised organisation: DNV, Germanischer Lloyd and RINA Services S.p.A.

Recognised organisation for ISM Doc: RINA Services S.p.A.

Recognised organisation for ISM SMC: DNV

Date and place of detention: 15th August 2022 at Southampton.

Summary: Nineteen deficiencies with three grounds for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
15150 – ISM Not as required Yes
01199 – Other (certificates) Not as required Yes
13101 – Propulsion main engine Lack of familiarity Yes

This vessel was released 19 August 2022.

Vessel Name: WILSON BRUGGE

GT: 2446

IMO: 9150494

Flag: Malta (white list)

Company: Wilson Ship Management AS

Classification society: Bureau Veritas

Recognised organisation: Bureau Veritas and DNV

Recognised organisation for ISM Doc: DNV

Recognised organisation for ISM SMC: DNV

Date and place of detention: 16 August 2022 at Grove Wharfs (Scunthorpe).

Summary: Fourteen deficiencies with two grounds for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
15150 – ISM Not as required Yes
07125 – Evaluation of crew performance (fire drills) Lack of familiarity Yes

This vessel was released 22 August 2022.

Vessel Name: TURGUT SAHIN

GT: 2909

IMO: 9135858

Flag: Panama (white list)

Company: SHN Group of Company

Classification society: Indian Register of Shipping

Recognised organisation: Indian Register of Shipping and Phoenix Register of Shipping

Recognised organisation for ISM Doc: Phoenix Register of Shipping

Recognised organisation for ISM SMC: Indian Register of Shipping

Date and place of detention: 17 August 2022 at Flixborough

Summary: Eighteen deficiencies with three grounds for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
11110 – Stowage and provision of liferafts Not as required Yes
15150 – ISM Not as required Yes
10109 – Lights, shapes, sound-signals Not as required Yes

This vessel was released 22 August 2022.

Vessel Name: FORTUNE GLORY

GT: 23235

IMO: 9234678

Flag: Hong Kong China (white list)

Company: Glory Intl Shipmanagement Co

Classification society: RINA Services S.p.A

Recognised organisation: RINA Services S.p.A

Recognised organisation for ISM Doc: RINA Services S.p.A

Recognised organisation for ISM SMC: RINA Services S.p.A

Date and place of detention: 18th August 2022 at Avonmouth

Summary: Forty-five deficiencies with five grounds for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
15150 – ISM Not as required Yes
11104 – Rescue Boats Not properly maintained Yes
11104 – Rescue Boats Missing Yes
07109 – Fixed fire extinguishing installation Not as required Yes
07125 – Evaluation of Crew Performance (fire drills) Lack of Training Yes

This vessel was still detained 31 August 2022.

This inspection was suspended.

Vessel Name: MEDEMBORG

GT: 6540

IMO: 9142514

Flag: Netherlands (white list)

Company: Favoriet Shipmanagement BV

Classification society:  Bureau Veritas

Recognised organisation:  Bureau Veritas and Lloyd’s Register

Recognised organisation for ISM Doc: Lloyds Register

Recognised organisation for ISM SMC: Lloyds Register

Date and place of detention: 19th August 2022 at Avonmouth

Summary: Thirteen deficiencies with two grounds for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
04114 – Emergency source of power – Emergency generator Inoperative Yes
15150 – ISM Not as required Yes

This vessel was still detained 31 August 2022.

Vessel Name: LEV TWISTER

GT: 2295

IMO: 8302088

Flag: Germany (white list)

Company: INNOVEN Marineservice GmbH

Classification society: Lloyd’s Register

Recognised organisation: Lloyd’s Register

Recognised organisation for ISM Doc: N/A (DOC Issued by Flag)

Recognised organisation for ISM SMC: N/A (SMC Issued by Flag)

Date and place of detention: 26th August 2022 at Harwich.

Summary: Twenty-seven deficiencies with four grounds for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
11124 – Embarkation arrangement survival craft Missing Yes
07110 – Firefighting equipment and appliances Inoperative Yes
04103 – Emergency, lighting batteries and switches Insufficient Yes
15150 – ISM Not as required Yes

This vessel was still detained 31 August 2022.

Vessel Name: SEA HARMONY

GT: 2481

IMO: 8914166

Flag: Barbados (white list)

Company: Fehn Ship Management

Classification society: RINA Services S.p. A

Recognised organisation: RINA Services S.p. A and Lloyds Register

Recognised organisation for ISM Doc: Lloyds Register

Recognised organisation for ISM SMC: RINA Services S.p. A

Date and place of detention: 30th August 2022 at Belfast

Summary: Eight deficiencies with three grounds for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
07101 – Fire prevention structural Integrity Not as required Yes
07109 – Fixed fire extinguishing installation Expired Yes
18313 – Cleanliness Lack of training Yes

This vessel was still detained 31 August 2022.

DETENTIONS CARRIED OVER FROM PREVIOUS MONTHS

Vessel Name: TORO

GT: 23235

IMO: 9208124

Flag: Liberia (White list)

Company: Peninsula Energy FZE

Classification society: Bureau Veritas

Recognised organisation: Bureau Veritas

Recognised organisation for ISM Doc: Bureau Veritas

Recognised organisation for ISM SMC: Bureau Veritas

Date and place of detention: 05 July 2022 at Royal Portbury.

Summary: Sixty eight deficiencies with twelve grounds for detention.

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
07111- Personal equipment for fire safety Not as required Yes
03102- Freeboard marks Not as required Yes
07125- Evaluation of crew performance (fire drills) Lack of familiarity Yes
10112- Electronic charts (ECDIS) Not as required Yes
10116 – Nautical publications Missing Yes
11122- Radio life-saving appliances Batteries Expired Yes
18314- Provisions quantity Not as required Yes
18316- Water, pipes, tanks Not as required Yes
03104 Cargo & other hatchways damaged Yes
03108 Ventilators and air pipes not properly maintained Yes
01201 Certificates for Master and Officers missing Yes
11108 Inflatable Life-rafts insufficient Yes

This vessel was still detained 31 August 2022.

This inspection was suspended.

Vessel Name: SHEARWATER

GT: 342

IMO: 6822216

Flag: Comoros (Black list)

Company: No ISM Company as under 500GT

Classification society: N/A

Recognised organisation: International Register of Shipping

Recognised organisation for ISM Doc: N/A Under 500GT

Recognised organisation for ISM SMC: N/A Under 500GT

Date and place of detention: 30th June 2022 at Leith

Summary: Seven deficiencies with four grounds for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
07109 – Fixed fire extinguishing installation Not as required Yes
07113 – Fire pumps and its pipes Inoperative Yes
07113 – Fire pumps and its pipes Inoperative Yes
11104 – Rescue boats Insufficient Yes

This vessel was still detained on 31st August 2022

Vessel Name: POSEIDON

GT: 1412

IMO: 7363217

Flag: Iceland

Company: Neptune EHF

Classification society: N/A

Recognised organisation: N/A

Recognised organisation for ISM Doc: DNV

Recognised organisation for ISM SMC: DNV

Date and place of detention: 19th July 2018 at Hull

Summary: Ten deficiencies with two grounds for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
02106 – Hull damage impairing seaworthiness Holed Yes
07113 – Fire pumps Insufficient Pressure Yes

This vessel was still detained on 31st August 2022

Vessel Name: TECOIL POLARIS

GT: 1814

IMO No: 8883290

Flag: Russian Federation (Grey list) at the time of detention

Company: Tecoil Shipping Ltd

Classification society: RMRS

Recognised organisation: RMRS

Recognised organisation for ISM DOC: RMRS

Recognised organisation for ISM SMC: RMRS

Date and place of detention: 6th June 2018 at Immingham

Summary: Twenty-seven deficiencies with six grounds for detentions

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
10105 – Magnetic compass Inoperative Yes
10104 – Gyro compass Inoperative Yes
11129 – Operational readiness of lifesaving appliances Not as required Yes
10127 – Voyage or passage plan Not as required Yes
15150 – ISM Not as required Yes
11104 – Rescue boats Not properly maintained Yes
11101 – Lifeboats Not ready for use Yes
01117 – International Oil Pollution Prevention (IOPP) Invalid Yes

This vessel was still detained on 31st August 2022

Vessel Name: CIEN PORCIENTO

GT: 106

IMO No: 8944446

Flag: Sweden (White list)

Company: Open Window Inc

Classification society: Unclassed

Recognised organisation: N/A

Recognised organisation for ISM DOC: N/A

Recognised organisation for ISM SMC: N/A

Date and place of detention: 4 March 2010, Lowestoft

Summary: Thirty deficiencies including seven grounds for detention

This vessel was still detained on 31st August 2022

For further information please contact

Maritime and Coastguard Agency Press Office, on:

+44 (0) 203 8172222.
Follow us on Twitter: @MCA_media

Press releases and further information about the agency is available on the Web at www.gov.uk



Planned elections in Ukraine are a sham and invasion is failing: UK statement to the OSCE

Over these past months, we have seen the courage of the Ukrainian people; the adeptness of their military; and their unyielding commitment to their values under the most testing of circumstances. The United Kingdom is proud to call itself a partner – and a friend – of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian counter-offensive marks a new phase. But it is as solemn as it is welcome. To the international community, the Ukrainian flag symbolises bravery, freedom and democracy. To those in Izium, Balakliya, Kupyansk and the Kharkiv region, their national flag is not just a symbol – it is a lifeline. Because as the Ukrainian Armed Forces reclaim their territory, evidence emerges: reports of bodies showing signs of torture; reports of torture chambers; civilians, including children, amongst the dead. Beneath each wooden cross in Izium lies a human being, one who can no longer tell us what has happened to them. For the Ukrainian men, women and children whose stories will be told through post mortem, we promise justice.

Time and time again, Ukrainians have demonstrated the resilience needed to secure victory in their fight for peace. And yet President Putin falsely maintains that the Russian offensive in the Donbas remains on track. The world can see that he is lying. The Russian army, and the Russian leadership, is in panic mode. We see appalling acts of desperation: increased shelling of civilians and civilian infrastructure, including the dam at Karachunivske Reservoir and the Pivdennoukrainsk nuclear power plant at Mykolaiv. On 17 September, four medical workers were killed by shelling while attempting to evacuate their patients from a hospital in Strilecha, in Kharkivska Oblast. With Russian military actions in Bucha and Mariupol, we saw the very worst of humanity. By contrast, people like these Ukrainian medical workers, killed while saving lives, show us the best of it. We offer our deepest condolences to their families.

Meanwhile, President Putin’s proxies in the temporarily Russian controlled territories of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts scramble to organise sham referenda – a pitiful charade. Let us be clear: we will never recognise any Russian attempts to purportedly annex part of Ukraine’s sovereign territory. These illegitimate referenda will not alter our approach. We will continue to support Ukraine’s right to defend its territory.

Putin’s sabre-rattling, and decision to mobilise parts of the Russian population is an admission that his invasion is failing. He continues to send tens of thousands of his own citizens to their deaths, ill equipped and badly led. We have seen reports overnight of over a thousand people arrested – another vicious assault on fundamental freedoms in Russia. And in Ukraine we have seen Russia’s deplorable attempts to replenish its ranks with convicts – qualified for little more than continuing the so-called “Special Military Operation” in the style in which it has been conducted thus far: with ineptitude and brutality. Ukraine must win; and we must ensure there is accountability and justice.

We join our partners in condemning the sentencing of Maxim Petrov and Dymtro Shabanov by an unrecognised and illegitimate court in the so-called Luhansk People’s Republic. As the OSCE Chair-in-Office and Secretary-General have repeatedly made clear, SMM national mission members were detained for simply performing their official duties – duties mandated by all 57 participating States. Russia is solely responsible for these actions, and we call for the immediate and unconditional release of our OSCE colleagues.

Indeed, the UK holds the Russian Federation responsible for the safety and welfare of all Prisoners of War and detained civilians in the non-Government controlled areas of Ukraine. 5 British Nationals and 5 other foreign nationals held by Russia-backed proxies are being safely returned. Russia must end the ruthless exploitation of prisoners of war and civilian detainees for political ends.

I join my Ukraine, US and EU colleagues in condemning the sentencing yesterday of the Deputy Leader of the Crimean Majlis Nariman Celâl, as well as Asan Akhmetov and Aziz Akhmetov. Mr Chair, we stand with Ukraine for the long haul, which is why my Prime Minister has vowed to match the UK’s 2022 military support to Ukraine in 2023. Russia must withdraw all of its troops from the entire territory of Ukraine, within its internationally recognised borders.



Mobile roaming cap to benefit Brits abroad

Press release

The UK has signed an agreement to cap charges for using data and making calls and texts in Norway and Iceland.

The UK has marked the first meeting of the UK-EEA EFTA Joint Committee, by signing a decision to cap charges for using data and making calls and texts in Norway and Iceland.

The cap is a world-first in an FTA, keeping costs low for holidaymakers and business travellers to Norway and Iceland.

International Trade Minister Conor Burns MP said:

This news builds on the landmark trade agreement between the UK and Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, and is the first of its kind world-wide showing how the innovative trade deals we negotiate are bringing real benefits to British travellers.

I look forward to working with businesses across the UK to take advantage of deals that banish barriers, boost jobs and save money.

Our trade deal with Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein signed last year aims to boost critical sectors like digital, financial, and professional business services, slash tariffs on top-quality British exports and support jobs in every corner of the UK.

The new FTA allows UK mobile operators to offer their customers surcharge-free mobile roaming in Norway and Iceland by creating a mechanism to cap the rates operators charges each other.

Background:

  • Once this decision is in place, the UK will then implement secondary legislation which will be in place early next year. We will work with Mobile Operators to ensure that the savings secured from this cap are filtered down to consumers.
  • Liechtenstein is not party to mobile roaming provisions due to their capacity. However, there is an option for this to be extended to them at a future date.

Published 22 September 2022