Specialisms
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Biometrics
We connect SAS programmers, data managers and data scientists with the latest opportunities within CROs and pharmaceutical companies.
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Commercial
Versed in the ever-changing commercial landscape, our team place professionals across a variety of verticals including marketing, sales, HEOR, market access and legal.
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Clinical Operations
In support of some of the most innovative pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and leading CROs, our team source professionals for stages I - IV clinical trials across Europe and the US.
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Medical
We work with industry leaders in biopharmaceuticals, medical devices and CROs and support their growth in the medical affairs and clinical development space.
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RA, QA and Validation
An essential part of the drug development cycle, our dedicated team work with clients in the quality assurance, quality control, regulatory and validation fields across Europe and further afield.
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Research and Development
Those we work with rely on us to pair top talent with boundary-pushing R&D departments to ensure they can continue supporting the patient population through research activities.
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Technical Operations
From manufacturing to product development, facilities management to engineering, our team understand the skills necessary to ensure the success of a tech ops department.
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Support and Administration
Our partners trust us when it comes to connecting professionals with opportunities across all aspects of their business, including support and administrative roles.
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Biometrics, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence
Wayne Marshall March 2021Machine learning: The next frontier of drug discovery and diagnosis
The drug development path is long, complicated, and expensive. For the patients that need it most, waiting for a treatment can be agonising, and currently 95% of rare diseases lack any FDA-approved treatment. Artificial intelligence and its subfield of machine learning has the power to change this.Approval rate for drugs entering clinical development is less than 12%, and with the average cost of developing a prescription treatment sitting at $2.6 billion, those in drug development are turning to technology that detects signs that might indicate a greater likelihood of product success or approval, whilst the product is still in the discovery or R&D phase. It can take over 10 years from discovery to commercialisation of a treatment, so a huge motivator for large pharma to invest in this type of technology is the potential to shave time from this process. An oncology programme from Genentech (now a member of the Roche Group) and GNS Healthcare announced back in 2017 uses machine learning tech to covert high volumes of cancer patient data into computer models that can be used to identify new pathways, novel targets and diagnostic markers that could lead to new treatments. The benefits of utilising artificial intelligence reach far beyond just a cost or time saver for the company developing the drug. Synchronicity of real-world data and machine learning technology can shorten the amount of time it takes for a patient to receive a diagnosis and reduce the likelihood of a misdiagnosis. In medical diagnosis a patient’s symptoms are recorded, analysed, and a healthcare professional aims to determine the ailment that could be causing them. Machine learning technology can take a set of data – consisting of clinical or biological criterion of patients, any diagnoses they’ve received, and any environmental and genetic data – and match these with the data collected from a patient. The larger the data set, the more points of reference the AI will have to determine a diagnosis, and the greater the likelihood of an accurate one. One example of a firm currently using machine learning to aid diagnosis is UK-based start-up Babylon Health. Their chatbot technology compares the symptoms inputted by a user against a database of potential causes, and recommends an action based on the symptom severity, the history of the patient and other individual circumstances. In response to mild headache symptoms, the app may recommend over-the-counter medication, but if more serious symptoms are inputted, the app may suggest going directly to the hospital. This does present a limitation in that the performance and accuracy of the technology is dependent on the depth of the dataset, but it’s a promising indicator that these processes could take place without the need for human intervention, meaning patients get quicker access to the care and information they need. Machine learning is becoming more widespread, is attracting a huge amount of media attention and capital investments, and outcomes are becoming increasingly impressive. There is still a distance to cover, though, before it really hits the mainstream. Before cementing itself as a standard component in the drug development cycle, educational programmes, thorough proof-of-concept studies and data hygiene standards have to be considered. Until then, these early applications of machine learning in medicine provide glimmers of a future where data and technical innovation play a critical role in discovery and development.
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Biometrics, Clinical, Big Data
Catalin Zaharia February 2021What is real-world data, and how can it be used to inform healthcare strategy?
We are living in the age of big data. Drug development companies are swimming in information that can inform their processes and assist them in bringing a treatment to market; but this information is no longer solely generated through clinical trials.As the cost of healthcare continues to rise and companies face pricing pressures, there comes a growing need to demonstrate the benefits of a treatment outside the regulated environment of a clinical trial. So, companies are turning to real-world data (RWD) to demonstrate the value of their product on a real-world population.What is real-world data? Any insights into a treatment gathered outside of a clinical trial setting could be a source of RWD. Health records, wearable devices, healthcare apps, patient-recorded outcomes, even insurance claims all can provide evidence to support the effectiveness of a product. As it’s captured within the healthcare system itself, against real patients rather than trial subjects, it can provide an additional dimension to observations gathered during clinical trials. Why is real-world data so important? With a deeper insight into how treatments are being used and the effects of a drug, RWD can provide regulators the information they need to assess post-market safety and produce risk/benefit analysis; key enablers for regulatory decisions and market approvals. The data can not only inform decisions made regarding commercialisation, but can help inform those involved in research and development as to the needs and requirements of a patient population. But the scale of data available does far more than help companies bring their treatments to market quicker. Importantly, it enables us to further understand the patient journey, and provides a huge opportunity for companies to improve patient outcomes. By producing RWD, patients act as integral participants in the future of their own healthcare. What does the future of real-world data look like? The sheer amount of data currently available is overwhelming; for one treatment there could be hundreds of thousands of seemingly relevant pieces of RWD, and most organisations lack the resources to effectively collect and analyse it, which is why we’re seeing larger firms invest in machine learning technology or partner with start-ups specialised in AI. We’re also seeing a rise in demand for professionals with RWD/RWE experience. Some of the larger industry players will follow in the footsteps of companies like IQVIA, in establishing and developing their own RWD capabilities and offering. We’ll see more cross-departmental collaboration, among physicians, pharmacists, statisticians and pharmacologists, as we work to discover new ways of collecting and analysing RWD. Advances in cloud-based technology, artificial intelligence, and automation could help smaller firms discover the benefits of using RWD. Providing them with more access to information about who their treatments effect, in what context, and at what price, will shorten their product pipeline and enable faster patient access. Ultimately, continued data openness will enable companies to develop forward-thinking healthcare strategies, such as personalised medicine, which can address previously unseen problems and put the patient population at the heart of treatment production. As machine learning technology also advances, we’ll see healthcare professionals be able to make faster, more accurate diagnoses through access to this real-world data, and variables that might’ve been previously overlooked will be used to inform a deeper understanding of patients’ conditions.
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Clinical
February 2021Women in Science Day 2021: Four life science pioneers shaping modern medicine
February 11th marks International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a day that recognises and celebrates the critical role women play in STEM industries. Since 2015 the number of women graduating in core STEM subjects in the UK has grown from 22,000 to almost 25,000, but still females make up only 26% of those graduating in STEM subjects, and just 24% of the average STEM workforce – this figure drops to as low as 10% for some industries. Now in its sixth year, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science was adopted to pave the way toward gender parity in educational opportunity within STEM and scientific participation and preparation. To celebrate this year, we’re looking at four pioneers within the life science industry that are transforming the medical landscape through leadership and technical innovation.Carolyn Yarina, CEO and Co-Founder of Sisu Global HealthWhen a patient suffers internal bleeding, surgeons have two options; reach for a blood bag, or recycle the patient’s own blood using a process called autotransfusion. In many developing countries, though, lack of access to blood banks or a lack of blood donorship might mean the surgeon doesn’t have access to a blood bag, and the technology typically used for autotransfusion is expensive and requires power – a commodity not always available in emerging markets. After founding a non-profit that supported mobile clinics in India, Carolyn went on to co-found Sisu Global Health, a company focused on the research, development and commercialisation of medical devices aimed at emerging markets. The Sisu-developed Hemafuse, a handheld medical device that replaces the need for donor blood by recycling a person’s own from internal bleeding, launched in Ethiopia, Kenya and Ghana last year. Allysa Dittmar, President and Co-Founder of ClearMask With over 95% of those living with hearing loss saying masks and facial coverings impact their ability to communicate, Allysa, who has been deaf herself since birth, set out to design a transparent mask with her fellow public health students at Johns Hopkins University and co-founded ClearMask LLC. Allysa and the team at ClearMask have developed the first FDA-approved transparent face mask, allowing for the deaf and hard of hearing that would usually rely on lipreading for communication to do so clearly, without the obstruction a standard face mask would cause.Dr. Crystal Icenhour, PhD, CEO and Co-Founder of Aperiomics A rising star of American biotechnology, Dr. Crystal Icenhour holds two patents, has authored and co-authored numerous scientific publications and is a prolific speaker at many scientific conferences. In 2014 she co-founded Aperiomics, a bioinformatics firm that uses advanced data analysis and next-generation sequencing technology for detecting infectious disease. Where traditional infection testing might look at one bacteria, fungus or virus at a time, DNA sequencing technology developed by Dr. Crystal’s firm can identify every known pathogen there is – that’s nearly 40,000 microorganisms – from within a single blood sample. It’s the mission of the infectious disease firm to transform infection testing, and leverage the power of technology to advance human life and quality of life. Dr. Kimberly Smith, MD, MPH, Head of R&D at ViiV Healthcare Dr. Kimberly Smith heads up research and development at the only company wholly dedicated to HIV therapies, ViiV Healthcare. During her time at ViiV Dr. Kimberly has launched more than 25 late-stage trials for seven new medicines, and is working to revolutionise the management of HIV through regimes that decrease the lifetime exposure to medicines by suffers of HIV. Since working on the frontline of the AIDS epidemic as a clinician in the 1980s, Dr. Kimberly has made it her life work to answer the unmet needs of those living with the illness, and has been a public advocate for female and PoC representation in STEM professions and in exec level roles.
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Clinical
Reece Harding February 2021When it comes to demand in the clinical sector, Covid-19 remains top priority
More than a year has passed since Covid-19 first hit the headlines, and across the world nine vaccines have received authorisation for use in various geographies. But for firms involved in researching and trialling treatments for the virus, it isn’t job-done just yet. When it was announced that some of the major frontrunners in the race to develop a Covid-19 had succeeded in their mission, a collective sense of relief was felt, and the eyes of the public shifted from trial progress to the vaccine roll-out. But for those working in the clinical space, the priority remains with the effort to develop further treatments. With over 2,500 clinical trials in active or recruiting stage globally, opportunities for professionals in the clinical operations field are still dominated by the Covid-19 effort – particularly when it comes to the contract/freelance market.Mutated strains of the Covid-19 virus pose a potential new threat to the geographies in which they’re circulating, adding weight to the burden already felt as a result of the pandemic. These mutations emphasise the importance of the result of these ongoing trials, almost 75% of which are in phase II or phase III stage, as researchers continue to uncover the indirect or long-term effects suffered by those who have had the virus. With the US, Germany and the UK all topping the list for the highest number of ongoing vaccine studies, demand for CRAs, clinical trial managers, and site managers is high to cope with the demand on the major trial sites in those geographies. Shortly after the World Health Organisation first declared Covid-19 a global emergency and much of the world entered a lockdown, many ongoing and new clinical trials were halted to prioritise studies into the virus and continued later in the year. The ripple caused by the halting of these trials, along with the fact new Covid-19 vaccine trials are registered to begin each week, suggests that this high level of demand for clinical professionals will continue throughout 2021 and well into 2022. The length of Covid-19 trials being registered are also longer on average than we saw at the beginning of the pandemic, so we can expect the average contract length for freelancers to increase too.We can expect to see more vaccines demonstrating high efficacy in the coming months, as well as a deeper understanding of the long-term effects of Covid-19 and how to treat them or stop them from occurring. The current vaccine roll-out effort continues to progress and make headlines, but in order to advance our knowledge of the virus and its variants, clinical trials and research into treatments or preventative measures for Covid-19 will continue to progress at a high level too.
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TeamSEC
Jacob Stafford-Wright January 2021SEC Hits Recruiter's Hot 100 List for 2020
SEC Recruitment has been announced as one of Recruiter Magazine’s ‘Hot 100’ companies in the UK for 2020. The accolade is based on ranking recruitment businesses for their productivity, which is a key performance indicator used to assess businesses that are working at high levels across the recruitment industry. "We’re truly proud of our approach to the difficulties faced in 2020 and the support we've been able to provide our partners - some of whom were at the forefront of the efforts against Covid-19 themselves. The work our team has put into delivering the best possible service to our clients and candidates throughout the last 12 months is both brilliant and humbling."Wayne Marshall, Sales Director at SEC RecruitmentIt's been a truly disruptive year for the staffing industry as a whole. Analysis from this years' report suggests an unsurprising dip in performance compared to previous years, so we're especially pleased to be recognised for our performance and proud of the incredible work put in by our recruitment consultants and back-office support team.SEC comes in at number 90 this year, and is one of just 24 technical/science recruitment specialists to appear on the list, which looks at the performance of over 15,000 staffing agencies up and down the country."We're delighted that we have been included in the ‘Hot 100’ list for 2020. This year has proven that when you work hard and deliver on your company values and commitment to excellence, you can continue to deliver results even in the most adverse of climates."Louis Gicquel, Sales Director at SEC RecruitmentThanks go out to all of our customers that we have worked with throughout 2020, and to the candidates we've supported in finding their next role. We're looking forward to continuing to play a part in your success in 2021.For more information about the ‘Hot 100’ visit the Recruiter website.
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Wayne Marshall January 2021How can your business maintain a flow of freelance and contract talent?
In a time when engaging freelance talent is becoming increasingly attractive, does your business have a strategy when it comes to engaging contractors and maintaining a relationship?Being clued up on legislation to follow when you’re engaging freelance talent is one thing (such as the looming IR35 update, if you’re in the UK), but with contract employment on the rise in the wake of a new normal the competition when it comes to engaging talent is fierce; 79% of employers that we surveyed said they were employing the same amount or more contractors this year than they had in previous years. So with more and more businesses utilising the benefits of a freelance workforce, contract workers once competing for jobs now have multiple options when it comes to projects, and may find themselves able to cherry-pick their client pool. Therefore, it’s never been more important to introduce a process for engaging and building a relationship with your off-payroll workforce. Employer Poll: "How will the number of contractors/freelancers you work with in 2021 differ from in previous years?"Engaging contractors should look different to how you engage your employees. You should look to position yourself as a company of choice when seeking to work with freelance talent, but it’s important to remember not to treat them as an extension of your permanent workforce. For UK businesses, freelancers engaged in projects that fall outside IR35 should be handled as a business-to-business agreement. Understand that positioning yourself as a business of choice when it comes to contracting opportunities is more about your business objectives, milestones, and successes than it is about what it’s like to work for you as an employer. Your contractors don’t want to feel as though they are being treated like an employee, and failure to recognise this could affect your flow of off-payroll talent through word-of-mouth amongst disgruntled freelancers. Turn to a staffing firm for full-circle contractor care. Staffing companies can provide a crucial insight into how and where to get the best contract talent for your projects, but many businesses without the internal resource or know-how also turn to agencies to maintain a relationship with their contractor base even after a project has ended. Freelancers turn to agencies to understand the latest developments and opportunities in the industry, and trust us to provide an honest view of the contract landscape. Having these conversations every day means we’re not just in a great position to engage talent for a particular project, but to enhance our clients’ reputations on their behalf and keep their work at the forefront of the minds of leading talent. We are aware of many countries looking to challenge the statuses of independent contractors, but with over 200 contractors on-site globally, our in-house compliance team are versed in local regulations of major employment sites across Europe, the US and further afield, and are committed to ensuring compliance on behalf of our contractors and clients. Get in touch to find out more about our compliance offering.As workforces continue to become more mobile, more adaptable and more collaborative, contract talent will become increasingly embedded in business strategy. Those already engaging contractors have the chance to get ahead of the curve and strengthen the relationship with their contractor base, and those new to engaging freelancers have an opportunity to hit the ground running knowing the importance of contractor care.
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Jacob Stafford-Wright November 2020Avoid 'WFH' burnout - here are 3 changes you can make today
Now that the pandemic has chased many of us away from our usual desks and into our bedrooms, kitchens, and living rooms, we can sometimes find ourselves struggling with the weight of the new remote rules of work.Too much screen time, a lack of boundaries between work and home and endless video calls have made remote work more taxing than it was first assumed to be.We’ve experienced working from home for the best part of 2020, and we now know it requires more long-term focus and more energy than being in the office. The key to avoiding burnout when home working is learning how to maintain that energy.Pay attention to ritual and routine.None of us are missing our hour-long train journeys or only getting back home after 7pm, but as much as we hated our commute they were a ritual that separated work life and home life. Those rituals are needed to help us re-energise and focus.We’re also missing those breaks that we would build into our workday; grabbing a cup of coffee, or having a chat with a co-worker. Those rituals are where you gather your energy, and you can replicate the effects of those with similar activities from home.The key is to be intentional – it could be listening to music, doing a stretching routine, taking a brisk walk at a certain time of day. Whatever it takes for you to create a defined transition between work and home.Manage your interactions.Participating in a video call can feel a little like a performance. And seeing floating, two-dimensional depictions of your colleagues provides you none of the usual cues that help you in reading a room, understanding others and effectively communicating.A day of back-to-back meetings with just a camera in your face means you’re on stage, performing, for 8 hours a day – it can be a huge tax on your energy.In order to have balance in your day you have to sandwich the rituals and transitions in with these calls or events you might find more taxing. After a big video meeting you could schedule a small amount of downtime, ready to recharge and refocus on your next task.Think about how you naturally break up you day, consider when you’re usually on, and build your more taxing work demands around that, leaving other times for work you find a little less weighty. Create an environment that enforces boundaries.Your desk could be your dining room table, but you must make it feel like a workspace – it’s easy to take a break to fold laundry or empty the dishwasher because we’re at home, but doing so once could make it more difficult to refocus, and making it habitual creates an unhealthy blur between work and home life.Limit distractions around you during your working hours and, if you can, physically close off that workspace when the time comes to switch off for the evening.Along with many new challenges, there’s an opportunity when it comes to working from home. Instead of transferring old habits from the workplace to our homes, we have a chance to look at our processes, refine the way we work, and build something better.
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Clinical
Rebecca Law October 2020If there’s one thing we should take from the pandemic, it’s our collective eye on clinical trial progress
When in the midst of a pandemic, the development of new treatments has never felt more important, so it’s unsurprising that the effort to develop a vaccine for COVID-19 has thrust clinical trial progress even further into the public view and interest.The fact we’re now more aware of clinical trials that are in development comes with the territory, but what’s more surprising is that data shows we’re actively seeking out information on trial developments in a way we haven’t seen before. Our collective interest in these trials is accounting for a substantial part of their progress, and remaining invested in clinical developments post-COVID could provide a framework that puts patients at the heart of the drug development process, and gives them access to treatments faster.Dismantling patient distrustWhen it comes to healthcare, we’re all aware of the negative perceptions toward some of the organisations controlling the commercials and the systems that are in place. Due to the pandemic, however, major players in the clinical research space find themselves at a crossroads, where their next move could alter their relationship with the greater population.Low visibility has always been a barrier between the public and large healthcare entities. We’re now in a heightened state of awareness thanks to the pandemic, and governing bodies, media outlets and the public are all demanding clarity.The onus lies largely with the corporations here, but our relationship with big pharma in 2020 could set a new standard for the future; one of open communication and true transparency. If we maintain our interest in major clinical developments, it poses a great opportunity for those in the healthcare space to rebuild public trust.Supporting recruitment drivesA foray we once might’ve only associated with students who were looking to make a bit of cash, the increase in visibility around clinical trials this year has led to a huge spike in individuals interested in participating in them.Through feelings of altruism and a drive to make a difference against an issue affecting the whole world, almost 7 in every 10 Americans are now more likely to consider clinical trial participation, and over 100,000 UK citizens have registered for future COVID-19 vaccine trials through the NHS research registry. In our own poll on the subject, while 46% of respondents said the likelihood of trial participation hadn’t changed for them, 39% did say they were more likely to consider trial participation.Has the pandemic made you more or less likely to participate in a clinical trial in the future?More likely39%Less likely16%No change46%Source: SEC Recruitment on LinkedInIt’s not just the sheer number of potential participants that might get a patient recruitment coordinator jumping for joy, it’s the greater diversity that then comes with that. For approval, a vaccine candidate is going to have to prove clinical effectiveness on a group that is as representative of the global population as possible; it’s an easier task when you’re dealing with a pandemic that touches every corner of society.If this change in public opinion regarding trial participation lasts for the long-term, it could mean we see a greater number of trials conducted and with a faster start-up time than previously possible.The global investment in the development of a COVID-19 vaccine accounts for the reason a process that usually takes over 10 years could, in this instance, materialise around the 12 to 18-month mark.The world can’t wait for a COVID-19 treatment, and understandably so. But once we do have a vaccine come to market, we ought to keep the same energy, interest and engagement that we’ve had for the trials we’ve witnessed in 2020 going forward. Continuing our discussions around ongoing clinical trials could improve our relationship with big pharma, help major new therapies reach approval, and give faster treatment access to the patients that need it.
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Commercial, Clinical
Martina Di Maggio September 2020A Covid-19 vaccine candidate shows effectiveness in clinical trials - now what?
Currently over 160 vaccine candidates are racing to prove clinical effectiveness in COVID-19 trials across the globe, and every day we hear conversations around what will happen after the eventual arrival of a coronavirus vaccine - offices reopening, weddings going ahead, reunions with family, holidays abroad.AUTHORMartina Di MaggioMartina is a consultant specialising in market access, health economics and outcomes research.Currently over 160 vaccine candidates are racing to prove clinical effectiveness in COVID-19 trials across the globe, and every day we hear conversations around what will happen after the eventual arrival of a coronavirus vaccine - offices reopening, weddings going ahead, reunions with family, holidays abroad.Despite public imagination though, crossing that red ribbon at the finish line won’t mean a glory-basked, picture-perfect spot on the podium; at least not straight away. Establishing effectiveness opens the doors to several socioeconomic issues the companies that own the patent rights will have to overcome, all while jumping through hoops held by major governments and regulatory bodies.For a COVID-19 vaccine to reach approval stage it’ll have to establish immunity in at least 70% of the population. So, let’s say we wake up tomorrow and a major frontrunner has announced such a result; what needs to be considered before it reaches us?CommercialsFinding the balance between intellectual property rights and serving the public good is a challenge that vaccine developers have always had to navigate. The rights to a vaccine patent provides developers a way to recover the costs of R&D, and as with any therapeutic, deals are written up between the private companies leading the development and the public bodies invested in ensuring access. The urgency we’re seeing in the case of COVID-19 doesn’t come close to anything else we’ve seen in our lifetime, and it leaves governing bodies in a position where pre-emptive deals are being closed without knowing which candidate, if any, will prove effective."While we do not know today which vaccine will work best in the end, Europe is investing in a diversified portfolio of promising vaccines, based on various types of technologies."Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European CommissionLast month the European Commission announced a deal with French pharmaceutical company Sanofi for 300 million doses of a possible future vaccine, and it’s just one of the major pre-emptive deals being closed. These down-payments for vaccines that may never make it to market may seem risky, but when a process that usually takes 10+ years is being given an optimistic forecast of 12-18 months, it leaves far less time to consider the financial aspects. AccessWith deals being drawn up between governments and the organisations controlling the patent, it’s easy to conclude that nations with the deepest pockets will end up with first access. Even if a vaccine can be mass produced, there’s no clear way to force nations to distribute this fairly outside of their patented countries. During the 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic, Australia was amongst the first to manufacture a vaccine. They, however, chose not to immediately export it in order to prioritise their own citizens. How can we ensure something like this doesn’t happen on a larger scale with a COVID vaccine?"In a pandemic, the last thing we want is for vaccines to be exclusively accessed by countries that make them and not be universally available."Mariana Zaccucato, Economist, University College London Institute for Innovation and Public PurposeIt’s a challenge that has to be addressed collectively by governments, health leaders and regulatory bodies, and one that’s been talked about since the pandemic broke.A major scheme launched by Gavi and the World Health Organisation, COVAX, sets to counter this threat of ‘vaccine nationalism’ by setting an allocation that ensures a new vaccine is shared equally between the world’s wealthiest economies and those in the developing world.At the time of writing, 156 countries have signed the deal, which seems like great news for market access. But the scheme is currently far short of raising the $18billion it’s estimated it will need from donors to scale up production and ensure access to low-income countries. It also leaves wealthier countries in charge of purchasing their own allocation, and as it stands, more than two billion doses are set aside just for Europe, the US and a handful of other wealthy economies.PopulationEven if a vaccine gains approval within 18 months, there won’t be enough for everyone. Countries signed up to the COVAX scheme are set to receive vaccine doses for 3% of their population during the first stage of roll-out, which will then increase to 20% for the second stage and then more as production ramps up. It’ll be down to individual governments and public health bodies to decide the criteria and strategy for allocation at each stage.The two major populations discussed when considering who should get priority access are healthcare and social care front-line workers, who the World Health Organisation have suggested prioritising for the first roll-out, and the clinically vulnerable or high-risk.The framework will differ from country to country, with each basing their approach on evidence on the rate of transmission, most severe health effects and their national economy. This means that the average person may not receive a vaccine for a number of months, even years, after initial production.So much is still unknown, and decisions that might’ve seemed clear-cut back in March have been turned on their head as we learn more about the virus and how it’s transmitted.What is clear is that a vaccine won’t be providing some silver-screen-style heroic ending to a time of bleak uncertainty; the fight against COVID-19 is one that will be won gradually, and at a high cost to governments, the global economy and our everyday lives.
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TeamSEC
August 2020How can I get the full picture when conducting a video interview?
Over the past two months, growth strategies have been thrown off-kilter and hiring activity ceased for many life science organisations around the world. For those that have been hiring, video interviewing is the only option. The use of video in the recruitment process is of course not a new thing, but it certainly has been brought to the fore in recent weeks. Now, restrictions are easing and employers are onboarding new team members again, but video interviewing is still the norm for the time being. So how do you get the most from a remote interview, and ensure you get a well-rounded picture of the candidate?Many clients and candidates we’re partnered with at SEC have experienced video interviews for the first time, and we have brought together what we have discovered makes the best video interviewing experience for both the employer and the interviewee.Communicate, communicate, communicate.Before we even start talking about the platforms you can use for video interviewing, you need to set expectations. The circumstances that we are working under at the moment are putting stress on everyone, people are being asked to do new things with limited knowledge and exposure.So overcommunicate.Approach the video interview as if it was in person, share expectations, run through the details of who will be attending and ensure it is in diaries. In addition:Share how to use any of the video software. Does it need to be downloaded? Can you use it on your phone if you don’t have a webcam?Will you be asking a candidate to present? What will the structure of the interview be? Will you ask for a presentation in advance or will they be asked to talk through anything on screen? Assume something will go wrong. Provide a backup telephone number and share it with the interviewee in advance.The tech.This may be limited to how your business is set up. If you currently use something like Microsoft Teams, Skype or Google Meet then hunt out guides that may assist the candidate. If you have flexibility in what you can use, then it is worth asking the candidate what they would prefer to put them at ease. If you’re using a recruiter then they may be able to give you use of a platform they have tried and tested with several businesses and can facilitate this.And then test.As the interviewer, you will need to make sure that you make as much of a good impression as the candidate. This means good WiFi connections, a well-lit room and a camera positioned in such a way that it’s not looking up your nose! If you haven’t used the technology in a while, then ask a colleague to go through a dress rehearsal with you – including sharing screens and any other features you may want to run through. It is worth sharing these tips with candidates as well.What is your business like?It’s hard now. People don’t get the chance to visit offices, understand the “buzz” of where they’ll be working and interact with others. Whether the world of work changes dramatically or not, you still need to convey your company culture to those who you are interviewing via video. What can you share visually (beyond the standard collateral) that will give potential employees an insight into your business? Work with your marketing team or recruitment partner to create a picture of what it’s like to with you and in the business. Maybe even share what you’ve done as a team during lockdown – that’s going to be increasingly important for candidates.Remember, it’s an interview.We give the same advice to candidates as we do to employers. Make sure that you make eye contact and smile – give those physical signs that shows you are listening and engaged. Be aware of the background. Be aware of what you’re wearing.You may be able to get a recording of the interview depending on your software, but it is still important to make notes “in-the-moment.” Allowances will of course need to be made from both the interviewer and the candidate at the moment, but a standard of professionalism is expected from both sides regardless.End the interview well.Don’t just click the red “Leave Meeting” button. Inform the candidate of the next steps, offer them and you the chance to follow up via email, phone or another video catch up.The fundamentals of interviewing have not changed, but we all need to increase our levels of awareness around video interviewing as it becomes more commonplace both now and in the future.At SEC, we have sat in on, prepared people for and advised on video interviewing processes for many businesses and individuals over the years. We hope this short summary helps you think more about your video interviewing process.If you’d like to discuss more or how SEC can facilitate your video interviewing process then please drop us a note.
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