Blood Collection Officer (BCO)

Organisation: UKAD
Salary: per mission
Location: UK Wide
Contract type: Fixed Term
Closing date: 31 March 2026
Job Description: UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) is on a mission to protect clean sport and currently has an exciting opportunity available for you to join us.

We’re looking to recruit Blood Collection Officers (BCOs) who play an active role in the sample collection process for athletes in accordance with the UKAD Doping Control Handbook. This includes taking blood samples from Athletes and ensuring the correct aftercare procedures are conducted at various locations such as competition/events, athlete residences and training venues.

About us

Our purpose:

To ensure doping-free sport, promoting and protecting clean sport through education, testing and enforcement.

Our Values:

Integrity – We do what is right for clean sport, we are equitable and ethical, ensuring everyone is treated fairly and with respect.

Collaboration – We work together and with others, sharing knowledge and building relationships to better tackle doping.

Excellence – We strive to achieve high standards in the protection of clean sport, evolving with the times and finding solutions.

Passion – We are dedicated to keeping sport clean, are proud of what we do and know it matters.

Job purpose

BCOs are required to act as an independent worker on behalf of UK Anti-Doping (UKAD), forming part of the wider Doping Control Personnel (DCP) scheme. DCP are independent workers who attend tests as determined by UKAD. There are no guarantees or minimum levels of work as Testing occurs at any time, anywhere and at any place across the year. Testing occurs at various venues/sites, such as competition venues, training venues and athlete’s residences at different times of the day. Flexibility is required, but the nature of work can suit individuals already in full-time/part-time employment. DCP are paid on a ‘per mission basis’. BCOs are required to collect blood samples in accordance with WADA’s International Standard for Testing and Investigations (ISTI). Conducting blood sample collection procedures will involve taking blood samples from Athletes and ensuring the correct aftercare procedures are conducted. Samples should be kept in a suitable condition until transferred to an authorised representative of UKAD.

BCOs will also be requested to fulfil the duties of a Chaperone including; notification of Athletes selected for an anti-doping test, chaperoning of selected Athletes to the Doping Control Station (DCS), witnessing urine sample provision and the completion of administration duties in accordance with the UKAD Doping Control Handbook.

Key result areas include

Specifically, in relation to blood sample collection procedures the role of a BCO is responsible for:

• carrying out blood sample collection duties as part of UKAD’s Anti-Doping Programme and in accordance with the guidelines set down by WADA and UKAD

• determining whether sufficient blood has been collected in each vacutainer

• maintaining the security of the area designated for blood sample collection

• ordering, holding and taking blood sample collection equipment to blood missions

• accurately and adequately completing the procedures and administration duties associated with the role of BCO, including report writing

• participating in team briefs and debriefs with other DCP

• maintaining confidentiality

• writing comprehensive and legible reports where applicable

• attending any disciplinary hearing convened in respect of an Athlete (as a result of the BCO’s provision of service at a sample collection session)

• interacting in a professional manner with Athletes, Athlete Support Personnel, IF or NGB representatives and other DCP

• contributing to the development of procedures for BCOs

• undertaking such professional BCO training and assessment as UKAD may require to ensure operating standards are continually met.

Specifically, in relation to those duties of a Chaperone, the BCO is responsible for:

• completing notification and chaperoning duties as part of UKAD’s Anti-Doping Programme as set out in the Doping Control Handbook

• directly observing and witnessing urine sample provision (when needed)

• managing the Entry and Exit Log located in the DCS

• assisting with maintaining the security of samples

• Athlete engagement

• assisting with the security of the DCS

• accurately and adequately completing the procedures and administration duties associated with the role of a Chaperone including writing comprehensive and legible reports when required

• participating in team briefs and debriefs with other DCP

• maintaining confidentiality

• interacting in a professional manner with Athletes, Athlete Support Personnel, International Federation (IF) or National Governing Body (NGB) representatives and other DCP

• contributing to the development of procedures for Chaperones

• undertaking such professional Chaperone training and assessment as UKAD may require to ensure minimum operating standards are continually met.

In addition:

• adhere to all relevant Child Protection matters

• abide by to the DCP Handbook guidelines should any modifications to standard procedure be required

• attend any disciplinary hearing convened in respect of an Athlete (as a result of the DCP’s provision of service at any sample collection sessions.)

Person specification

Qualifications/experience/knowledge/skills

• Professionally trained & qualified, active and experienced phlebotomist

• Comprehensive and up-to-date First Aid knowledge

• Sensitivity, understanding and calmness under pressure

• Ability to carry out detailed administrative tasks with a high degree of accuracy

• Proven ability to work with confidential information

• Able to work well in a team environment

• Sound judgement and decision-making capability

• Ability to use own initiative within a procedural framework

• Conflict management skills in a stressful environment

• Organisational skills for people and activities

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

We are a disability confident employer and actively welcome applications from people with disabilities and long-term health conditions.

If you meet the definition of ‘being a disabled person’ according to the Equality Act 2010, and meet the minimum criteria for the role, you may be eligible to apply for an interview via the Disability Confident Scheme and will have the opportunity let us know as part of your application.

As an organisation working across the sports sector, we value a team that brings a wide range of perspectives and experiences. This diversity helps us understand the communities we support, strengthen our work, and create an inclusive environment for everyone.

We warmly encourage applications from women, individuals with diverse abilities, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds. Recruitment is always based on merit, skills and experience.

We welcome the use of artificial intelligence as a supportive tool when preparing your application. To help us understand your strengths, please make sure all examples and statements you provide are honest, accurate, and based on your own experiences.

If we identify content that has been copied or created by others and presented as your own, your application may be withdrawn. For internal applicants, this may also lead to the usual organisational procedures.
How to apply: Our values are at the heart of what we do, so if they align with you and you’re up for the fight against doping in sport, please complete the online application - https://careers.ukad.org.uk/jobs/7362312-blood-collection-officer-bco Deadline for Applications is 11:59pm on 31 March 2026. If shortlisted, you will be invited to a selection day, currently planned to take place on the weekends of 18-19 and 25-26 April 2026 at SportPark, Loughborough.