UK

United Kingdom · Research and development · Principal/Manager (12-16 years)

Laboratory Supervisor

Here is the whole job, in plain words. What it is, what you decide, how you're judged, how people get here and where they go next. Then the part no course gives you: twelve AI tutors who learn your work.

Start my Laboratory Supervisor plan, free

Free to start: a plan built for this role, and a Future Fluency module to try first. No card.

Keep this job description

Where should we send it?

One email: what AI is changing in this job, and where to start free. With a link back here. Nothing else follows unless you confirm your address.

Upskilling a team in this role? Talk to us

  • Experience bandPrincipal/Manager (12-16 years)
  • Direct reports3-8 reports
  • Reports toLaboratory Manager
  • UK framework levelUsually someone running a function, or a director

Also advertised as Laboratory Team Lead · R&D Lab Manager (Operations) · Senior Research Operations Lead

Built on 43,079 real UK job descriptions we analysed · grounded in qualifications employers recognise

Two short quizzes about you

1From this job to a course

The qualifications matched to this job

GQA PAA\VQ-SET Level 2 Certificate in Laboratory Technical Skills GQA Qualifications Limited · Level 2 · covers 4 of 10 standards
ETCAL Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities ETC Awards Limited · Level 2 · covers 4 of 10 standards
GQA PAA\VQ-SET Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities GQA Qualifications Limited · Level 3 · covers 2 of 10 standards
ETCAL Level 3 Diploma in Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities ETC Awards Limited · Level 3 · covers 2 of 10 standards
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support NOCN · Level 3 · covers 1 of 10 standards
GQA PAA\VQ-SET Level 3 Certificate in Laboratory Technical Skills GQA Qualifications Limited · Level 3 · covers 1 of 10 standards

Matched from the standards this job is measured against: a suggestion, not an official ruling.

The units you would start with

Laboratory Measurement Techniques GQA PAA\VQ-SET Level 2 Certificate in Laboratory Technical Skills
Prepare compounds and solutions for scientific or technical use ETCAL Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities
Measuring, weighing and preparing compounds and solutions for laboratory use GQA PAA\VQ-SET Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities
Assist in receiving, handling and dispatching clinical specimens NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Chromatography GQA PAA\VQ-SET Level 3 Certificate in Laboratory Technical Skills

The future skills this job leans on

AI Fluency working with AI as a thinking partner
Data Fluency turning numbers into a decision
AI Governance Fluency using AI responsibly
Automation Fluency building AI into how work runs
Trust Fluency keeping the digital world safe
Start my Laboratory Supervisor plan, free
Your Plan Illustration

Built for Laboratory Supervisor

5 units that map to this job, from the qualifications that cover it.

  1. Laboratory Measurement Techniques GQA Qualifications Limited · covers 4 of 10 standards Level 2
  2. Prepare compounds and solutions for scientific or technical use ETC Awards Limited · covers 4 of 10 standards Level 2
  3. Measuring, weighing and preparing compounds and solutions for laboratory use GQA Qualifications Limited · covers 2 of 10 standards Level 3
  4. Assist in receiving, handling and dispatching clinical specimens NOCN · covers 1 of 10 standards Level 3
  5. Chromatography GQA Qualifications Limited · covers 1 of 10 standards Level 3
These are the real units behind this job, in the order they rank for it. Nothing here is marked done, because this plan has not been started by anyone yet. Yours would fill in as you go.

2AI and this work

Will AI change your work as a Laboratory Supervisor?

Nobody can say exactly how. Here is what this job is being asked for next, and where to start.

The new skills this role is being asked for

  • AI-Driven Operational Insights & Automation
  • Advanced Data Integrity & Cybersecurity for Labs
Why each one is rising

The future skills this job leans on

We'll only ever tell you what we can actually back up. No hype, no scare tactics.

What happens when you start

Next, a free account. We build your Laboratory Supervisor plan as you set up, starting with a Future Fluency module on using AI in your job. No card.

Your first Future Fluency module is free. After that, your AI tutor is £70 a month.

Start my Laboratory Supervisor plan, free Ready to pay? Subscribe for £70 a month

3What this role really is

A Laboratory Supervisor keeps day-to-day lab operations running smoothly and on track. This work combines scientific know-how with people management. You keep research programmes moving, solve problems as they arise, and support the team doing the work.

4What you'd actually use

The tools this job runs on, and how well you'd need to know each one.

Benchling / LabArchives (ELN) Expert

Designing new ELN templates for complex experiments, auditing team entries for compliance, integrating ELN data with LIMS, and training new users.

LabWare LIMS / STARLIMS Advanced

Configuring new assay workflows, troubleshooting data entry and reporting issues, building custom queries for operational insights, and managing user access.

Thermo Fisher Chromeleon / Agilent OpenLab (Instrument Control) Advanced

Developing and optimising new instrument methods, performing advanced troubleshooting, ensuring instrument calibration schedules are met, and training technicians.

GraphPad Prism / JMP (Statistical Analysis) Intermediate

Reviewing and interpreting statistical outputs from team members, performing basic statistical analysis for operational data (e.g., instrument performance trends), and advising on experimental design.

Veeva QualityDocs / MasterControl (QMS) Advanced

Drafting and revising SOPs, initiating and managing change control requests, participating in deviation investigations, and ensuring team compliance with quality documents.

MS Teams / SharePoint (Collaboration & Data Sharing) Advanced

Managing project sites and permissions, creating automated workflows for lab notifications, organising shared data libraries, and leading team communication.

Microsoft Excel (Advanced) Advanced

Creating complex spreadsheets for inventory management, budget tracking, data analysis, and generating custom reports using pivot tables and advanced formulas.

5What you get to decide, and how that grows

Power in a job isn't your title. It's what you're allowed to decide. Here's how it grows as you move up.

The choiceComing in Where you are nowThe step above
Daily Task Prioritisation Follows supervisor's daily plan. Prioritises routine tasks independently; escalates conflicts. Prioritises workstreams, adjusts plans for urgent requests; consults on major shifts.
Troubleshooting Assay/Instrument Issues Reports issues to supervisor immediately. Performs initial diagnostics based on SOPs; escalates if unresolved. Diagnoses and resolves most common issues; proposes solutions for complex problems.
Consumables/Reagent Ordering Notifies supervisor when stock is low. Initiates re-orders for routine items based on inventory levels. Manages inventory levels, forecasts future needs, approves standard orders up to £1K.
Team Member Development & Performance Focuses on own learning and performance. Offers informal guidance to new joiners. Mentors 1-2 junior colleagues; provides informal feedback.

6How you'll be judged

The scoreboard, and what is not on it. The hard targets, how often each is actually looked at, and the quiet signals that never reach a dashboard.

Lab Throughput & Turnaround Time
The volume of samples processed or experiments completed by your team, and how quickly they're delivered.
Target · Achieve 95% of planned daily/weekly experimental targets; maintain average assay turnaround time of <24 hours.

Your team processed 250 samples this week against a target of 260, and 98% of results were delivered within 24 hours. That's a solid 96% completion rate and excellent speed.

Budget Adherence (Consumables & Reagents)
How well you manage the spending on lab supplies, reagents, and consumables against your allocated budget.
Target · Keep monthly consumable spend within 5% of the allocated budget.

Your lab section's reagent spend for Q3 was £28,500 against a £30,000 budget, saving us £1,500. That shows smart inventory management.

Instrument Uptime & Maintenance Compliance
The percentage of time critical lab instruments are operational and available for use, and adherence to preventative maintenance schedules.
Target · Maintain >98% uptime for key instruments; complete 100% of scheduled preventative maintenance by due dates.

The HPLC was down for only 4 hours last month (99.5% uptime), and all its monthly calibrations were done on time. Excellent work keeping things running.

Safety Incident Rate
The number of reported safety incidents, near misses, or deviations from safety protocols within your lab section.
Target · Zero reportable safety incidents or major protocol deviations per quarter.

Your section has gone two full quarters without a single safety incident or near-miss. That's a testament to your focus on a safe environment.

Team Development & Mentorship
How effectively you develop your direct reports, helping them grow their skills and confidence.
  • Regular 1-to-1 meetings with clear development goals
  • junior staff taking on more complex tasks
  • positive feedback from team members in engagement surveys
  • successful completion of training programmes by your team.
Operational Problem Solving
Your ability to diagnose and resolve complex operational issues, from assay failures to equipment bottlenecks, with minimal disruption.
  • Proactive identification of potential issues
  • documented root cause analyses for significant problems
  • implementation of lasting solutions that prevent recurrence
  • positive feedback from research scientists on your responsiveness.
Cross-Team Collaboration & Communication
How well you work with other lab sections, research teams, and support functions to ensure smooth workflows.
  • Active participation in cross-functional meetings
  • clear and timely communication of lab status and challenges
  • willingness to share resources or expertise
  • positive feedback from peers and stakeholders.
Quality & Compliance Culture
The extent to which your team consistently adheres to GLP/GDP, SOPs, and regulatory requirements, fostering a culture of quality.
  • Clean audit reports with no major findings for your section
  • thorough and accurate ELN entries
  • proactive identification and reporting of deviations
  • team members demonstrating a strong understanding of compliance requirements.

7Would you like it

Both sides. What people enjoy, and what grinds them down.

What people enjoy
Solving Complex Operational Puzzles

You thrive on figuring out how to optimise a workflow, troubleshoot a recurring instrument issue, or re-jig the schedule to accommodate an urgent request. It's like a daily game of Tetris, but with real-world scientific impact.

A new assay protocol is introduced, and you're the one who designs the most efficient way to integrate it into the lab's existing schedule, making sure it doesn't disrupt other critical work.

Developing and Mentoring a Team

You get a real kick out of seeing your team members learn new skills, gain confidence, and take on more responsibility. You enjoy teaching, coaching, and helping others overcome challenges.

A junior technician is struggling with a complex cell culture technique; you spend time patiently guiding them, providing tips, and celebrating when they finally master it.

Ensuring Quality and Compliance

You find satisfaction in knowing that the data leaving your lab is robust, reliable, and stands up to scrutiny. You're passionate about maintaining high standards and keeping everything compliant.

You meticulously review ELN entries and sample logs, catching a small discrepancy that could have led to a major audit finding down the line.

What frustrates people
  • The 'Reagent Thief' problem, but now you're the one who has to track them down and politely remind them about logging usage.
  • Dealing with instrument breakdowns that throw off everyone's schedule, especially when the service engineer can't come for days.
  • Having to mediate minor disputes or personality clashes within your team, which can feel miles away from scientific work.
  • Getting an 'urgent' request from a senior scientist that completely derails your carefully planned week, then having to re-jig everyone's schedule.
  • The sheer volume of documentation and compliance paperwork, which can feel endless and repetitive.
  • Trying to balance budget constraints with the team's need for new, more efficient equipment or reagents.
What this role does not give you
  • Extensive hands-on experimental work (you'll be overseeing, not always doing).
  • A purely scientific focus; you'll be heavily involved in operations and people management.
  • A quiet, predictable environment; expect regular interruptions and unexpected challenges.
  • Complete autonomy over budget or strategic direction; you'll manage within defined parameters.

8Who you work with

This role is absolutely critical for the efficient execution of our R&D pipeline. You're the one who makes sure the scientists have the data they need, when they need it, and that it's reliable. Without solid lab operations, even the most brilliant research ideas just stay ideas. You directly influence project timelines, resource allocation, and, crucially, the overall quality of our scientific output.

Inside the business
  • Research Scientists (your 'internal clients')
  • Quality Assurance (for compliance and audits)
  • Procurement (for ordering reagents and equipment)
  • Health & Safety Officer (for lab safety protocols)
  • Other Lab Supervisors (for cross-lab coordination)
Outside the business
  • Equipment Service Engineers (for maintenance and repairs)
  • Reagent Suppliers (for ensuring timely deliveries)
  • Waste Disposal Contractors (for compliant disposal)

9What you need before you start

Not a wish list. The things you would be expected to already have.

  • Proven experience (typically 5-8 years) as a Senior Laboratory Technician or equivalent, demonstrating mastery of core lab techniques and independent troubleshooting.
  • Demonstrable leadership or mentorship experience, even if informal, guiding junior colleagues or leading small projects.
  • A strong track record of adherence to GLP/GDP and a deep understanding of quality systems in a regulated R&D environment.
  • Excellent organisational and planning skills, with experience managing multiple concurrent lab activities.
  • Proficiency in using Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELN) and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) for complex data management.

10What to practise next

Where the job is going, and what to do about it starting this week.

Advanced Omics Technologies Oversight (e.g., Genomics, Proteomics)

Omics technologies are becoming standard in many R&D fields. While you might not be running the sequencers, you'll need to understand the principles, data outputs, and operational requirements to manage projects involving these complex techniques.

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Workflows · Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomics · Bioinformatics Data Handling · Vendor Selection for Omics Services

  • This quarter: Read review articles on the latest advancements in genomics or proteomics relevant to our research area.
  • Next 6 months: Shadow a research scientist working on an omics project to understand the workflow and challenges.
  • Next 12 months: Participate in a vendor presentation or workshop on new omics platforms or services.
  • Ongoing: Discuss with your team members who are involved in these areas to understand their technical needs and challenges.

Quick win: Familiarise yourself with the basic terminology of genomics and proteomics. Ask scientists about the most common issues they face with these technologies.

11Staying current once you are in

What people here do to keep up
  • Regularly attending industry conferences and workshops focused on lab operations, automation, or specific scientific techniques relevant to our R&D.
  • Participating in internal or external leadership development programmes to hone your management and coaching skills.
  • Engaging in peer-to-peer learning with other lab supervisors, both internally and externally, to share best practices and troubleshoot common challenges.
  • Taking online courses or certifications in advanced data analysis, quality management, or specific instrument technologies to keep your technical edge.

12The rising capability

The rising capability

Zavmo analysis

What's rising in its place

This is where the work is heading, and the higher pay with it. Get fluent here and the shift stops being a threat and starts being your edge.

AI-Driven Operational Insights & Automation

AI and machine learning are rapidly moving from theoretical concepts to practical tools in lab operations. Supervisors who can harness these will gain significant efficiency, predictive power for maintenance, and better resource allocation. Frankly, those who don't will be left behind.

  • Predictive Maintenance Algorithms
  • Automated Scheduling Optimisation
  • Anomaly Detection in Lab Data
  • Natural Language Processing (NLP) for SOP Compliance

Advanced Data Integrity & Cybersecurity for Labs

With increasing digitisation of lab data (ELNs, LIMS, instrument data) comes a greater risk of cyber threats and data integrity challenges. Regulators are also tightening their grip. Supervisors need to be at the forefront of protecting sensitive research data.

  • Data Governance Frameworks
  • Cybersecurity Best Practices (Lab Context)
  • Audit Trails & Electronic Signatures
  • Data Standardisation & Interoperability

13What you’ll use

What you’ll use

Skills this role draws on

Technical

  • Advanced Aseptic Technique & Contamination Control
  • Good Laboratory/Documentation Practice (GLP/GDP) Leadership
  • Comprehensive Sample Lifecycle Management
  • Assay Development, Optimisation & Validation
  • Advanced Instrument Troubleshooting & Maintenance Strategy
  • Complex Reagent & Buffer Preparation Oversight

14The pathway

The pathway

How you actually get there, here

How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.

  1. 1

    From Senior Laboratory Technician (Internal Promotion)

    5-8 years as a Senior Lab Tech, plus 3-5 years in a lead capacity

    Skills to master

    • Formal people management (performance reviews, development plans), budget management, strategic planning for lab resources, advanced troubleshooting, and cross-functional communication.

    You're ready to move on when

    • You've consistently taken initiative to train junior staff and informally led small projects.
    • You're the go-to person for complex troubleshooting and process improvements in your current role.
    • You've actively sought out opportunities to understand the broader lab operations and budget.
    • You've demonstrated excellent communication skills with scientists and management.
  2. 2

    From Research Associate / Team Lead (External Hire)

    12-16 years total experience, with 3-5 years leading a small research team or lab section.

    Skills to master

    • Adapting to our specific R&D focus and internal quality systems, integrating into a new team culture, and quickly understanding our operational challenges.

    You're ready to move on when

    • You have a proven track record of managing direct reports and delivering on operational metrics.
    • You're comfortable stepping into a new environment and quickly assessing its needs and challenges.
    • You can articulate how your previous experience in a similar lab setting translates to our specific context.
    • You're eager to learn our specific scientific methodologies and regulatory nuances.
  3. 3

    From Quality Assurance/Control Specialist (with Lab Background)

    10-15 years total, with 5+ years in QA/QC and prior hands-on lab experience.

    Skills to master

    • Shifting from an auditing/oversight role to direct people management and operational problem-solving, understanding the day-to-day pressures of a research lab.

    You're ready to move on when

    • You have a strong foundation in lab science and previous bench experience.
    • Your QA/QC background has given you an exceptional eye for detail and compliance, which you can now apply operationally.
    • You're keen to move back into a more hands-on operational leadership role.
    • You've demonstrated an ability to influence and guide teams on quality matters.

15Where this role leads

The long view: This role can lead into operational leadership, quality and compliance management, or a senior technical path as a principal scientist.

16Pay and demand

Pay & demand

Typical pay £28,210 a year Source: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, 2025 (provisional), under the Open Government Licence v3.0

The figure is the median for full-time employees in the ONS occupation this job title codes to (Laboratory technicians), from the April 2025 survey, about six months old when published, as ASHE always is. It is that occupation's middle, not this role's. Half earn more.

The ten Future Fluencies

Zavmo analysis

The credential is what you can do today. These are what keep you valuable.

A qualification proves you can do the job as it's defined today. These ten are what decide whether you're still the obvious person for it in five years. They're the capabilities employers are now writing into senior roles faster than people are learning them. Zavmo weaves them through whatever you study, so you come out with both: the credential and the fluency.

The highlighted ones are the Fluencies your role leans on hardest, from how Laboratory Supervisor is actually changing.

Where it leads

Roles this leads to

Also named as a next step, with no page in the catalogue yet:

  • Principal Research Associate (Individual Contributor Track)

How you would learn this

One to one, on the work you already do

A tutor sets the task against your own job and marks the reasoning, at your pace. There is no cohort to fall behind.

A lesson from Laboratory Measurement Techniques, worked against Laboratory Supervisor.

Laboratory Measurement Techniques Level 2

Applied to your work in Laboratory Supervisor

The objective of this unit is to equip learners with an understanding of fundamental laboratory measurement techniques. Learners will understand how to accurately measure mass, volume, temperature, and pH using appropriate equipment and techniques, as well as how to calibrate and maintain laboratory equipment to ensure reliable measurements.

How the thinking builds
  1. 1 Remember
  2. 2 Understand
  3. 3 Apply
  4. 4 Analyse
  5. 5 Evaluate
  6. 6 Create
An illustration of a Zavmo lesson, built from this role’s own route. The unit, its objective and every criterion above are the awarding body’s own words, not an example.

It is £70 a month, billed monthly. Your free first module is Future Fluency, and you can cancel any time.

Start my Laboratory Supervisor plan, free
See Your Progress Grow Illustration
Laboratory Supervisor
  • Advanced Aseptic Technique & Contamination Control
  • Good Laboratory/Documentation Practice (GLP/GDP) Leadership
  • Comprehensive Sample Lifecycle Management
  • Assay Development, Optimisation & Validation
  • Advanced Instrument Troubleshooting & Maintenance Strategy
  • Complex Reagent & Buffer Preparation Oversight
This is your Mind Palace on learn.zavmo.ai. Every skill above comes from this role's own record, not an example borrowed from another job. A node lights up when you evidence it, and what you build stays yours between jobs. That is the part a course cannot do.

17The detail, folded away

Everything else the record holds

The career branches in full, how AI is already showing up in the day-to-day, and the questions people ask about this job. Here when you want them, out of the way while you decide.

Where it leads next, rung by rung

Where it leads

The career path, and where it branches

Laboratory Supervisor is a start, not a ceiling. Each step below asks for new skills and hands back more autonomy.

  1. Laboratory Manager

    3-5 years in the Supervisor role

    From L5 to L6

    • Designing and implementing new lab facilities or major renovations.
    • Developing and managing a comprehensive lab safety and compliance programme for a larger department.
    • Mentoring other supervisors and building leadership capability within the lab.
    • Representing the R&D lab operations to senior leadership and external stakeholders.

  2. Principal Research Associate (Individual Contributor Track)

    3-5 years in the Supervisor role

    From L5 to L5 (but deeper specialisation)

    • Developing novel assay methodologies or instrument applications.
    • Leading complex scientific investigations and troubleshooting intractable research problems.
    • Acting as an internal consultant for specific technical expertise across multiple research programmes.
    • Evaluating and implementing cutting-edge scientific technologies.
Working with AI on the job

Working with AI

Where AI is starting to help

Imagine having more time for strategic planning, team development, and actual scientific problem-solving, rather than getting bogged down in administrative tasks. AI isn't here to replace you; it's here to give you superpowers as a Laboratory Supervisor.

In Research & Development, especially in a supervisory role, you're constantly juggling. AI tools can take a huge chunk out of the repetitive, data-heavy, and even the initial troubleshooting work, freeing you up to focus on what truly matters: leading your team and driving scientific progress.

ELN Auto-Audit & Compliance Check

Use an AI tool to automatically scan Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) entries for completeness, adherence to GLP/GDP standards, and common errors (e.g., missing dates, uncalibrated instruments mentioned, incomplete signatures). It'll flag potential compliance issues before an audit even begins, saving you hours of manual review.

Resource Scheduling & Optimisation Assistant

Feed your team's project timelines, instrument availability, and individual skill sets into an AI scheduler. It'll propose optimised schedules, flag potential bottlenecks (e.g., two teams needing the same HPLC), and even suggest alternative resource allocations, making your planning far more efficient.

Instrument Fault Diagnosis & Knowledge Base

Integrate an AI chatbot with instrument manuals, common troubleshooting guides, and past service records. When an instrument throws an error, your team can ask the AI for immediate diagnostic steps, often resolving minor issues without needing your direct intervention or waiting for a service engineer.

Budget & Inventory Anomaly Detection

Connect an AI tool to your procurement and inventory management systems. It can flag unusual spending patterns, unexpected drops in reagent stock, or potential waste, helping you proactively manage your budget and prevent critical shortages.

Common questions

Common questions

How do you become a Laboratory Supervisor?

Common routes in include From Senior Laboratory Technician (Internal Promotion) (5-8 years as a Senior Lab Tech, plus 3-5 years in a lead capacity), From Research Associate / Team Lead (External Hire) (12-16 years total experience, with 3-5 years leading a small research team or lab section.) and From Quality Assurance/Control Specialist (with Lab Background) (10-15 years total, with 5+ years in QA/QC and prior hands-on lab experience.). Times vary with prior experience.

Where can a Laboratory Supervisor progress to?

This role can lead on to Laboratory Manager (3-5 years in the Supervisor role) and Principal Research Associate (Individual Contributor Track) (3-5 years in the Supervisor role), depending on the skills you build.

What new skills matter most for a Laboratory Supervisor?

Increasingly, AI-Driven Operational Insights & Automation and Advanced Data Integrity & Cybersecurity for Labs. These are the skills our record of this role lists as growing.

Free tools

Want a read on where you stand?

Three free tools, no account needed. Each one ends with a role, a level and a way in.

Read the Zavmo manifesto to understand how you will be taught Meet your tutors

Or try another one

18Where to go from here

Other roles at Level 6

Same depth of qualification, different job. Useful if the work appeals but this particular role does not.

 More jobs in research and development

Stay in the field you know and move sideways rather than up.
If you leave this industry

The skills built here, people management, operational discipline, quality assurance and scientific troubleshooting, carry across sectors. They open doors to operational leadership in manufacturing, quality control, or project management in life sciences or pharmaceuticals. Experience managing regulated environments counts for a lot.

This role profile is © 2026 Growth Engineering Technologies Ltd. Built from UK occupational standards and regulated qualification data, and written for Zavmo.

You're not behind. You're right on time. The shift is only just beginning. Your role won't look the same in two years. Be the one who leads the change, not the one it happens to. Start my Laboratory Supervisor plan, free What happens next: a free account, then we build your plan as you set up. No card. Build your plan, see your roadmap and meet the twelve tutors matched to you. All free. When you're ready to start learning, it's £70 a month, billed monthly. Cancel any time and billing stops.