Senior Health and Safety Officer

The job itself, technical expertise with assurance, audit, investigation and service delivery. The postholder will contribute to the development and review of health and safety policies, procedures and guidance, and will monitor and report on their effectiveness across the organisation.

A key part of the role will be supporting the planning, structure and delivery of the Council’s health and safety audit programme in line with the Assurance Map, alongside the analysis of incidents, accidents and performance data to identify trends, risks and improvement opportunities. You will prepare clear, evidence‑based reports and recommendations to support service improvement and compliance.

The role also involves undertaking and supporting investigations into serious incidents in conjunction with managers, deputising for the Occupational Health & Safety Manager when required, and carrying out a mix of senior and complex work alongside core Health & Safety Officer duties. You will provide day‑to‑day professional supervision to members of the Occupational Health & Safety Team and support effective service delivery.

In addition, the postholder will contribute to the delivery of commercial health and safety services, including contract management, scoping and procurement, and support the development and delivery of service level agreements in line with the Council’s commercial approach. You will also undertake regional networking and work collaboratively with stakeholders across the Council.

The role includes contributing to the integration and development of the Council’s occupational health and workforce wellbeing offer, ensuring joined‑up delivery, effective signposting and access to appropriate support and interventions.

What we’re looking for

You will hold a NEBOSH Level 6 qualification (or equivalent).

You will have a strong working knowledge of health and safety legislation, regulatory requirements, frameworks and policies relevant to public sector organisations, and experience of undertaking complex audits, inspections and investigations.

You will be able to analyse compliance and performance data, develop programmes of compliance activity, and contribute to the delivery of large or complex projects. Strong communication and influencing skills are essential, alongside an understanding of employee health and wellbeing, financial management and commercial awareness.

Membership of a relevant professional body and experience of supervising staff, delivering commercial services, managing contracts, working with occupational health providers or delivering services to schools would be advantageous.

This role offers an opportunity to work at a senior professional level within a supportive team, contributing directly to the Council’s health, safety and wellbeing arrangements and to the protection of employees, service users and the wider community.