DescriptionSupporting documentsEmployerLocation
To lead, coordinate and continually strengthen the college’s health, safety management systems. The postholder will oversee statutory compliance, drive a proactive safety culture, and deliver effective H&S support to staff, apprentices, managers, and external employers. The role includes line management of the Health & Safety Officer and responsibility for Training @ Hopwood apprenticeship H&S compliance.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Line Management
1. Lead, manage, and support the Health & Safety Officer
2. Promote a positive, proactive safety culture across the college
3. Provide confident, practical advice to managers, curriculum teams, apprenticeships staff and employers
4. Health & Safety Management Systems
5. Oversee and maintain the college’s H&S database
6. Develop systems for monitoring workplace safety, accident reporting, and near-miss analysis
7. Lead investigations into workplace accidents and RIDDOR-reportable events, ensuring all forms are completed in line with current Health & Safety laws and incidents are reported on time
8. Maintain the college Health & Safety Risk Register
9. Ensure all H&S policies and procedures are regularly updated and reflect the latest legislative changes. This includes the annual review of the Health & Safety Policy, Fire Evacuation and Lockdown policies and procedures within the Business Continuity Plan
10. Lead on reviewing contractor H&S prior to major works, including assessing RAMs and carrying out spot checks while works are underway
Audit, Risk Assessment & Compliance
11. Coordinate the annual review of departmental risk assessments
12. Undertake H&S audits and produce corrective action plans
13. Ensure statutory inspections for equipment, machinery, LEV, lifting gear and pressure systems are carried out
14. Assist with Fire Risk Assessments and Asbestos Management Plans
Committees, Reporting & Training
15. Contribute to the Health & Safety Committee
16. Provide reports, statistics and recommendations
17. Deliver or coordinate staff H&S training
18. Maintain adequate First Aid and Fire Marshal cover
19. Ensure critical or urgent Health & Safety matters are raised with the Head of Facilities, Assistant Director of Finance & Estates, and SLT lead
Educational Visits
20. Lead the use of the EVOLVE system
21. Ensure all off-site activities meet safety standards with suitable risk assessments and staffing ratios
Apprenticeship & Employer Compliance (Training @ Hopwood)
22. Develop employer vetting procedures
23. Conduct H&S and Standard 10 assessments
24. Perform health checks with employers and monitor apprentice safety
25. Produce corrective action plans and escalate high-risk concerns
26. Make recommendations on the suitability of apprenticeship placements
Collaborative Working & Continuous Improvement
27. Work closely with Corporate Services and Facilities teams
28. Support the Head of Facilities & Risk Management on wider initiatives
29. Engage in CPD and maintain professional competence
Additional Duties
30. Undertake any other duties of a similar level as required
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Qualifications
Essential Criteria
31. NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent
32. Good standard of education up to level 3
How Identified: Application
Desirable Criteria
33. Educated to degree level or equivalent
34. IEMA Certificate in Environmental Management or equivalent
35. Chartered membership of IOSH
How Identified: Qualification
Experience
Essential Criteria
36. Extensive experience of coordinating or managing Health & Safety, developing policies, systems, procedures and undertaking audits.
37. Experience of delivering H&S training & coaching to large and small groups, including inductions, risk assessments, manual handling etc.
How Identified: Application / Interview
Desirable Criteria
38. Experience of developing and implementing H&S strategies
How Identified: Application / Interview
Specialist Knowledge
Essential Criteria
39. Excellent working knowledge of H&S legislation.
40. Excellent IT skills.
41. Excellent report writing skills
How Identified: Application / Interview
Desirable Criteria
42. Chartered Safety & Health Practitioner or working towards
43. Evidence of ongoing professional development
How Identified: Application / Interview
Personal Skills
Essential Criteria
44. Good communication skills
45. Good administrative skills
46. Mentoring skills
47. Can work well as part of a team, support and motivate others
How Identified: Application / Interview
Team Skills
Essential Criteria
48. Can work well as part of a team, support and motivate others
How Identified: Application / Interview
Generic
Essential Criteria
49. Awareness of equal opportunities issues and strong commitment to non- discriminatory practices
How Identified: Application / Interview
Safeguarding Statement
Hopwood Hall College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.We particularly welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.