Head of Fire Safety
Closing date: 07 December 2025
The Estates and Facilities Directorate is seeking to recruit a diligent, skilled and highly motivated Trust Head of Fire Safety. The successful candidate will provide senior leadership for the strategic management of fire safety across the Trust Estate, including relationships with external partners such as the local Fire and Rescue Service, the Local Authority, Newcastle University and other NHS organisations.
As the Trust's ‘competent person’ on all matters relating to Fire Safety, the post holder will ensure compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO) legislation, HTM guidance and the Building Safety Act, safeguarding a fire‑safe environment for patients, staff and visitors.
NO AGENCIES PLEASE
Job Purpose
* Support the Trust Fire Safety Manager in developing and authoring fire safety policy and documentation.
* Provide senior managerial leadership for the strategic development of fire safety across the Trust estate.
* Work with landlords and external partners to ensure standards are met.
* Ensure audits and reporting to senior management maintain best practice.
* Lead the Fire Safety Team, commissioned staff and external specialists.
* Deliver a comprehensive training programme for all Trust staff.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide expert advice and support to senior leaders on capital and revenue projects, ensuring fire safety best practice.
* Develop and lead policies and strategies for the Trust’s fire safety management programme.
* Identify vulnerabilities and opportunities for improvement across all Trust sites.
* Oversee the effectiveness of the training programme across all staff levels.
* Maintain an open and transparent Fire Safety Management System.
* Attend and chair meetings, liaising with senior managers across the organisation.
* Deputise for the Trust Fire Safety Manager as required.
* Conduct regular audits, equipment testing and ensure compliance with standards and specifications.
Qualifications & Education
* Graduated level education.
* Membership of a recognised professional body.
* Management certificate.
Knowledge & Experience
* Extensive post‑qualification experience or specialist knowledge of fire safety management and engineering.
* In‑depth understanding of fire‑related legislation and best practice.
* Operational fire safety or fire engineering background.
* Significant senior management experience in a complex environment.
* Theoretical knowledge of healthcare estate guidance, including NHS alerts, technical memorandums, health building notes, planning permits, building control, transport, etc.
Skills & Abilities
* Strong leadership and team‑management skills.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement.
* Strategic thinking and problem‑solving ability.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post requires a Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 disclosure submission to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
For further information about the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, please visit the Careers page on the Trust website.
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