Job Summary
Lead a large, geographically dispersed Health & Safety team, setting strategic direction and aligning team efforts with organisational goals. Foster an inclusive environment where diverse views are valued and individual needs are respected. Provide expert H&S advice to ensure robust arrangements are in place, enabling staff to meet legal obligations. Drive best practice development, lessons learned, and timely communications to inform the business of key H&S requirements. Enhance the accessibility and impact of H&S learning and capability across the Department and anticipate legal and business changes to assess and mitigate risks.
Responsibilities
* Lead the development of best practice, lessons learned, and timely communications to inform the business of key H&S requirements.
* Collaborate closely with Estates colleagues to identify and resolve estates‑related H&S issues.
* Support negotiations with senior stakeholders, service partners, and Departmental Trade Union Side (DTUS), resolving issues directly with union safety representatives where appropriate.
* Prepare clear and concise briefings, Parliamentary Questions (PQs), and Freedom of Information (FOI) responses at short notice.
* Influence H&S development across the team and wider DWP, identifying opportunities for efficiency through collaboration and alignment of policies and procedures.
* Act as a national Champion for Health and Safety across Government, promoting a culture of safety across various platforms and audiences.
* Manage a workforce that operates across full service hours and evolves with departmental needs.
Qualifications
* A minimum Level 3 qualification is required, with Level 6 to be completed within 12 months of appointment (if not already held).
* Demonstrated strategic leadership with an in-depth understanding of Health and Safety, able to connect different areas and draw on specialist expertise to deliver effective solutions.
* Proof of leading large, geographically dispersed teams to work at pace and deliver organisational outcomes.
* Strong communication skills and the ability to promote H&S culture to diverse audiences.
Behavioural Criteria
* Leadership
* Seeing the Big Picture
* Communicating and Influencing
* Managing a Quality Service
Benefits
* Competitive salary of £57,946 plus pension contribution of £16,786 to the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
* Work‑life balance arrangements: job sharing, part‑time work, flexi‑time and compressed hours.
* Generous annual leave: at least 23 days on entry, increasing up to 30 days over time (pro‑rata for part‑time employees), plus 9 days public and privileged leave.
* Financial wellbeing support including interest‑free season ticket loans, cycle‑to‑work scheme and employee discount scheme.
* Health and wellbeing programmes such as an Employee Assistance Programme and HASSRA membership.
* Family‑friendly policies including enhanced maternity and shared parental leave pay after 1 year’s continuous service.
* Funded learning and development with industry‑recognised qualifications, coaching, mentoring and talent development programmes.
* Inclusive and diverse environment with access to professional networks such as Women’s Network, National Race Network, National Disability Network (THRIVE) and more.
Selection Process
This vacancy uses Success Profiles to assess Behaviours, Strengths and Experience. Shortlisted candidates will attend a face‑to‑face interview lasting up to 45 minutes. The interview panel of at least two people will assess Leadership, Seeing the Big Picture, Communicating and Influencing and Managing a Quality Service. The first five minutes will require a presentation (visual aids may or may not be permitted).
Diversity & Inclusion
We value diversity and inclusion and actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including those who are underrepresented in the workforce. Find out more about working for DWP on the DWP Careers Hub.
Disability Confident Scheme
Under the Disability Confident Scheme (DCS), we aim to advance all candidates who meet the minimum standard and may only progress those who best meet the required standards.
Reasonable Adjustments
We consider visible and non‑visible disabilities, neurodiversity or learning differences. If you need changes to the application or interview process, contact the Government Recruitment Service as soon as possible before the closing date.
Integrity & Plagiarism
All examples and statements must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Presenting the work, ideas or experience of others as your own may result in withdrawal of applications and internal disciplinary action.
Legal & Employment Information
* Nationality requirements: UK nationals, nationals of the Republic of Ireland, Commonwealth countries with the right to work in the UK, EU/EFTA nationals and family members (with settled or pre‑settled status), and others as listed.
* Successful candidates will undergo a criminal record check and baseline personnel security checks.
* Existing civil servants transferring to DWP will assume current DWP terms and conditions, and pay will be applied as appropriate.
* Feedback is provided only if an interview or assessment is attended.
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