Overview
Head of Corporate Compliance and Health and Safety to lead compliance, governance, and safety across our network of specialist residential education settings.
Our Foundation provides education and care for children and young people with complex SEND. Ensuring that every environment is safe, well-governed, and compliant is central to helping each pupil thrive.
Responsibilities
* Lead the development and delivery of our compliance and health & safety strategy across all schools, colleges, and residential settings.
* Provide assurance to the Executive Team and Board that we meet our statutory obligations under Ofsted, HSE, and other relevant regulators.
* Oversee and continuously improve our compliance and safety management frameworks, policies, and systems.
* Act as the organisation’s competent person for health & safety, ensuring that all staff and young people work and learn in safe, supportive environments.
* Work collaboratively with Heads, Principals, and Care Leaders to embed a proactive culture of safety, safeguarding, and accountability.
* Lead internal audits and support sites in preparing for external inspections and regulatory visits.
This is a strategic role with real operational impact — you’ll be as comfortable advising at Senior Leadership level as you are supporting local teams to embed best practice.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for compliance and health & safety across educational and residential settings.
* Ensure adherence to all statutory, regulatory, and internal policies, including safeguarding, GDPR, whistleblowing, and corporate governance.
* Act as the Foundation’s competent person for Health & Safety, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and supporting a safe environment for students and staff.
* Lead on the development and implementation of policies, risk assessments, audits, and incident investigations.
* Coordinate internal audits and respond to external inspections, providing assurance and action planning.
* Monitor and report on compliance and risk performance to senior leaders, governors, and trustees.
* Oversee contract management, estates compliance, and vehicle fleet operations.
* Build a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement through effective leadership, training, and cross-organisational collaboration.
About You
You’ll bring a strong blend of professional expertise and personal integrity. You’ll be a credible and approachable leader who thrives on collaboration and continuous improvement.
We’re Looking For Someone With
* Significant experience leading compliance and/or health & safety in a regulated education, care, or health environment.
* A comprehensive understanding of Health & Safety legislation, Ofsted standards, and the legal frameworks governing special residential schools.
* A NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent) and professional membership of IOSH (minimum MIOSH or equivalent).
* Excellent communication, leadership, and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels of the organisation.
* A passion for making a difference in the lives of children and young people with SEND.
Why Join Us?
At William Henry Smith Foundation, we are committed to delivering exceptional education and care in safe, nurturing, and inclusive environments. You will join a team of dedicated professionals who share a common purpose: helping every young person reach their full potential.
We Offer
* A competitive salary and benefits package
* Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning
* The chance to play a key role in shaping a culture of excellence and safety across our organisation
Application Information
Visits to the William Henry Smith Foundation are highly recommended. For further information on this post please contact the HR department. All our roles are by application via TES.com – We do not accept CVs. Please apply by visiting our vacancies page on the Foundation website. Closing date 09 November 2025, 11:55 PM
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