Contractual Hours are 22 hours 12 minutes per week, working pattern can be negotiated. Salary £45,091 - £48,226 pro rata to hours worked
Who We Are & What We Stand For
Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match. We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive. At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.
Empowering teams to work safely and confidently
The Health & Safety function sits within the wider People Services, Learning and Organisational Development and Health & Safety service, forming part of the Chief Executives group. The team plays a critical role in supporting the organisation to maintain safe, compliant and high‑performing working environments, with a particular focus on construction and operational activity. Working closely with managers, project teams and frontline services, the team provides expert advice, delivers training, leads on risk management and ensures compliance with health and safety legislation and best practice. It is a collaborative and forward‑thinking team, working in partnership with internal stakeholders, trade unions and external regulators to continuously improve safety standards, embed a positive safety culture and support the wellbeing of the workforce.
Making safety part of everything we do
What You Will Get To Do
* Provide expert health and safety advice to directors, senior managers, and project teams on complex and highrisk matters.
* Develop and deliver advanced health and safety training across all workforce levels, supporting a strong safety culture.
* Analyse group‑level H&S performance data and trends, presenting insights and recommendations to senior leadership.
* Manage and oversee risk management programmes, including highrisk audit activity and compliance monitoring.
* Lead serious incident investigations and produce recommendations for senior leadership action.
* Act as the key liaison with safety representatives and external stakeholders (e.g. HSE, insurers, regulators).
* Conduct inspections, surveys and audits to ensure compliance with legislation, standards, and safe working practices.
* Support, supervise and mentor junior H&S Officers, as well as work experience and placement students.
* Contribute to the development, review and strategic direction of corporate H&S policies and procedures.
* Undertake additional responsibilities appropriate to the seniority of the role.
Protecting our people, strengthening our services
What You Will Bring
* Uptodate knowledge of health and safety legislation, industry standards, best practice, and training/culture development methods.
* NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent), CertIOSH/GradIOSH with demonstrable relevant experience operating at Health and Safety Officer level in a large organisation, plus ongoing CPD and a full UK driving licence (or mobility support).
* Proven experience developing and implementing H&S policies, conducting risk assessments, inspections, audits, and delivering training programmes.
* Strong analytical capability with experience producing reports, statistical analysis, and briefing papers to support decision‑making and continuous improvement.
* Demonstrated ability to operate as a H&S generalist, work independently and collaboratively, and motivate and influence teams and stakeholders.
* Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence, negotiate, and convey complex information clearly.
* Strong organisational and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to prioritise workloads, meet deadlines, and build effective internal and external relationships.
What’s In It For You
* Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience. Salary £45,091 - £48,226 pro rata to hours worked.
* Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
* Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
* Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
* Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work‑life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
* Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
* Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
* Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax‑efficient cycle to work programme.
* Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand‑new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions a cost‑effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
* Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).
Everyone's welcome here
We’re an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. At Gateshead Council we're an employer who embraces, and welcomes diversity, that’s truly inclusive and demonstrates equality for all. We’ll go the extra mile so that our approach is representative of the communities we serve and each other. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
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