OCU Group are looking for an experienced SHEQ Advisor to join the team based in Erith, supporting sites in and around London.
The SHEQ Advisor will form part of OCU's SHEQ team, providing dedicated support to our Openreach telecoms contracts. Working closely with internal operational teams, this role ensures the effective implementation of Safety, Health, Environmental, and Quality systems across overhead and underground cable installation works, existing infrastructure activities and duct-laying operations.
The successful candidate will play a key role in promoting a proactive SHEQ culture, ensuring legal compliance, and driving continuous improvement across field-based telecoms activities.
Role & Responsibilities
Safety Management:
* Work collaboratively within the SHEQ team to deliver consistent SHEQ standards across Openreach projects.
* Partner with operational managers and supervisors to ensure SHEQ requirements are embedded into daily activities.
* Provide practical, site-based advice to delivery teams carrying out overhead and underground cable installation, duct laying, excavation, and reinstatement works.
* Review and support planning processes including RAMS and work pack compliance, ensuring control measures are suitable and sufficient.
* Conduct regular site inspections and audits across telecoms and civils operations.
* Ensure compliance with relevant UK legislation, including the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and associated regulations.
* Investigate accidents, incidents, and near misses using structured root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions.
* Deliver inductions, briefings, and toolbox talks to employees and subcontractors.
* Monitor high-risk activities including work at height (overhead cabling), excavation and underground services, confined spaces, traffic management, and working near live utilities.
* Support occupational health initiatives and health surveillance requirements, monitoring exposure risks such as noise, HAVS, dust, and manual handling.
* Ensure environmental compliance during excavation and duct installation works, including waste management, pollution prevention, and reinstatement standards.
* Support the implementation and maintenance of the ISO 9001 Quality Management System.
* Conduct internal audits and assist with client audits.
* Investigate non-conformances and customer complaints, driving continuous improvement.
* Prepare SHEQ performance reports and maintain accurate records of inspections, audits, incidents, training, and corrective actions.
* Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and SHEQ team meetings.
Skills And Experience
* NEBOSH General Certificate (minimum) or equivalent.
* Experience in telecoms, utilities, or infrastructure environments.
* Strong understanding of:
* Street works (NRSWA awareness beneficial)
* Overhead and underground service installation
* Excavation and reinstatement
* Experience working within a structured SHEQ team environment.
* Ability to positively influence operational teams and challenge unsafe behaviours.
* Strong communication, coaching, and reporting skills.
Driven by values, powered by inclusion.
At OCU, our values guide everything we do: integrity, collaboration, respect, innovation and one company united. They shape how we work with our clients, communities, and each other. We believe that inclusion is more than a principle — it's the foundation of our success. By embracing equity and ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive, we create a workplace where diverse perspectives are valued, and everyone feels they belong.
Together, we build stronger teams, deliver better outcomes, and grow in ways that reflect the communities we serve. If you want to be part of a culture where values matter and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do apply now and help us shape the future together.
If you are invited to progress in the recruitment process, will you require any reasonable adjustments to support you? Please let us know so we can ensure the process is accessible and fair for you. Any information you share will be treated confidentially and will only be used to support you during the recruitment process.