Job Description
Fire Safety Advisor
Science and Technology Facilities Council
Salary: £52,907 £58,198 per annum | Open Ended | Full Time | Closing Date: 15th February 2026
Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell, Oxfordshire OX11 0QX
Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers and business support team explore the unknown and turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. Whether its sending probes into space or finding new ways to treat cancer, everyone here plays a vital role in making a positive difference to society.
Come and discover how much you can achieve when youre surrounded by world-leading experts, encouraged to constantly learn and empowered to explore your curiosity.
As a Fire Safety Advisor (FSA) you will provide effective fire safety advice and guidance, management and delivery of key functions such as Fire Risk Assessments (FRAs), training and emergency planning all in direct support of delivering an effective fire risk management system to assist STFC in meeting its legislative obligations. The post holder will provide competent advice as required under Article 18 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
The role is mainly an onsite role, primarily based at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, though occasional travel to other STFC sites may be required.
Summary of Duties
Provide fire safety advice to staff, tenants, contractors, visitors and facility users in respect to fire safety legislation and its implementation.
Support the review and implementation of STFC Fire Risk Management strategy and objectives, offering technical guidance and assisting the development of supporting working processes and practices.
Provide assurance and support to departmental directors regarding department performance in relation to fire risk management. Attend department safety management committees and forums and prepare associated reports and information.
Engage, mentor and develop Building Fire Co-ordinators (BFCs) and department line managers to ensure that fire safety is managed effectively at department and building level. This includes audit and assurance activity during departmental safety tours and on an ad-hoc basis to measure performance.
Conduct and manage FRAs within your defined area of responsibility, working with external fire safety consultants and stakeholders to facilitate visits and provide technical advice. Work with BFCs, Departments, Estates and other stakeholders to ensure that action plans are managed effectively and closed out in a timely manner.
Undertake regular reviews to ensure that FRAs remain effective. Ensure that in the event of significant change, a fire or serious occurrence, the adequacy of the FRAs is assessed and issues or deficiencies are tracked and addressed in a timely manner.
Assist with the delivery and development of the fire evacuation drill programme for occupied buildings. Produce reports to identify areas of improvements, actions and document good practice/performance where applicable. Ensure actions are tracked to closure.
Provide technical fire safety advice regarding Building Regulations compliance for minor projects, refurbishments and changes of use. Assist in the building handover process prior to STFC acceptance to ensure required standards have been met, and passive and active fire protection measures are in good order and are fully operational. Ensure that sufficient Regulation 38 documentation has been provided and verified.
Assist with the development and delivery of fire safety training.
Assist in maintaining a comprehensive team of trained building wardens and BFCs for sites within your area of responsibility, and ensure that training exercises are undertaken with the sites Security Team and any response teams.
Support and advise the Estates Compliance Team to ensure that maintenance of fire safety equipment is carried out in accordance with approved Codes of Practice, and that accurate records are maintained.
Conduct investigations of reported fire incidents, false alarms, near misses and unsafe conditions. Document investigations in STFCs incident reporting system (Evotix) ensuring that they are investigated, and root cause(s) of incidents are identified to drive continuous improvement and minimise likelihood of reoccurrence.
Ensure that fire signage and fire safety equipment are appropriately located. Ensure that fire information folders, including those held by security and local Fire and Rescue services, are updated and maintained.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Commitment to diversity and inclusivity champions diversity and embeds a fair and ethical approach within the organisation.
Openness to change drives and manages the change process, seeking opportunities to create and implement improved organisational effectiveness. Committed to self-development and the development of others.
Confidence and resilience consistently projects and promotes a confident, controlled and focused attitude.
Working with others capable of working alone and as part of a team. Can work collaboratively and provide influence at all levels of an organisation as well as working with external stakeholders.
Effective communication communicates effectively both orally and in writing.
Situational awareness maintains an active awareness of the environment to promote safe and effective working.
Planning and implementing creates and implements effective plans to deliver long-term organisational strategic objectives. Anticipates future change and requirements.
Essential skills/qualifications
Applicants must meet the below essential criteria to be considered, and these should be covered in CVs and/or covering letters. The criteria will be assessed at shortlisting (S), interview (I) or both (S&I).
Level 4 Certificate in Fire Safety (Fire Auditors), or equivalent. (S)
Membership of either the Institute of Fire Engineers of Institute of Fire Safety Managers (MIFireE or MIFSM). (S)
Level 3 trainer/assessor qualification (PTLLS, Level 3 in Education and Training, or equivalent). (S)
Demonstrable experience in management of fire safety, conducting FRAs and delivering fire safety training. (S&I)
A minimum of 25 hours of CPD in the last 12-month period, or 75 hours over the last 3-year period. (S)
Through interview the individual must be able to demonstrate a good working knowledge of:
BS9997:2019 Fire Risk Management Systems. (I)
Undertaking FRAs in line with PAS79. (I)
Current and forthcoming fire safety legislation, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006. (I)
Building regulations, including Approved Document B, BS9999:2017 and the BS 7974 Approach. (I)
Microsoft Office applications. (I)
For any queries, or for more details regarding this role, please contact .
What we can offer you:
STFC values their employees by offering a benefits package designed to provide an excellent work/life balance including 30 days annual leave, 10.5 public and privilege holidays, flexible working hours, a workplace nursery, exceptional average salary pension scheme, social and sporting activities and societies and a subsidised restaurant.
As one of Europes largest research organisations, this is a place where theres always something new to learn about the world around us, about your career, but most of all, about yourself. Join us and discover whats possible.
Please note: if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you (and any dependants travelling with you) will be required to pay costs directly to the UK Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some, or all of these fees after you have become an employee, and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager. For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/how-much-it-costs or contact .
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