Job overview
We are seeking an experienced and forward‑thinking Health and Safety Manager to lead the strategic development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Trust's Health & Safety and Fire Safety management systems. This pivotal role also encompasses responsibility for manual handling across both clinical and non‑clinical functions.
With a workforce of approximately 14,000 staff across multiple sites, the Trust requires a dynamic professional who can ensure full compliance with statutory duties, national standards, and NHS regulations, while driving a proactive and positive safety culture organisation‑wide.
As the Trust's principal expert advisor on all matters relating to Health & Safety, Manual Handling and Fire Safety, the post‑holder will provide authoritative guidance to senior leaders and operational teams. They will lead and further strengthen our governance systems, setting Trust‑wide direction, shaping policy, and championing transformational improvements in safety performance and culture.
The role includes representing the Trust in external inspections and legal matters involving the Health and Safety Executive, Fire and Rescue Services, and other regulatory bodies. The post‑holder will work closely with executive and operational leadership teams to ensure robust risk management, incident prevention, and safety assurance across all clinical and non‑clinical areas.
Main duties of the job
Key Responsibilities:
Lead the Trust's Health, Safety and Fire Safety strategy, ensuring robust governance, effective policies and procedures, and high‑quality assurance reporting to the Board, including annual and ad hoc updates.
Ensure organisation‑wide compliance with all relevant legislation, NHS requirements and standards (e.g. HSWA, Regulatory Reform Order, RIDDOR, CQC/HSE, HTMs, CDM, NHS England frameworks).
Oversee the Trust‑wide Health & Safety Risk Register, ensuring effective risk controls and continuous reduction of harm.
Monitor, investigate, and analyse incidents, trends, audits and inspections, embedding learning and supporting directorates to strengthen safe systems of work.
Ensure regular audits, inspections and risk assessments are completed across all premises, including fire safety, manual handling, COSHH and DSE requirements.
Provide expert advice to the Board, Executive Team, and departments, and act as the primary liaison with regulators and partner organisations.
Lead and develop the Health, Safety and Fire Safety teams, overseeing budgets, resources, and staff capability.
Represent the Trust in enforcement actions, legal proceedings and regulatory inspections.
Drive a proactive safety culture through targeted campaigns, engagement initiatives, training programmes, competency frameworks, KPIs and performance dashboards.