Job Overview
The Lead Fire Safety Advisor will provide expert professional advice and support to the Trust’s managers, staff and partners to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Act 2005 and the Health Technical Memorandum 05 – Fire Safety in Healthcare requirements. They will act as the competent person under HTM 05, assist design consultants, Estates Capital staff, Local Building Control and West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Services in specifying structural fire safety precautions, develop training packages for staff, conduct regular fire risk assessments, and deliver an annual fire safety report.
Main Duties
* Ensure the CHFT fire strategy is updated and implemented in line with changing legislation.
* Prepare and deliver the Annual Fire Safety Report to the Trust Board.
* Maintain up‑to‑date fire risk assessments for each location and share action plans with relevant managers.
* Act independently in managing fire safety risk issues and exercise authority to halt unsafe work.
* Record and manage fire safety risks on the Trust Risk Register.
* Arrange and conduct fire drills and evacuations in collaboration with department managers.
* Ensure fire‑fighting equipment is maintained, and preventive maintenance programmes are carried out.
* Provide instruction and practice on safe evacuation procedures for patients and staff.
* Investigate fire incidents, share lessons learned, and minimise false alarms.
* Give expert advice on fire safety in developing services and buildings.
* Facilitate liaison with West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, arrange site visits, and coordinate fire brigade attendance at drills.
* Monitor and certify the proper operation of fire protection equipment, including alarms, extinguishers, and emergency lighting.
* Prepare reports relating to fires and false alarms, and submit ad‑hoc reports when requested.
* Collaborate closely with Estates, PFI partners, resident contractors, and site managers.
* Maintain personal professional development, participate in supervision and training, and comply with Trust policies.
Qualifications & Training
* Science or engineering education or substantial experience in fire safety.
* Certificate in Training Practice or equivalent experience in delivering training.
* Membership of a professional organization (e.g., Institution of Fire Engineers, Institute of Fire Prevention Officers).
* Level 4 Diploma in Fire Safety or equivalent.
* Registered fire risk assessor with a recognised accreditation body.
* Fire engineering/fire safety degree or other relevant academic qualification.
* Professional qualification in a fire‑related subject, including training in healthcare fire safety.
Knowledge, Experience & Expertise
* Good computer literacy and use of Microsoft Office; ability to use AutoCAD.
* Substantial experience working in fire safety and delivering training courses.
* Experience of working across organisational boundaries to improve standards.
* Knowledge of fire risk assessments, fire safety legislation, fire modelling techniques, and building regulations.
* Experience in the NHS or similar complex environment; ability to present complex problems and implement actions.
* Knowledge of medical gases, risk management techniques, and Firecode application.
* Ability to handle physical demands of the role, including using extinguishers and working at heights.
Communication & Relationships
* Highly developed negotiating and influencing skills; ability to build constructive relationships with professional and managerial disciplines.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
* Motivated, proactive, and self‑motivated with a willingness to take responsibility.
* Team player who works across the CHFT footprint, including community settings.
* Capability to manage a varied and unpredictable work pattern and prioritise effectively.
Additional Information
Equal opportunities – Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust welcomes applications from all sections of the community and commits to equal opportunities.
DBS Condition – The Trust will administer a Disclosure and Barring Service check and recover the cost from salary. Participation in the DBS Update Service and annual payment of £16 is also required. This is a condition of employment.
For further information, please contact ask.recruitment@cht.nhs.uk.
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