Overview
The Fire Safety Team supports the Council and other stakeholders to fulfil their statutory obligation in relation to Fire Safety and liaises with external organisations such as the HSE and the West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service. The Asset Management division is part of Housing Leeds, responsible for the management and delivery of all Asset Management related services, including repairs, planned works, compliance, and regeneration schemes. The role involves managing day-to-day Fire Safety Management functions within Asset Management and corporately, implementing, reviewing and auditing policies, and supporting the Council and stakeholders in relation to Fire Safety.
The Fire Safety Manager provides lead fire safety advice across the Council, acts as a Business Partner for fire safety matters, and works with directorate management, chief officers, high rise risk board, HRB Building Safety Coordinator, Capital Programme Managers, and Service Managers to identify issues and provide fire safety solutions through strategic planning. This role helps improve and ensure compliance with fire safety legislation and good practice through guidance, monitoring, audit and review. The post holder is one of the organisation's competent people, with access to professional and technical fire safety advice.
Responsibilities
* Build rapport and establish credibility with service managers and other stakeholders across the Council on all fire safety matters.
* Establish and maintain a good working relationship with West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service.
* Collaborate with the HRB Building Safety Coordinator and HSE.
* Manage the delivery of the fire safety service as part of the Health and Safety Team to support service managers and other stakeholders—anticipating, influencing and delivering against defined business needs.
* Provide advice, guidance and support to managers on all fire safety and related matters, identifying risks and opportunities and developing pragmatic solutions.
* Support the Head of Health and Safety to deliver health and safety services across the council.
* Champion or lead organisation-wide fire safety projects and initiatives.
* Act as lead, competent fire safety professional for the Council and work with senior managers to identify issues and provide solutions through effective planning.
* Work with Corporate Fire Safety Manager to ensure compliance with Fire Safety Legislation and guidelines.
* Inspect and assess premises as required to help managers ensure compliance with Fire Safety Legislation.
* Identify appropriate training for staff responsible for completing fire safety risk assessments in all authority premises.
* Proactively liaise with The Fire Service and Local Authority Building Control on all matters.
* Provide advice on emergency evacuation procedures and contribute to development and maintenance of the fire safety management system.
* Lead on identifying fire safety development needs and undertake ad-hoc training interventions.
* Communicate and present information on a range of Fire Safety issues to diverse audiences.
* Develop and implement effective management of fire safety, considering best practice, legislation and business needs.
* Provide performance information to senior managers to assess whether fire safety is managed effectively, via a robust monitoring framework.
* Provide professional and technical support to Health and Safety Managers and Advisers on fire safety matters.
* Manage and develop staff as appropriate and provide high-quality fire safety advice and support to service managers and staff across the council.
* Lead investigations of accidents and incidents related to fire safety and implement improvements to prevent recurrence.
* Meet performance objectives and standards as agreed with the Head of Health and Safety.
* Ensure consistent implementation and interpretation of the Fire Safety Performance Standard across the council and share approaches for broader benefit.
* Build competency and confidence in providing fire safety services.
* Develop excellent relationships with key stakeholders, including managers at all levels, Trade Unions, and enforcement bodies (HM Inspectors of the HSE, West Yorkshire Fire Service, etc.).
* Contribute to networks with peer groups across the Council and disseminate best practice and learning.
* Input into corporate and local health and safety committees and Trade Union consultations related to fire safety.
* Take a corporate lead on fire safety projects and support the Head of Service in maintaining the health and safety management system across the council.
* Support the Head of Service in developing the Council's Health and Safety Strategy and Plan, and stay abreast of legislation and developments in fire safety.
* Coordinate or contribute to council-wide change initiatives related to fire safety and monitor compliance with procedures.
* Be responsible for the health, safety and well-being of team members and promote equality and diversity in the role and as a line manager.
Qualifications & Requirements
* Extensive knowledge of the Building Safety Act, Building Regulations, social housing legislation and health & safety legislation.
* Chartered Membership of IOSH or an equivalent fire safety qualification (e.g., NEBOSH Fire Safety and Risk Management Certificate or IFE).
* Extensive experience in providing complex reports detailing budgets, contract progress and compliance targets.
* Strong focus on accuracy, organisation and attention to detail.
* Ability to prioritise work to meet deadlines.
* Experience of interpreting and applying fire safety legislation and/or best practice in a large, complex organisation; experience in developing and implementing health and safety management systems for fire safety.
* Experience in reactive and proactive management/monitoring, including investigations of serious accidents/incidents.
* Experience of working within social housing and knowledge of landlord responsibilities in repairs & maintenance; up-to-date knowledge of social housing issues.
* Able to plan and organise own workload, communicate effectively with managers, and manage staff to ensure timely delivery of work.
* Able to analyse complex information and develop fire safety solutions or strategies; able to communicate complex information to diverse audiences.
* Able to work with discretion and initiative, and to develop flexible, cost-effective operational solutions.
* Willingness to participate in appraisal, training and development; commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
* Right to work in the UK as required by Home Office guidance; sponsorship considerations may apply.
Desirable & Benefits
* Competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
* Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
* Flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
* Clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
* A range of staff benefits to boost wellbeing
* If not eligible to work in the UK, review sponsorship options (Skilled Worker visa route) before applying
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