Senior Heath and Safety Advisor
Bedford - with travel to sites
Up to £49,715 depending on skills and experience
Full-time, permanent
This is a key role within our corporate Health & Safety team, with a dedicated focus on supporting our in‑house maintenance service. You will champion a strong health and safety culture, ensuring that risks are identified, understood, and effectively controlled. You'll lead on developing and improving H&S systems, documentation, training, and assurance processes, while also mentoring and managing our H&S Apprentice.
What You'll Be Doing
Health & Safety Leadership
Promote and maintain a positive, proactive health and safety culture across IHMS.
Ensure all systems, policies, procedures, and safe working methods are up to date, accessible, and embedded in day‑to‑day practice.
Lead accident, incident, and near‑miss investigations and ensure follow‑up actions are completed.
Risk & Compliance
Lead on risk assessments, safe systems of work, and COSHH compliance.
Conduct regular site inspections and assurance reviews, ensuring corrective actions are completed promptly.
Provide clear, insightful performance data and H&S reporting to managers and committees.
Support the maintenance and continual improvement of the organisation's health and safety management system, aligned with ISO 45001.
Training & Engagement
Develop and deliver toolbox talks and health and safety training.
Maintain the mandatory training matrix and support colleagues' competence and confidence.
Work closely with the H&S Operational Review Group and Employee Management Forum to promote engagement and continuous improvement.
Team Leadership
Manage, coach, and support the H&S Apprentice, ensuring high performance and ongoing professional development.
Contract & System Management
Oversee key H&S-related contracts such as driving licence checks and lone‑worker devices.
Build strong relationships with external partners and identify opportunities to enhance systems and equipment.
What are we looking for?
Essential Skills & Experience
Certified (CertIOSH) or technical (TechIOSH) or CMIOSH
Strong working knowledge of health and safety legislation, guidance, and best practice.
Experience conducting risk assessments, COSHH assessments, and incident investigations.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
Highly organised, proactive, and able to work independently.
Confident trainer and presenter with strong attention to detail.
Access to your own vehicle and ability to travel to sites as needed.
Desirable
Experience in maintenance, repairs, or facilities management.
Experience managing assurance reviews and improvement actions.
Familiarity with IT systems used for managing accidents and assurance processes.
Our Val