Job Description
Main Purpose of the Job
The Norwich Bioscience Institutes Partnership (NBIP) has an exciting opportunity for a HSEQ Health and Safety Officer to join our busy team. The HSEQ team supports the John Innes Centre, Earlham Institute, Quadram Institute, The Sainsbury Laboratory, and the Partnership teams.
We are seeking a highly motivated individual to support the implementation of the NBIP Health & Safety policy and arrangements. Key responsibilities include reviewing, updating, and migrating HSEQ and H&S Facilities-related documentation into our new H&S management system, ensuring compliance and operational alignment. The role will also support the Head of HSEQ and the wider team in delivering an outstanding service.
The post holder will contribute to the implementation of HSEQ programmes and policies across the Institutes and Partnership teams, while also helping to coordinate a joined-up approach with the Facilities team and those involved in the new research building project (part of the Next Generation Infrastructure (NGI)).
The successful candidate will be self-motivated, collaborative, and a positive role model, promoting a healthy and safe working environment in line with legislation and best practice. This role requires both formal and informal leadership, alongside strong communication and influencing skills.
Key Relationships
The position will report to the Head of HSEQ and be supervised on a daily basis by the HSEQ business system coordinator. The post holder will work closely with the other HSEQ members and NBIP facilities team to contribute to the delivery of an outstanding H&S support on site.
Main Activities & Responsibilities
HSEQ Document Review & Migration:
• Support the review and transfer of risk assessments and other health and safety-related documents into the new Health & Safety Management System.
• Audit existing HSEQ/Facilities policies, procedures, and records.
• Review and update documentation in line with the approved NBIP Health & Safety Policy and arrangements.
• Oversee the structured upload, categorisation, and version control of documents within the new Environment Health and Safety (EHS) management system.Coordination:
• Liaise with HSEQ, Facilities, and other stakeholders to collect, verify, and update relevant H&S documentation.
• Provide guidance and training to colleagues on new processes and system use.Compliance Monitoring:
• Identify gaps in documentation or practice in line with H&S legislation and NBIP policy.
• Support the monitoring of compliance with the NBIP Health & Safety framework across all functions.Reporting & Continuous Improvement:
• Provide regular progress reports to the Head of HSEQ on implementation status.
• Contribute to the refinement and continuous improvement of health and safety arrangements.Additional Responsibilities:
• Provide cover and support to HSEQ team members during absences, particularly for engineering and construction queries.
• Maintain accurate H&S records, including accident logs, training records, incident reports, and inspection checklists.
• Provide general administrative support, including monitoring email inboxes, responding to queries, assigning actions, and ensuring timely completion.
• Provide the Head of HSEQ with high-quality H&S compliance data and reports.
• Promote a culture of health, safety, and environmental stewardship throughout the organisation.System Implementation Support:
• Act as a key point of contact for EHS system usage relating to document control and compliance tracking.
• Ensure workflows and version controls are correctly established and maintained.As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post.
Person Profile
Education & Qualifications
Requirement5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English and Mathematics.Minimum Level 3 qualification in Business or Administration (, NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration or equivalent experience).A-levels or equivalent further education qualification.HND in Business Studies or equivalent qualification.A degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline (, Environmental Science, Facilities Management, Business Administration, or related field).
Specialist Knowledge & Skills
RequirementMinimum Level 3 qualification in Occupational Health and Safety (, NEBOSH National General Certificate or equivalent)Working knowledge of UK Health and Safety legislation and relevant compliance standards.Excellent document management skills including version control and audit processes.Ability to coordinate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.Strong IT skills, including experience with document management systems, databases, or other digital HSEQ tools. Experience in a similar role.NEBOSH Health and Safety or construction Certificate - or an equivalent qualification may be an advantage.Membership (or eligibility for membership) of a recognised professional body such as IOSH (TechIOSH or above).Formal training or certification in document control or quality management systems.
Relevant Experience
RequirementSupporting Health & Safety management systems, document control, or compliance monitoring in a facilities, research, or administrative environment. Managing documentation, version control, and workflows within a structured compliance framework.Excellent IT skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (knowledge of Power BI advantageous). Providing training, guidance, or support to colleagues on H&S procedures or digital systems.Exposure to EHS or risk management systems implementation projects. Liaising with multiple stakeholders and departments to deliver H&S or compliance initiatives.
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
RequirementGood written and verbal communication skills. Excellent interpersonal and customer-focused skills. Ability to communicate effectively at all levels of an organisation. Good teamworking and collaborative skills. Proactive attitude: willingness to learn, adapt, and take on additional tasks. Effective time management and ability to prioritise workload. Ability to work independently. Meticulous attention to detail.
Additional Requirements
RequirementAttention to detailFull clean UK driving licence.Promotes equality and values diversityApplicants must have the right to work in the UK. Willingness to embrace expected values and behaviours of all staff, ensuring a positive workplace culture. Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, supporting reputation and public engagement aims. Able to handle sensitive and confidential information professionally. Willingness to work outside standard hours when required. Promote continuous improvement in HSE practices and performance through regular review and updating of policies and procedures.