4 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Salary: £37,280 per annum – £40,777 per annum (appointment within the salary range will be based on skills and experience. NEBOSH‑qualified candidates may be considered for the upper end of the scale)
Contract type: 52 weeks per year
Hours: 37 hours per week
Closing date: Sunday 7th December 2025
Start date: ASAP
Company description
The William Henry Smith Foundation is a non‑for‑profit registered charity dedicated to providing exceptional specialist education, care, and therapeutic services to children and young adults facing social, emotional, and mental health challenges (SEMH). The foundation is committed to supporting individuals in overcoming challenges and achieving personal growth. By fostering an environment of care and excellence, they empower children and young adults to ‘become the best they can be’.
Role description
We are seeking an exceptional and values‑driven Head of Corporate Compliance and Health & Safety to lead our organisation’s strategic approach to compliance, governance, and safety across our network of specialist residential education settings.
Our Foundation provides education and care for children and young people with complex special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Ensuring that every environment is safe, well‑governed, and compliant is at the heart of how we support each pupil to thrive.
This is a high‑impact leadership role, ideal for a confident professional with deep knowledge of compliance and health & safety in regulated environments, and a passion for improving standards in education and care.
As our Head of Corporate Compliance and Health & Safety, you will:
* Lead the development and delivery of our compliance and health & safety strategy across all schools, colleges, and residential settings.
* Provide assurance to the Executive Team and Board that we meet our statutory obligations under Ofsted, HSE, and other relevant regulators.
* Oversee and continuously improve our compliance and safety management frameworks, policies, and systems.
* Act as the organisation’s competent person for health & safety, ensuring that all staff and young people work and learn in safe, supportive environments.
* Work collaboratively with Heads, Principals, and Care Leaders to embed a proactive culture of safety, safeguarding, and accountability.
* Lead internal audits and support sites in preparing for external inspections and regulatory visits.
Key responsibilities
* Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for compliance and health & safety across educational and residential settings.
* Ensure adherence to all statutory, regulatory, and internal policies, including safeguarding, GDPR, whistleblowing, and corporate governance.
* Act as the Foundation’s competent person for Health & Safety, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and supporting a safe environment for students and staff.
* Lead on the development and implementation of policies, risk assessments, audits, and incident investigations.
* Coordinate internal audits and respond to external inspections, providing assurance and action planning.
* Monitor and report on compliance and risk performance to senior leaders, governors, and trustees.
* Oversee contract management, estates compliance, and vehicle fleet operations.
* Build a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement through effective leadership, training, and cross‑organisational collaboration.
Qualifications
* Significant experience leading compliance and/or health & safety in a regulated education, care, or health environment.
* A comprehensive understanding of Health & Safety legislation, Ofsted standards, and the legal frameworks governing special residential schools.
* A NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent) or willingness to work towards it.
* Excellent communication, leadership, and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels of the organisation.
* A passion for making a difference in the lives of children and young people with SEND.
Our offer
* A friendly and inclusive working environment
* Opportunities to truly enrich the lives of our children and young people and make a positive difference
* A Quality of Life and Well‑being programme of activity, experiences and gifts
* An employee assistance healthcare cashback plan
* Life Assurance Scheme (4× annual salary)
* A full induction programme, including an outstanding network of support
* A learning and development programme and CPD
* Assistance with childcare savings and cycle to work scheme
* Subscription to Head Space, Perks at Work and discount for Teachers online apps which offers hundreds of discounts and benefits
* 50 % towards the cost of branded work wear
* Personal health and fitness training, and a financial advisory service
* Free staff lunches and on‑site parking
* Staff Savings Scheme
* One life day and one additional life day if 100 % attendance is achieved*
* Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning
Application information
Visits to the William Henry Smith Foundation are highly recommended.
For further information on this post please contact the HR department at HR@WHSFOUNDATION.ORG.UK.
All our roles are by application via TES.com – we do not accept CVs.
Please apply by visiting our vacancies page: Head of Corporate Compliance and Health and Safety, Brighouse – Tes Jobs.
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