Overview
The Estates & Facilities Directorate is seeking a Trust Fire Safety Officer to join the Compliance Team to support the delivery of a safe Hospital for all users. We are looking for someone who has good knowledge of fire safety in a hospital setting, fire risk management, fire risk assessment and auditing, fire legislation including codes or practice, fire safety training, and who can support Strategic Estate and Project Development plans and advise end users on fire safety.
Job Purpose
Provide fire safety advice and assistance to the Estates Projects Department in all project work, including alarm system design, emergency lighting design, structural alterations, and new build works. Oversee the input of the Fire Authorising Engineer (AE), undertake risk assessments, and provide specialist training. Manage the duties of the Trust Fire Risk Assessor / Training Officer and the Trust Training Officer to meet statutory requirements of Local Authorities, Building Control, the Fire Authority and NHS Firecode Directives. Update the Trust Fire Policy and Fire Strategy documentation.
Responsibilities
1. Providing appropriate advice on the application and interpretation of fire legislation and fire safety guidance, including Firecode and the Regulatory Order Fire Safety.
2. Provide a point of coordinated advice and guidance on all aspects of fire prevention and training work and the associated activities across all properties and services.
3. To undertake and/or commission risk assessments of all properties within the ESH Trust and other Trust’s premises through existing Service Level Agreements.
4. Prepare reports and prioritise action plans following the risk assessment process to the ESHT Fire Safety Manager / Board and through Design Services and to other Trusts via any service level agreement.
5. Implement the proposals outlined within the action plan and/or assist in the coordination and implementation of the action plan.
6. Review and update the Trust Fire Policy and Trust Fire Strategy as necessary, providing this documentation to the Fire Safety Manager for Board approval as required.
7. Liaise with the fire authorities and statutory bodies on all aspects of fire precautions and legislation to ensure recommendations are incorporated and maintain fire standards throughout the Trust.
8. Design and implement the training programme of fire lectures, drills and all aspects of fire training in normal and outside normal working hours, e.g. night shifts, and provide staffing input to Learning and Development to ensure mandatory training days receive suitable coverage.
9. Monitor the uptake of and numbers completing the Trust online training program and, as necessary, update the program in conjunction with eLearning.
10. Implement and manage the practical and local fire training regime in all areas of occupancy within the Trust premises and within other Trusts via any service level agreement.
11. Monitor the activities of contractors engaged on works within Trust premises to ensure fire safety standards are maintained in construction works.
12. Provide current information on fire safety standards to the Trust Fire Safety Manager, AD EFM, Estates Managers.
13. Work on a multi‑disciplinary team basis, establishing joint recommendations and responsibilities for the application of determined policies that are affordable and in the overall best interest of the patients.
14. Make recommendations and establish priorities for fire prevention measures to ensure compliance whilst working within established budgets.
15. Produce the annual report on all fire matters, including alarm activations, fire occurrences, deficiencies, suggested improvements and fire training to the Trust Board.
16. Ensure that all fire fighting and fire alarm equipment is maintained in accordance with statutory requirements through the risk management process.
17. Commission external contractors to undertake routine maintenance and repairs.
18. Ensure adequate fire safety signs and notices are displayed and advise Maintenance and Design Services where deficiencies exist.
19. Provide direction/assistance for the department administration assistant regarding the input of training records and attendance records onto Trust databases.
20. Receive copies of full monthly records and advise the Fire Safety Manager, Service Directors and departmental managers of necessary actions to improve attendance at mandatory fire safety training.
21. Investigate causes of fire, prepare a report on the circumstances and make recommendations to prevent further incidents.
22. Maintain liaison with Fire Service and Local Authority Building Control regarding inspections and prepare a report on actions taken/recommendations.
23. Implement any life‑risk safety actions required from serious defects found during risk assessments, audits or other visits, and forward a report to the relevant officer/department for remedial work.
24. Work with Estates Managers to conduct an annual review of the 5‑year forward maintenance register for fire protection systems.
25. Prepare an annual forecast of expenditure required to meet fire safety standards in Trust properties for inclusion on the Directorate Capital Works programme.
26. Design, monitor and update the Trust online training programme in conjunction with the Trust Workforce Education and Development.
27. Assist the Head of Projects by contributing to all new/upgrading schemes and works related to fire precautions, content and risk impact on site services.
28. Manage solutions to unwarranted fire calls made by the Trust, liaising with the Enforcing Authority in implementation.
29. Provide reports or information to the Trust Fire Safety Manager annually or as otherwise appropriate.
30. Liaise with managers and staff on fire safety issues. Participate in and advise on all relevant aspects of planning and commissioning of new or altered premises.
31. Liaise with the Enforcing Authority on the management of premises where failings have been identified through fire safety plans and strategies, ensuring long‑term resolution.
32. Ensure duties are carried out in compliance with the Trust’s policies and procedures, particularly the Equal Opportunities and Health and Safety Policies.
33. Provide required fire training and drills for contractors, nursing and other healthcare staff and students on Trust premises, under RRO requirements.
34. Provide risk assessment and training services on an income‑generating manner to the Trust within Doctors' practices and other premises not linked to a service level agreement.
35. The job description is an outline of the main duties of the post; the postholder is required to undertake other duties commensurate with the grade as requested by their Line Manager.
36. Act as the Trust liaison to the National Association of Health Fire Officers, sitting on any panels as necessary to keep the Trust informed of relevant changes in national recommendations.
Benefits
A wide range of staff benefits are available, including staff development, enrolment in the NHS pension scheme, auto‑enrolment to the Temporary Workforce Service, access to onsite nurseries, staff restaurants and accommodation. All staff have access to free psychological support through the confidential Employee Assistance Programme. Onsite parking is available from £50 a year.
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