Health and Safety Officer

Benefits

Salary: £31,318 - £35,426 (FTE £38,626 - £43,693) per annum,

Grade 5

Hours: Part Time - 30 hours per week

Location – Service Headquarters, Calcot, Reading

Excellent annual leave allowance of 28 days (pro rata), flexible working, onsite gym, parking facilities and a Local Government Pension Scheme are available.

Other information about our benefits can be found here

About the role:

We are looking for an experienced Health and Safety Officer to join Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service. This is a varied and challenging role that contributes to managing the risks our staff face whilst keeping the people that live and work in Berkshire safe.

The Health and Safety Officer will be an integral member of the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Team and focused on providing competent health and safety advice, guidance and support to staff at all levels of the organisation and promoting a positive health and safety culture.

This is a great opportunity to work for a Public Service organisation that invests in the development and wellbeing of employees. We offer flexible working arrangements, combining office-based and home working, so our teams can achieve a good work-life balance.

About you:

The successful candidate will bring sound knowledge of health and safety legislation and best practice guidance and have previous advisory experience within an organisation. This background will ensure you can provide competent support, advice, and guidance to all levels of the organisation from day one.

We are seeking a highly motivated, proactive team player that can prioritise tasks and manage their own workload. You will need the ability to communicate effectively and build relationships with staff at all levels of the organisation.

The key focus of this role (Key Responsibilities and Deliverables) is:

• Assists in the development and maintenance of the RBFRS Health and Safety Management System to ensure that RBFRS conforms to current and prospective health and safety legislation.
• Undertake and develop risk assessments when required and provide competent advice, guidance and support in the risk assessment process, to all members of the Service.
• Support the review of accident investigations and follow up on recommendations with other department managers to completion.
• To represent the department and give competent advice and solutions regarding organisational projects/activities.
• Maintain and analyse data and produce monthly and ad hoc reports.
• Write and review internal health and safety policies and documentation.
• Undertake and contribute to H&S projects.
• Take part in external South East Region peer review audits and internal audits.

Key role requirements (knowledge, skills and experience):

• NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety or equivalent.
• Technical Membership of IOSH (Tech IOSH).
• At least one year’s previous health and safety advisory experience within an organisation (a requirement of Tech IOSH membership).
• Excellent written communication skills, including reports and policy.
• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships and communicate with people at all levels.
• Able to manage workloads to meet deadlines and be flexible and adaptable to changing priorities and needs.

Application and selection process

The successful candidate will demonstrate and promote behaviours in line with the Job Profile/Person Specification and our Behaviour Competency Framework.

The Behavioural Competency Framework allows us to easily identify the behaviours that drive successful performance and enables us to deliver an effective service. The behaviours detailed within the job profile will be assessed throughout the selection process.

If you are interested in applying for this position, click Apply Now.

Please see the link to the Job Profile/Person Specification.

Appointment is conditional upon undertaking a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Rechecks will be required in line with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy.

Please note we do not accept applications via Agencies or CVs without an accompanying application form.

Closing date for applications is 17:00 hours Wednesday 29 January 2025.

It is anticipated that the assessment/interview process will run week commencing 10 February 2025.

Anticipated start date: March/April 2025.

Please note that it is your personal responsibility to check whether by applying/accepting this position it would result in any Annual Allowance implications. A breach in the Annual Allowance threshold could result in a Tax charge.

Our Commitments:

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service values your individuality, your diversity, and your dignity. All are welcome here. Inclusion, diversity, and equality are principles which guide our decisions and will be visible throughout the Service, and we will continually work to improve in these areas.

We are committed to creating an inclusive culture of dignity and trust where everyone feels safe and comfortable to bring their whole self to work.

Simply: The communities we serve are varied and diverse; we should be too.

Applications are welcome for job-share or part-time arrangements; please enquire on application.

All applications are considered on merit alone. We are a Disability Confident Leader – if you meet the essential criteria of the role, you will be guaranteed an interview if you choose to opt into the Offer of an Interview Scheme (formerly known as the Guaranteed Interview Scheme).

To find out more: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and all employees must share this commitment.

Please view our Safer Recruitment Statement.