To lead, coordinate and continually strengthen the college’s health, safety management systems. The postholder will oversee statutory compliance, drive a proactive safety culture, and deliver effective H&S support to staff, apprentices, managers, and external employers. The role includes line management of the Health & Safety Officer and responsibility for Training @ Hopwood apprenticeship H&S compliance.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Line Management
- Lead, manage, and support the Health & Safety Officer
- Promote a positive, proactive safety culture across the college
- Provide confident, practical advice to managers, curriculum teams, apprenticeships staff and employers
- Health & Safety Management Systems
- Oversee and maintain the college’s H&S database
- Develop systems for monitoring workplace safety, accident reporting, and near-miss analysis
- Lead investigations into workplace accidents and RIDDOR-reportable events, ensuring all forms are completed in line with current Health & Safety laws and incidents are reported on time
- Maintain the college Health & Safety Risk Register
- Ensure all H&S policies and procedures are regularly updated and reflect the latest legislative changes. This includes the annual review of the Health & Safety Policy, Fire Evacuation and Lockdown policies and procedures within the Business Continuity Plan
- Lead on reviewing contractor H&S prior to major works, including assessing RAMs and carrying out spot checks while works are underway
Audit, Risk Assessment & Compliance
- Coordinate the annual review of departmental risk assessments
- Undertake H&S audits and produce corrective action plans
- Ensure statutory inspections for equipment, machinery, LEV, lifting gear and pressure systems are carried out
- Assist with Fire Risk Assessments and Asbestos Management Plans
Committees, Reporting & Training
- Contribute to the Health & Safety Committee
- Provide reports, statistics and recommendations
- Deliver or coordinate staff H&S training
- Maintain adequate First Aid and Fire Marshal cover
- Ensure critical or urgent Health & Safety matters are raised with the Head of Facilities, Assistant Director of Finance & Estates, and SLT lead
Educational Visits
- Lead the use of the EVOLVE system
- Ensure all off-site activities meet safety standards with suitable risk assessments and staffing ratios
Apprenticeship & Employer Compliance (Training @ Hopwood)
- Develop employer vetting procedures
- Conduct H&S and Standard 10 assessments
- Perform health checks with employers and monitor apprentice safety
- Produce corrective action plans and escalate high-risk concerns
- Make recommendations on the suitability of apprenticeship placements
Collaborative Working & Continuous Improvement
- Work closely with Corporate Services and Facilities teams
- Support the Head of Facilities & Risk Management on wider initiatives
- Engage in CPD and maintain professional competence
Additional Duties
- Undertake any other duties of a similar level as required
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Qualifications
Essential Criteria
- NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent
- Good standard of education up to level 3
How Identified: Application
Desirable Criteria
- Educated to degree level or equivalent
- IEMA Certificate in Environmental Management or equivalent
- Chartered membership of IOSH
How Identified: Qualification
Experience
Essential Criteria
- Extensive experience of coordinating or managing Health & Safety, developing policies, systems, procedures and undertaking audits.
- Experience of delivering H&S training & coaching to large and small groups, including inductions, risk assessments, manual handling etc.
How Identified: Application / Interview
Desirable Criteria
- Experience of developing and implementing H&S strategies
How Identified: Application / Interview
Specialist Knowledge
Essential Criteria
- Excellent working knowledge of H&S legislation.
- Excellent IT skills.
- Excellent report writing skills
How Identified: Application / Interview
Desirable Criteria
- Chartered Safety & Health Practitioner or working towards
- Evidence of ongoing professional development
How Identified: Application / Interview
Personal Skills
Essential Criteria
- Good communication skills
- Good administrative skills
- Mentoring skills
- Can work well as part of a team, support and motivate others
How Identified: Application / Interview
Team Skills
Essential Criteria
- Can work well as part of a team, support and motivate others
How Identified: Application / Interview
Generic
Essential Criteria
- Awareness of equal opportunities issues and strong commitment to non- discriminatory practices
How Identified: Application / Interview
Safeguarding Statement:
Hopwood Hall College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.We particularly welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.