Health & Safety Manager

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