Health and Safety Officer
Benefits
Salary: £38,626 - £43,693 per annum, Grade 5
Hours: Part Time - 37 hours per week
Locatio n Service Headquarters, Calcot, Reading
Excelle nt annual leave allowance of 28 days (pro rata), flexible working, onsite gym, parking facilities and a Local Government Pension Scheme are available
About the role:
We are looking for an experienced Health and Safety Officer, who will be able to apply their health and safety expertise to controlling the wide range of hazards faced by RBFRS staff, which include frontline firefighting roles, office-based roles and staff working within our communities.
The Health and Safety Officer will be an integral member of the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Team, reporting to the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Manager they will provide competent health and safety advice, guidance and support to staff at all levels of the organisation and promote a positive health and safety culture.
The successful candidate is expected to work from service headquarters in Calcot, Reading weekly and to regularly visit fire stations across Berkshire. In line with our flexible working policy, this can be balanced with working from home, dependent on organisational and team requirements, to support a good work / life balance.
This is a great opportunity to work for a Public Service organisation which invests in the development and wellbeing of employees.
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, which following an induction, can be applied to the fire sector.
This background will ensure you can provide competent support, advice and guidance, to all levels of the organisation from day one. Whilst we work closely with our colleagues who provide fire safety advice to the community and businesses, the focus of this role is on employee health safety and wellbeing, rather than fire safety.
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 following 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 Southeast 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 as attached .
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 on application 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 Sunday 30 March 2025.
It is anticipated that the assessment/interview process will run take place on 15, 16, 22 and 23 April 2025.
The interview will include a short presentation, the topic will be confirmed on invitation to interview.
Anticipated start date: May 2025
Please note that 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.
Please view our privacy notice via this link Applicant Privacy Statement
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).
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 on application