Army Defence Children Services Lead Safety, Health, Environment and Fire Adviser

UK Ministry of Defence; England; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The UK Ministry of Defence seeks a Safety, Health, Environment and Fire Higher Executive Officer to enhance safety culture within Defence Children Services. You will ensure compliance with health and safety regulations while providing strategic guidance and support to schools and settings. This position offers a competitive salary package and opportunities for professional development in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Competitive pension scheme

Professional development opportunities

Access to Employee Assistance Programme

Enhanced parental and adoption leave

6 days special leave for volunteering

Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Experience with SHEF systems and initiatives.
• Ability to meet strict deadlines and manage demands.

Responsibilities

• Provide timely and relevant SHEF advice to all schools.
• Monitor and promote a culture of health and safety.
• Conduct assurance activities through audits.

Skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Leadership

Education

Level 3 Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health

Tools

Microsoft Office

Office 365

Job description

Trenchard Lines, Upavon, SN9 6BE

We are passionate about Smarter Working and believe that a combination of flexible working practices, digital technology and modern workspaces will give you the opportunity to enjoy a healthy work-life balance, while ensuing you deliver your outcomes effectively and efficiently – we expect you to know where to be to have the most impact, balancing your individual needs with that of your team and the organisation. However, recognising the benefits of face to face working, especially for new joiners, there is an expectation that you would be in the office at least 60% of the time (3 days a week).

Job Summary

The Ministry of Defence employs over 50,000 Civil Servants. Within that, the Army Top Level Budget (TLB) employs around 12,000 MOD Civil Servants located at over 300 locations. Ours is a diverse workforce, with roles ranging from trainers, human resources, teachers, and psychologists to storekeepers, financiers, project and programme managers, and policy secretariat staff. There are many different functions and professions delivering key outputs for the Army.

Do you have a passion for ensuring a culture of Safety in a working environment? Do you want to make valuable contributions in a complex business area? Then this role within Defence Children Services (DCS) may be for you!

The main purpose of the Safety, Health, Environment and Fire Higher Executive Officer (HEO) role is to lead all aspects of the management of Health, Safety and Environmental Protection in DCS. Provide direct advice, direction, support and assurance to DCS Schools and Settings through the provision of clear guidance (interpreting legislation and directives from the Department for Education, Health and Safety Executive and the Army, taking into account specific local issues) to enable School and Setting leaders to provide operational evaluation and ensure the safety of our Schools and Settings; and provide internal assurance for Head of DCS and Service leads through audit activities.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job Description

The Defence Children Services (DCS) Infrastructure, Operations and SHEF team, based in Upavon comprises technical specialists in Health & Safety, as well as infrastructure projects and operations. Led by the Senior Infrastructure and Operations Manager & SHEF, the team collaborates closely with Army Infrastructure and Strategic Command Infrastructure. Their primary focus is on supporting both new and existing DCS schools, settings and Headquarters locations.

The post holder’s key responsibilities and main duties are:

• To provide relevant and timely advice ensuring DCS SHEF systems and processes promote a culture of engagement with Health and Safety and safe practice
• Produce, review and cascade annually, DCS Policies, reflecting relevant Health and Safety Legislation
• Monitor, review, and assist DCS Schools and Settings in progressing Safety Objectives and Targets in their Health and Safety Action Plans
• Travel to Schools and Setting locations to conduct assurance activity through the Army Safety and Environmental Management System Audits (ASEMSA)
• Provide timely and relevant direction and guidance to all Schools and Settings. Produce and collate visit reports and provide advice. Monitor remedial and corrective actions, trigger points and trends
• Advise Head DCS on SHEF risks and when to elevate. Advise schools of mitigation to be put in place to bring risk to As Low as Reasonably Practicable (ALARP)
• Knowledge and experience of selecting an appropriate approach and style to deliver information that can be understood by a wide range of stakeholders
• Ensure the delivery of timely and coherent SHEF information to the Command Group and to staff at all levels within the organisation
• Support the DCS SHEF Champion and the DCS Leadership team with advice on the implementation of necessary safety culture change programmes
• Line Manager for one SHEF
  
  

The Defence Children Services (DCS) Infrastructure, Operations and SHEF team, based in Upavon comprises technical specialists in Health & Safety, as well as infrastructure projects and operations. Led by the Senior Infrastructure and Operations Manager & SHEF, the team collaborates closely with Army Infrastructure and Strategic Command Infrastructure. Their primary focus is on supporting both new and existing DCS schools, settings and Headquarters locations.

The post holder’s key responsibilities and main duties are:

• To provide relevant and timely advice ensuring DCS SHEF systems and processes promote a culture of engagement with Health and Safety and safe practice
• Produce, review and cascade annually, DCS Policies, reflecting relevant Health and Safety Legislation
• Monitor, review, and assist DCS Schools and Settings in progressing Safety Objectives and Targets in their Health and Safety Action Plans
• Travel to Schools and Setting locations to conduct assurance activity through the Army Safety and Environmental Management System Audits (ASEMSA)
• Provide timely and relevant direction and guidance to all Schools and Settings. Produce and collate visit reports and provide advice. Monitor remedial and corrective actions, trigger points and trends
• Advise Head DCS on SHEF risks and when to elevate. Advise schools of mitigation to be put in place to bring risk to As Low as Reasonably Practicable (ALARP)
• Knowledge and experience of selecting an appropriate approach and style to deliver information that can be understood by a wide range of stakeholders
• Ensure the delivery of timely and coherent SHEF information to the Command Group and to staff at all levels within the organisation
• Support the DCS SHEF Champion and the DCS Leadership team with advice on the implementation of necessary safety culture change programmes
• Line Manager for one SHEF
  
  

Person specification

Essential

The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills and be able to develop and maintain a good working relationship with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders. They will adopt an innovative and flexible approach to solving problems, be organised and be a self-motivator who can demonstrate initiative and be able to manage to strict and demanding deadlines. They will have high standards of professional integrity, be resilient, determined, confident and energetic. They will be an inclusive leader and be visible, approachable, and accessible.

Previous experience of SHEF systems, policies, and initiatives.

Experience receiving guidance and policy from higher formations and distributing that with meaningful guidance so that it can be understood by the diverse workforce across DCS.

Experience of delivering to fixed timelines and evidence of the ability to secure inputs from third parties to meet those deadlines and maintaining strong collaborative relationships in challenging circumstances.

Experience of using Microsoft Office applications and the competence to exploit the full potential of Office 365.

Knowledge and experience of selecting an appropriate approach and style to deliver information that can be understood by a wide range of stakeholders.

Desirable

Evidence of successfully implementing SHEF policies and practice.

Evidence of successfully improving SHEF culture across a busy and diverse organisation (Education focused – Desirable).

An understanding and evidence of using and exploiting information to provide timely, meaningful, relevant advice to senior leaders and external bodies when required.

An understanding and experience of risk-based assurance programmes.

Experience of collaborating with partner organisations in the delivery of objectives.

Evidence and experience of managing conflict between different stakeholders, where there may be different requirements and expectations.

Strong leadership skills, including the ability to both lead and support, while maintaining high levels of accountability throughout the organisation.

Level 3 Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health (L3 Cert OSH) If not already held, the successful candidate will be given opportunity and support to gain the qualification within 6 months.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Managing a Quality Service
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Leadership
  
  

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Managing a Quality Service
  
  

Alongside your salary of £36,530, Ministry of Defence contributes £10,582 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

The Army prides itself on being a supportive employer and where possible encourages flexible working, helping you to maintain a great work/life balance.

Other Benefits For Army Civil Servants Include

• 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
• Highly competitive pension scheme
• Personal and professional development of skills
• Alternative working patterns for many roles
• Access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), a free service that assists you with achieving a productive, healthy environment that is conducive to a healthy lifestyle
• Enhanced parental and adoption leave
• 6 days special leave per year which can be used for volunteering activities
• Learning and Development
  
  

We believe that everyone has the potential to make a difference and you will be supported to help you learn and advance in your career. This includes working towards membership of a professional body and/or undertaking a modern apprenticeship as part of your role.

A modern apprenticeship is a combined package of work and training. Through the schemes available you will gain a professional qualification, practical experience, and the broader skills required to develop in your current role and pave the way for your future career.

The post does not offer relocation expenses.

External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.

MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

At application you will be asked to provide a CV and a personal statement of no more than 500 words evidencing your suitability for the role and your relevant skills and experience.

At sift, you will be assessed against your CV and Statement of suitability and the following:

• Managing a Quality Service
  
  

Applications will be sifted using all elements listed above, but in the event of a high number of applications, a sift will be conducted on the lead behaviour - Managing a Quality Service.

At Interview You Will Be Assessed Against The Following

• Communicating and Influencing
• Leadership
• Making Effective Decisions
  
  

When choosing your Behaviour examples, please make sure you use real life scenarios that relate to your own experiences. Whilst technology may help to enhance your written submission, presenting the ideas of others or those generated by technology, could result in your application being rejected.

Application sifting will be scheduled to take place within 7 days of the application closing date. Interview dates are to be confirmed but these will be held in person at Trenchard Lines, Upavon, Wiltshire, SP9 6BE. We endeavour to keep to these time frames, but these are subject to change around business needs.

The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure

that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact: [e-mail] .

As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came in to effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category and we will not sponsor a visa. It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system.

Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
  
  

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job Contact

• Name : Amanda Morning
• Email : [e-mail]
  
  

Recruitment team

• Email : [e-mail]
  
  

Further information

Please ensure you read the attached candidate information document prior to completing your application. If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from DBS, or believe that DBS has failed to follow the recruitment process in line with the Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition, you can raise a formal complaint by writing to DBS at the following address: Defence Business Services, Scanning Hub, Room 6124, Tomlinson House, Norcross Lane, Blackpool, FY5 3WP. If after raising your complaint with DBS you remain dissatisfied you can complain directly to the Civil Service Commission at the following address: Civil Service commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ Or by email: [e-mail].