Construction & Estates Health and Safety Advisor

University of Reading; Reading; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A higher education institution in Reading is looking for a Health and Safety Advisor to contribute to promoting a positive safety culture. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of UK legislation, communication skills, and a NEBOSH Construction Certificate or be working towards it. Responsibilities include conducting risk assessments and supporting safety initiatives across the university. The role offers full-time, fixed-term employment and is open for both internal and external candidates.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of UK health and safety legislation, including CDM and CAR.
• Experience working with contractors and managing compliance.
• Ability to work flexibly, including occasional out-of-hours site visits.

Responsibilities

• Promote a positive health and safety culture within the university.
• Support the growth and development of the health and safety team.
• Conduct risk assessments and incident investigations.

Skills

Good communication and influencing skills

Knowledge of UK health and safety legislation

Safety experience in construction environments

Ability to manage multiple priorities

Familiarity with risk assessment methodologies

Full UK driving licence

Education

NEBOSH Construction Certificate (or working towards it)

Job description

Closing date: 23:59 5th January 2026

Full-time, Fixed Term up to 2 years

Interview date: w / c 19th January 2026

Due to the complexity of the Skilled Worker Visa route and eligibility criteria, applicants requiring sponsorship are recommended to check their eligibility on the Home Office website. We cannot provide advice to candidates at the application stage and will only discuss visa routes with candidates who are invited to interview.

Turn Your Passion for Safety Into Impact Join Our Team

Are you

• Able to build good working relationships and credibility fast?
• Able to influence without ego?

We are currently looking for a Health and Safety Advisor with knowledge of relevant UK legislation and a passion and drive for promoting a positive health and safety culture. You will be part of a multi-disciplined health and safety team who will support your growth and development, but will also work closely with our colleagues across the university estate.

You’ll have :

• Commitment to promoting a positive health and safety culture.
• NEBOSH Construction Certificate or working towards it (Chat to us if this is the only thing you don’t have).
• Strong knowledge of UK health and safety legislation, including CDM and CAR.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.
• Safety experience and understanding of estates, facilities, or construction environments.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work comfortably with a team but also independently.
• Familiarity with risk assessment methodologies, incident investigation techniques, and audit processes.
• Experience working with contractors and managing compliance in outsourced services.
• Ability to work flexibly, including occasional out-of-hours site visits or emergency response.
• Full UK driving licence

We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role can be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Internal candidates should discuss this with their line manager prior to applying.

Contact details for advert

Contact Name; Nick Bathurst

Contact Construction and Estates H&S Business Partner

Contact Email address [e-mail]

Alternative Contact Name : Wendy Manning

Alternative Contact Job Title : Head of Health and Safety Services

Alternative Contact Email address : [e-mail]

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.