Fire Safety Manager

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

We are seeking a motivated, dynamic, and pragmatic individual to serve as our Trust's competent person on all matters relating to Fire Safety. The post holder will ensure that the Trust complies with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO) legislation and will collaborate closely with all relevant internal and external parties to provide a fire-safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors, thereby facilitating sustained care and well-being.

By providing competent advice, the post holder will assist the Trust Board, Director of Estates and Facilities, and the Trust in maintaining fire precautions within Trust premises in line with NHS Health Technical Memorandum Fire Code requirements and will foster good relationships with the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Fire and Rescue Service.

You will be part of a high-skilled, professional health and safety team integral to the Trust's Estates and Facilities Division. Developing and maintaining an open and transparent Fire Safety Management System, the post holder will provide assurance to the Head of Health & Safety, Fire Safety, and the Trust Board regarding Fire Safety matters.

Main duties of the job

1. Review and improve the Trust's fire policies and contribute to the development, maintenance, and implementation of robust fire safety protocols, procedures, and action plans.
2. Provide expert fire safety advice to the Trust's Capital Planning and Estates Management teams.
3. Work with all Trust members to ensure a safe and healthy environment (fire) to meet responsibilities under the Health and Social Care (H&SC) Act 2008 and standards of the Code of Practice.
4. Communicate complex fire safety legislation, NHS HTMs, and other guidance effectively for the benefit of the Trust.
5. Undertake fire risk assessments across all Trust sites; disseminate findings, produce, and monitor effective action plans as necessary.
6. Design, approve, and deliver fire safety training programs for all staff to meet statutory and mandatory requirements.
7. Coordinate with planning teams, local building control, and fire authorities on fire precautions for new and existing premises.
8. Attend external training courses and CPD seminars to stay updated on the latest developments in Fire Safety.

About us

Our purpose is simple - Putting Patients First. We seek exceptional colleagues to help us achieve this.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust provides a range of local acute services from three sites in Kidderminster, Redditch, and Worcester, serving Worcestershire, Herefordshire, and beyond. Our workforce of over 7,000 staff is recognized for delivering good and outstanding patient-centered care. Join us to be part of this mission.

We are committed to recruiting the best people, supporting our vision of working in partnership to provide the best healthcare, and embodying our 4ward behaviors.

Our objectives include providing the best services, experience, resource utilization, and people. Our Clinical Services Strategy outlines our future direction.

We are proud of our Timewise accreditation, reflecting our commitment to flexible working as a flex-positive employer.

Job responsibilities

We are dedicated to improving diversity and inclusive recruitment. Applications from BAME, Disabled, and LGBT+ candidates can request consideration under an expanded Guaranteed Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum criteria. Please contact Rob Saunders (HR Manager - Recruitment) at robert.saunders1@nhs.net for queries.

The role involves supporting the fire safety management structure, reviewing and improving fire policies, providing expert advice, conducting fire risk assessments, delivering training, liaising with external agencies, managing fire safety audits, investigating fires, and ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation and standards. The post holder will also coordinate fire emergency plans, oversee training schedules, and contribute to safety reports and audits.

Further duties include managing contractor activities, participating in incident investigations, and maintaining records and reports related to fire safety. The post requires attendance at external training and CPD seminars to stay current with fire safety developments.

Person Specification

Experience

• Knowledge of The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and NHS HTMs.
• Several years of experience in fire safety, including training, audits, and risk assessments.
• Experience working across organizational boundaries and with external agencies.
• Ability to analyze complex data and undertake major incident planning.

Personal Qualities

• Leadership by example, excellent communication skills, professionalism, flexibility, and a positive attitude.
• Drive for continuous improvement, empathy, and the ability to influence and set standards.

Qualifications

• Fire safety background with healthcare experience, including relevant academic or professional qualifications.
• Membership of a professional organization (e.g., IFE, IFPO).
• Registered fire risk assessor accreditation.

Other

This position is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check, and the successful candidate will need to undergo a DBS disclosure.