Fire Safety Officer | Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Trust; East Grinstead; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist NHS hospital is seeking a Fire Safety Officer to provide expertise in fire safety management. In this role, you will oversee compliance with safety legislation, conduct risk assessments, and develop training programs for staff. You will be pivotal in ensuring that fire safety practices are implemented effectively across the organization. This position will require strong knowledge of fire safety protocols and experience in a healthcare environment. If you prioritize safety and compliance, this opportunity may be for you.

Benefits

Support for continuing education

Training and development opportunities

Strong partnership culture

Qualifications

• Proven experience in fire safety management within a healthcare setting.
• Strong analytical skills for conducting fire risk assessments.
• Ability to develop and deliver training programs effectively.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with fire safety legislation and internal protocols.
• Conduct and lead fire risk assessments across the Trust.
• Develop and deliver fire safety training programs for staff.

Skills

Fire safety protocols

Compliance with legislation

Training program development

Risk assessment

Education

Relevant fire safety qualification

Job description

Overview

A permanent position responsible for providing specialist fire safety advice to Queen Victoria Hospital on all safety matters relating to people and premises.

Responsibilities

• 1.1 Working as Fire Safety Officer within the Estates and Facilities Department, you will ensure compliance with relevant Legislation, Regulation, Healthcare Technical Memorandum (HTM), Code of Practice and Technical Guidance. The post holder will act as the lead specialist in the field of fire safety on behalf of the Trust.
• 1.2 The role is instrumental in the development and implementation of the Trust’s Fire Safety Policy Protocols, developing and delivering an extensive programme of general and specialist Fire Safety Training to a wide audience base and providing specialist fire safety advice for clinical teams, capital project planning, design, construction and commissioning teams.
• 1.3 The role is guided by national guidelines and legislation relating to fire safety.
• 1.1 Develop and implement effective communication systems within and between all identified key working relationships for the benefit of the Trust and to assist with the implementation of the Fire Strategy and Policy.
• 1.3 Work with Operational Managers to ensure that fire safety is managed in line with the Trust’s policy / strategy document.
• 1.5 Assist in the development of a strategy for reducing unwanted fire signals within the organisation and liaise with Local Fire Authority as part of the overall Fire Safety Strategy.
• 1.6 Advise and mandate operational and clinical managers in the arrangement of practical fire drills, recommend remedial action when necessary and audit the accuracy of staff training records and fire drills.
• 1.7 Advise on the planning and design of new or existing buildings/structures, with particular emphasis on specifications for fire precautions, compliance with applicable fire standards and legislation at both design and construction stages. This will involve the liaison with H&S, Capital Projects Team, Estates and Facilities staff, Local Building Control and Fire Authorities.
• 1.11 Responsible for undertaking Fire Risk Assessments as required by legislation and for identifying fire safety risks within the Trust portfolio.
• 1.12 Assist and liaise with the local Fire Authority and Police in the investigation of fires and their cause(s).
• 1.1 Provide fire safety advice with regards to emergency planning and the impact within the Trust contingency plans.
• 1.2 Ensure that Trust is kept fully informed of all major developments in Fire Safety Legislation and Department of Health Policy guidance and the organisation and management of fire precautions which affect the Trust.
• 1.3 Prepare suitable training programmes in Fire Safety and the organisation of fire drills or simulated table top exercises as appropriate.
• 1.4 The post holder will undertake fire training at all levels and as far as practicable, attend fire drills.
• 1.5 Ensure that records for all Fire Safety Training and Fire Drills are kept in order to provide assurance of adherence to policy and that lessons are learnt and communicated.
• 1.6 Carry out suitable and sufficient Fire Risk Assessments as per Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, Firecode and the Trust’s Fire Safety Action Plan.
• 1.7 Undertake specialist Fire Risk Assessments within clinical and non-clinical secure environments as required. Ensure the dissemination and practical application of Fire Risk Assessments to functional heads and staff within specific fire responsibilities.
• 1.8 Undertake specialist investigations of all fire incidents, producing appropriate reports for the Fire Safety Manager and the local manager with responsibility for fire safety issues.
• 1.9 Provide a specialist role in fire emergency planning, the impact with security issues and the organisation’s contingency plans.
• 1.10 Maintain an effective site fire tactical plan with Security and the Fire Rescue Service. Ensure the availability, currency and dissemination of fire strategy drawings incorporating fire hazards.
• 1.11 Maintain comprehensive records of all fire incidents and investigations ensuring that trends are identified and advice is given to the appropriate parties for remedial action to reduce incidents.
• 1.12 Responsible for reviewing fire safety equipment currently in place and ensuring it is the most appropriate. Keeping current with developments within the fire safety industry and researching new products and ways of working.

About Queen Victoria Hospital

Rated GOOD overall with outstanding care by the CQC. A specialist NHS hospital providing life‑changing reconstructive surgery, burns care and rehabilitation services across the South of England and beyond. We specialise in conditions of the eyes (corneoplastics), hands, head and neck cancer and skin cancer, reconstructive breast surgery, maxillofacial surgery and prosthetics, providing regional and national services in these areas of clinical expertise. Our world‑leading clinical teams also treat more common conditions of the eyes, hands, skin, and teeth for the people of East Grinstead and the surrounding areas. In addition, QVH provides a minor injuries unit, expert therapies, a sleep service, and a growing portfolio of community‑based services. Patients consistently rate QVH amongst the top hospitals in the country for quality of care.

Our success is underpinned by the skills and enthusiasm of our staff and a strong culture of partnership. We are fully committed to training and development of the workforce with support for continuing education and learning.

This advert closes on Wednesday 24 Dec 2025.