Head of Corporate Compliance and Health & Safety

Teaching Vacancies; Brighouse; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An education-focused organization in the United Kingdom is looking for a Head of Corporate Compliance and Health & Safety. This strategic role involves leading the compliance strategy across schools and ensuring adherence to health and safety regulations. The ideal candidate will possess significant leadership experience, a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks, and a proactive approach to embedding a culture of safety. The position includes comprehensive benefits and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Competitive defined contribution pension scheme

Employee assistance healthcare plan

Life Assurance Scheme

Free staff lunches

Opportunities for professional development

Discount for Teachers online apps

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading compliance or health & safety in a regulated environment.
• Comprehensive understanding of Ofsted standards and legal frameworks for schools.
• Passion for making a difference in children's lives.

Responsibilities

• Lead the compliance and health & safety strategy across all settings.
• Provide assurance to the Executive Team on statutory obligations.
• Oversee safety management frameworks and policies.
• Act as the organisation’s competent person for health & safety.
• Collaborate with leadership to embed a safety culture.
• Lead internal audits and support regulatory inspections.

Skills

Leadership

Health & Safety legislation knowledge

Excellent communication

Collaboration

Engagement at all levels

Education

NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent

Job description

What skills and experience we're looking for

You’ll bring a strong blend of professional expertise and personal integrity. You’ll be a credible and approachable leader who thrives on collaboration and continuous improvement.

• Significant experience leading compliance and/or health & safety in a regulated education, care, or health environment.
• A comprehensive understanding of Health & Safety legislation, Ofsted standards, and the legal frameworks governing special residential schools.
• A NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent) or willingness to work towards it.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels of the organisation.
• A passion for making a difference in the lives of children and young people with SEND.

What the school offers its staff

• A friendly and inclusive working environment.
• Opportunities to truly enrich the lives of our children and young people and make a positive difference.
• A Quality of Life and Well‑being programme of activity, experiences and gifts.
• A competitive defined contribution pension scheme.
• An employee assistance healthcare cashback plan.
• Life Assurance Scheme (4x annual salary).
• A full induction programme, including an outstanding network of support.
• A learning and development programme and CPD.
• Assistance with childcare savings and cycle to work scheme.
• Subscription to Head Space, Perks at Work and Discount for Teachers online apps which offers hundreds of discounts and benefits.
• 50% towards the cost of branded work wear.
• Personal health and fitness training, and a financial advisory service.
• Free staff lunches and on-site parking.
• Staff Savings Scheme.
• One life day and one additional life day if 100% attendance is achieved.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.

Further details about the role

As our Head of Corporate Compliance and Health & Safety, you will:

• Lead the development and delivery of our compliance and health & safety strategy across all schools, colleges, and residential settings.
• Provide assurance to the Executive Team and Board that we meet our statutory obligations under Ofsted, HSE, and other relevant regulators.
• Oversee and continuously improve our compliance and safety management frameworks, policies, and systems.
• Act as the organisation’s competent person for health & safety, ensuring that all staff and young people work and learn in safe, supportive environments.
• Work collaboratively with Heads, Principals, and Care Leaders to embed a proactive culture of safety, safeguarding, and accountability.
• Lead internal audits and support sites in preparing for external inspections and regulatory visits.

This is a strategic role with real operational impact — you’ll be as comfortable advising at Senior Leadership level as you are supporting local teams to embed best practice.

Commitment to safeguarding

William Henry Smith Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Our recruitment process aims to create and maintain a safe workforce and contains robust vetting procedures. The successful applicant will be appointed subject to references and enhanced child/adult DBS check including barred list (this is a regulated activity position). The successful candidate will be subject to a rigorous safer recruitment process and must adhere to a strict code of conduct regarding behaviour. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to online searches in accordance with KCSIE 2025.