Head of Fire Safety

NHS; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 64,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A large healthcare provider in Canterbury seeks a Head of Fire Safety to enhance patient and staff safety. The role involves leading the Fire Safety Team, developing policies, conducting audits, and ensuring compliance. Ideal candidates will have leadership experience in safety and hold relevant fire safety qualifications.

Qualifications

• Two years in a senior safety position required.
• Desirable to have Fire Safety Qualification.
• Desirable to have Safety Qualification.

Responsibilities

• Lead in the delivery and development of the organisation's Fire Safety Plan.
• Undertake audits on the fire safety systems.
• Prepare reports with recommendations for Management Board.

Skills

Leadership

Fire safety knowledge

Communication

Education

Level 3 fire safety

Job description

Job Summary

The key function of the Head of Fire Safety is to provide the professional expertise to enable East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust to achieve the highest possible standards of patient and staff fire safety.

The post holder will lead and promote the development of a positive Fire safety culture within East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust and 2gether Support Solutions by developing and implementing the fire safety systems and policies, ensuring a relevant training programme is provided, audits and inspections are undertaken and a programme of fire risk assessments is in place, reporting on fire safety matters to relevant personnel and committees, providing emergency attendance when required and supporting the continual improvement of Fire safety arrangements and systems in both organisations.

You will manage the Fire Safety Managers and work with the Health & Safety team as appropriate. The post holder will prepare reports with recommendations to present to Management Board and will attend meetings as and when required.

Main duties of the job

• Lead in the delivery and development of the organisation's Fire Safety Plan.
• Lead in the development, achievement and evaluation of the Safety Strategy and associated plans and objectives.
• Work with the designated departments and teams.
• Recommend strategies including capital investment and revenue requirements to prioritise risks and ensure compliance.
• Provide strategic guidance and technical advice on fire safety issues and related procedures at all sites.
• Undertake specific audits on the fire safety systems to ensure the efficient and safe operation of all firefighting equipment, emergency lighting, and fire alarm systems in association with the relevant Estates Team.
• Be an active and effective member of the Safety Team.
• Manage the fire Safety Team and support the Associate Director of Safety in a number of areas:

• Reviewing and developing fire related policies and procedures.
• Supporting the Compliance Manager on fire safety data and information systems and analysis.
• Reviewing and developing the Training Needs Analysis and course provision in line with HTM and Skills for Health guidance.
• Providing Fire Safety Training face to face and virtually, at all levels.
• Completion of Fire Risk Assessments across the five main hospital sites and satellite workplaces.
• Support the development, implementation, and monitoring of a cohesive, whole systems Fire and Safety strategy.
• Pro-actively support, coach and challenge organisational leaders in all matters relating to fire safety.
• Pro-actively support and provide guidance to the Capital Projects Team, and contractors on new and remediation works.

About Us

We are one of the largest hospital trusts in England, with five hospitals and community clinics serving a local population of around 800,000 people. Our vision is 'great healthcare from great people'. Everything we do is guided by our values: 'People feel cared for, safe, respected and confident that we are making a difference'. We have a new way of working at East Kent Hospitals, called 'We care'. It's about empowering frontline staff to lead improvements day‑to‑day. We're looking for compassionate people to be part of our improvement journey for the patients, families and carers we care for every day.

Job Requirements

Qualifications:

• Level 3 fire safety.

Experience:

• Two years in a senior safety position.

Desirable:

• Fire Safety Qualification.
• Safety Qualification.

Competence:

• Fire safety membership.

Commitments

We are focused on providing outstanding, safe patient care, and a positive working culture that benefits staff and patients alike. We ask you to:

• Maintain the confidentiality of information about patients, staff and other health service business and adhere to data protection law.
• Comply with the Trust's policies and procedures, including infection prevention and control, risk management, health and safety, safeguarding children and adults, financial management and use of resources.
• Act at all times in accordance with the professional codes of conduct and accountability relevant to your role.
• Participate in annual mandatory training.

We are a smoke-free Trust, and offer staff support to stop smoking.

Values

We care about our values of caring, safe, respect and making a difference. We will expect you to demonstrate these values throughout the recruitment process and throughout your appointment.

Location

Kent and Canterbury Hospital
Ethelbert Road
Canterbury
CT13NG

Contact

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust.
Employer details and further information available on the Trust website.

Application Details

Date posted: 31 October 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: 8b

Salary: £64,455 to £74,896 a year per annum

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number: 344-6540DCB-B

Job locations: Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Ethelbert Road, Canterbury, CT13NG