Head of Fire Safety

NHS; City Of London; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare organization is seeking a Fire Safety Manager. You will lead fire safety compliance across multiple sites, providing expert advice on legislation and developing safety policies. Ideal candidates have extensive experience in fire safety within the NHS and are committed to maintaining safety for patients and staff. This role offers competitive pay and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Career development opportunities

Flexible working arrangements

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• 3 years of experience as a Fire Safety Manager in the NHS.
• Expert knowledge of fire safety legislation and management systems.
• 5 years of experience supervising Fire Risk Assessments.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert professional advice on fire safety legislation.
• Develop and lead policies for annual fire compliance programmes.
• Oversee management of Fire Safety and Risk in the workplace.

Skills

Development of Fire Safety Policies and Procedures

Practical application of fire prevention theory

Ability to formulate and present technical reports

Experience leading a team with limited supervision

Education

NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety

Master’s degree in operational fire safety management

Member of Institute of Fire Engineers (IFE)

Fire Risk Assessment Validation from IFSM

Job description

Overview

As the Trust's competent person on all matters relating to Fire Safety, the post holder will ensure the Trust complies with Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO) legislation and will work with relevant parties within the Trust's hospital and community premises to ensure a fire safe environment for patients, staff and visitors, facilitating sustained care and well-being. By providing competent advice, the post holder will assist the Trust Board and Director of Estates and Facilities in maintaining fire precaution levels in line with NHS Health Technical Memorandum Fire Code requirements, and will maintain good relationships with the London Fire Brigade. The post holder will be part of a professional compliance safety team within the Estates and Facilities Directorate and will develop and maintain an open Fire Safety Management System to provide assurance to the Director of Estates and Facilities and the Trust board on fire safety matters.

Main duties

As an autonomous lead on all matters of fire safety, you will serve as the Trust's lead expert for fire safety, providing expert professional advice to the Trust board and senior management on current fire safety legislation, including the Building Safety Act 2022 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. You will ensure the Trust complies with legal and statutory requirements and that fire safety regulations are addressed across a complex, multi-site organisation. You will develop and lead policies and strategies for the annual mandatory fire compliance programme and continually improve reporting systems to maintain a safe environment for patients and staff. You will provide expert fire information services for all capital projects, advise other clients/partners, directors and senior management, identify vulnerabilities and opportunities for improvement across all sites, and oversee the management of Fire Safety and Risk in the workplace. You will be responsible for an effective fire safety training programme for all staff at all levels of the Trust.

Interviews will be held in person on Wednesday 22 October at St Mary's Hospital, Praed Street, London W2 1NY.

About us

Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust values expertise, collaboration and aspiration. We are committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and welcome flexible working, part-time or job-share applications. We offer career development, flexible working and wellbeing benefits, with optional benefits such as Cycle to Work and other schemes.

Details

Date posted: 23 September 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for Change

Band: Band 8c

Salary: £85,431 to £97,148 per annum inclusive

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time

Location: St Mary's Hospital, Praed Street, London W2 1NY

Job responsibilities

The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. Please view the Job Description attachment with the job advert for both overviews.

Person Specification

Qualifications / Education

• Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) – Member
• Institute of Fire Safety Managers (IFSM) – Member
• NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety
• Master’s degree or equivalent in operational fire safety management
• IFSM Fire Risk Assessment Validation
• IFSM TFRAR Tier 3 Registration
• Fire Protection Association (FPA) – Member
• FPA Level 3 – Fire Door Inspection
• FPA Level 3 Passive Fire Protection – Intermediate
• FPA Level 4 Diploma in Fire Risk Assessment
• FPA Fire Safety Design of Buildings
• NAHFO Membership and CPD

Desirable

• Other teaching or training qualifications
• Evidence of continuing professional development

Experience

• At least 3 years’ experience as a Fire Safety Manager (or equivalent) in the NHS
• Expert knowledge of fire safety legislation and management systems including the NHS HTM 05 suite
• At least 5 years’ experience supervising Fire Risk Assessments and validating final documentation
• Experience working with Capital Projects teams/contractors on complex new builds or refurbishments
• Experience at senior/Board level with external bodies (e.g., Fire and Rescue Services)
• Experience in training strategy development and needs assessments
• Experience developing robust evacuation plans and fire strategies
• Experience ensuring legal compliance with health and safety requirements and interpreting legal language

Desirable

• Experience procuring and implementing Fire Risk Assessment IT systems
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (training available)

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

• Development of Fire Safety Policies and Procedures
• Practical application of fire prevention theory and knowledge of building fire design
• Experience leading a team with limited supervision
• Ability to formulate and present technical reports
• Valid clean driving license

Desirable

• Understanding of clinical and operational requirements of Trust departments for fire safety planning
• Ability to monitor and improve fire prevention and response systems
• Understanding of manual handling regulations and associated risk assessment

Other information

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a disclosure submission is required.

Certificate of Sponsorship: Applications from job seekers who require Skilled Worker sponsorship will be considered with all other applications. For information, see the UK Visas and Immigration guidance on overseas criminal records checks.

Employer details: Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, St Mary’s Hospital, Praed Street, London W2 1NY. Website: imperial.nhs.uk