Head of Fire Safety

NHS; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare institution in London is seeking a Fire Safety Manager to ensure compliance with fire safety legislation across their facilities. The role involves developing comprehensive fire safety policies and training programs, leading a team, and providing expert advice to management. Ideal candidates will have at least 3 years of NHS fire safety experience and relevant qualifications.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years' experience as a Fire Safety Manager in the NHS.
• Expert knowledge of fire safety legislation.
• At least 5 years' experience supervising Fire Risk Assessments.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with legal and statutory fire safety requirements.
• Develop and lead fire compliance policies and strategies.
• Provide advice on fire safety for capital projects.

Skills

Fire Safety Policies and Procedures

Fire prevention theory application

Team leadership

Technical report formulation

Clean driving licence

Education

Master's degree in operational fire safety management

NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety

Membership of Institution of Fire Engineers

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

As the Trust's 'competent person' on all matters relating to Fire Safety, the post holder will ensure that the Trust complies with Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO) legislation and will work closely with all relevant parties within the Trust's hospital and community premises to ensure a fire safe environment for patients, staff, visitors and to facilitate sustained care and well-being.

By providing competent advice, assist the Trust Board, Director of Estates and Facilities and the Trust in maintaining levels of fire precaution within Trust premises in line with NHS Health Technical Memorandum Fire Code suite of documents requirements, and maintaining good relationships with the London Fire Brigade.

The post holder will be part of a high-skilled, professional compliance safety team that forms an integral part of the Trust's Estates and Facilities Directorate. Developing and maintaining an open and transparent Fire Safety Management System, the post holder will provide assurance through the Director of Estates and Facilities and the wider Trust board on Fire Safety matters.

Main duties

As an autonomous lead on all matters of fire safety you will be the Trust's lead expert for fire safety, providing expert professional advice to the Trust board and senior management on all current fire safety legislation, including the Building Safety Act 2022 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

You will be responsible for ensuring the Trust is compliant with legal and statutory requirements and that all fire safety regulations under current statutes and codes of practice are addressed across a complex and multi-site organisation.

As the expert in Fire Safety you will develop and lead on policies and strategies for implementation of the Trust's fire compliance annual mandatory programme. To continually improve reporting systems to maintain a safe environment for patients and staff. You will lead, and provide expert specialist and professional fire information service for all capital projects, provide advice to other clients/partners, directors, and senior management of the Trust.

You will identify any existing and potential vulnerabilities and opportunities for improvement across all Trust sites and advise on the management of Fire Safety and Risk in the workplace; and be responsible for the effectiveness of a comprehensive fire safety training programme for all staff at all levels in the Trust.

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

Qualifications / Education

Essential

• Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) - Member
• The 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 teacher or training qualifications
• Evidence of continuing professional development

Experience

Essential

• At least 3 years' experience working 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 of documents
• At least 5 years' experience of supervising the preparation of Fire Risk Assessments and validating the final documentation
• Experience of working with Capital Projects team/contractors for complex new build or refurbishment projects
• Experience of working at a senior and Board level with external bodies such as Fire and Rescue Services
• Experience in the preparation of training strategies and overseeing training needs assessments
• At least 5 years' experience in problem solving in order to develop robust evacuation plans and fire strategies within the workplace
• Extensive experience gained in the process to ensure legal compliance required under health and safety as well as an appreciation of the intricate language of legal documents

Desirable

• Experience of procuring and implementing Fire Risk Assessment IT systems
• Experience of Microsoft Office would be an advantage, although training will be given where necessary

Skills/Knowledge/ Abilities

Essential

• Significant experience of development of Fire Safety Policies and Procedures
• Extensive practical application of fire prevention theory and highly developed specialist detailed knowledge of building fire design and construction
• Experience of leading a team and working with limited support
• Formulation and presentation of technical reports
• Clean driving licence

Desirable

• Understanding of clinical and operational requirements of Trust departments in order to plan and manage suitable fire safety arrangements
• Ability to continually monitor and improve fire prevention and response systems
• An understanding of manual handling regulations and the ability to assess any associated risks in the workplace

Other

Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided in continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18) are also subject to this requirement.

Employer details

Employer: Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust

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

Website: imperial.nhs.uk