Head of Health and Safety

JR United Kingdom; England; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A Local Authority in Southwest England is seeking an interim Head of Health and Safety to lead corporate strategies while ensuring compliance with statutory obligations. This hybrid role requires extensive experience in the field, effective stakeholder engagement, and a strong leadership capability.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years' senior experience in health and safety.
• Strong understanding of statutory H&S responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of corporate Health & Safety strategies.
• Advise on complex health and safety matters.
• Manage H&S audits and accident investigations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project Management

Data Analysis

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent qualification

Chartered Member of IOSH

Job description

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We are working with a Local Authority in the Southwest who are seeking a Head of Health and Safety practitioner to act as the interim strategic lead for the corporate Health and Safety service at the Council.

Location: Southwest England

Set-up: Hybrid – ideally 2-3 days per week on-site

Rate: Up to£550/day via umbrella, inside IR35 (rate increase DoE)

Duration: Initial 3-month sign-off, likely extension

Hours: Full-time position

Responsibilities include:

• Lead the development and implementation of corporate Health & Safety and LoTC strategies, ensuring compliance with statutory obligations and delivery of best practice across all council services
• Act as the council’s principal H&S professional, advising on complex or high-risk matters, and coordinating with agencies such as the HSE and Fire & Rescue
• Drive and oversee the achievement of accredited standards under the Workplace Charter, managing a multi-disciplinary team to deliver on key well-being domains
• Manage H&S audits, accident investigations, training programmes, and reporting to inform strategic decisions and improve outcomes
• Lead the corporate H&S advisory service for schools and academies, including foreign travel and high-risk outdoor education activity assessments

Requirements:

• Chartered Member of IOSH with a relevant degree or equivalent qualification and a minimum of 10 years' senior experience in health and safety
• Demonstrated strategic leadership and people management skills, with experience leading change across large, complex organisations
• Deep understanding of statutory H&S responsibilities, including the Health and Safety at Work Act, Fire Safety Order, and related regulations
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and lead multi-agency collaboration to drive cultural and operational improvements
• Strong communication, project management, budgetary, and data analysis skills to underpin evidence-based decision-making