Health and Safety Advisor

South Oxfordshire District Council; Abingdon; Hybrid; GBP 51,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

A position has opened for a Health and Safety Advisor at a leading local council to transform safety protocols. The role involves strategic oversight, compliance with health and safety legislation, and proactive risk management, catering to local government needs across councils. The opportunity offers the chance to make substantial improvements in health and wellbeing initiatives while receiving support for professional development.

Benefits

25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 after five years

Flexible working arrangements

Generous pension scheme

Health-related schemes such as gym discounts

Two days per year to volunteer

Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge of health and safety legislation.
• Proven experience in a similar role.
• Membership of a relevant professional body.

Responsibilities

• Support on health and safety matters across councils.
• Conduct and review risk assessments and incident reporting.
• Prepare reports for SMT and committees.

Skills

Problem-solving

Proactive risk management

Communication

Training delivery

Education

Degree level education or equivalent experience

NEBOSH qualification

Tools

H&S management databases

Excel

Word

Job description

Sector: Manufacturing | Role: Health and Safety Advisor | Contract Type: Permanent | Hours: Full Time

Salary: Grade 7, GBP51,005 – GBP56,821

Duration of role: Permanent

Hours: 37 hours per week

Location: Hybrid – home / offsite and council offices (Abbey House, Abbey Close, Abingdon OX14 3JE), as required.

Closing Date: Midnight Thursday 17 July

About the role and what we're looking for

This is an exciting role to help us transform our approach to health and safety across the councils. The post holder will be responsible for designing and supporting the delivery of the councils' health and safety strategy along with the associated policies and arrangements for implementing them across the councils. You will be involved in various activities, providing expert knowledge and support, and learning from experienced colleagues. You will need the necessary knowledge, skills, enthusiasm, and experience to deliver effective health and safety management, along with strong interpersonal, communication, and persuasion skills to engage stakeholders.

Main duties and responsibilities

1. Provide support on health and safety matters across both councils on behalf of the Head of Paid Service.
2. Assist staff and managers in conducting and reviewing risk assessments, incident reporting, and reviewing control measures.
3. Undertake regular informal audits of service/work areas to proactively identify risks and provide guidance.
4. Investigate accidents and near misses, advising managers on necessary actions and updating risk registers.
5. Evaluate contractors' health and safety policies during tendering and ongoing contract monitoring.
6. Align health and safety approaches with council priorities and contribute to strategic planning.
7. Prepare reports for SMT, cabinet, and other committees, and present where appropriate.
8. Contribute to service plans and oversee a budget of GBP10,000.
9. Manage the corporate lone worker system and oversee threat assessment systems.
10. Administer DSE assessments.

About you

Your essential skills, knowledge, and experience

• Comprehensive knowledge of health and safety legislation, guidance, and best practices.
• Understanding of health and safety strategy and policy implementation.
• Proven experience in a similar role.
• Membership of a relevant professional body with up-to-date CPD.
• Experience in problem-solving and proactive risk management.
• Experience in delivering training.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Excel, Word, and H&S management databases.
• Valid full driving licence, vehicle, and insurance for work purposes.

Essential qualifications

• Degree level education or equivalent experience.
• NEBOSH qualification.
• Full driving licence.

Desirable experience or qualifications

• Experience influencing and implementing change in health and safety culture.
• Experience leading or developing health and safety strategy and policies.
• Local government experience.

The benefits we offer

• Starting with 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days after five years, plus bank holidays and Christmas/New Year break.
• Flexible working arrangements and annualised hours.
• Salary reviews and pay awards.
• Generous pension scheme including life insurance.
• Options to purchase a bike through Cyclescheme.
• Health-related schemes such as gym discounts, free swims, and eye tests.
• Two days per year to volunteer in the community.
• Wellbeing resources and support, including a monthly wellbeing hour and flexible working options.

Note: The job posting does not indicate that it is expired; it appears active based on the provided information.