Health and Safety Advisor

CRA Group Limited; Kidderminster; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Kidderminster is seeking an experienced Health and Safety Advisor to provide interim cover for a vacant post. This role involves advising on health, safety, fire and welfare matters, with a strong onsite presence. The postholder will support the Health and Safety Management System, ensure compliance, and promote a positive safety culture across services. Ideal candidates will have at least 3 years’ experience in a similar role and strong knowledge of health and safety legislation.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience in a health and safety advisory role.
• Strong working knowledge of health and safety legislation.
• Proven experience conducting audits and inspections.

Responsibilities

• Act as the Council's competent professional adviser on health and safety matters.
• Deliver and maintain the Council's Health and Safety Management System.
• Conduct workplace inspections, audits, and monitoring visits.

Skills

Health and Safety Legislation Knowledge

Risk Assessment

Communication Skills

Organisational Skills

Job description

Overview

Worcestershire Forest District Council is seeking an experienced Health and Safety Advisor to provide interim cover for a vacant post.

This role will act as the Council's day‑to‑day professional adviser on all health, safety, fire and welfare matters, with a strong on‑site presence based at the Depot in Kidderminster. The postholder will support the delivery and continuous improvement of the Council's Health and Safety Management System, ensure compliance with statutory requirements, and promote a positive health and safety culture across all services.

Responsibilities

• This is a hands‑on, operational role, requiring five days per week on site and close collaboration with managers, employees, trade unions and regulatory bodies., Act as the Council's competent professional adviser on health, safety, fire and welfare matters.
• Deliver, maintain and audit the Council's Health and Safety Management System in line with legislation and best practice.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to managers and staff on risk assessments, safe systems of work and control measures.
• Lead and support workplace inspections, audits and monitoring visits across Council services.
• Produce clear reports outlining findings, remedial actions and implementation timescales.
• Investigate accidents, incidents and dangerous occurrences, ensuring RIDDOR compliance.
• Maintain accurate records of accidents, incidents and work‑related ill health and analyse trends.
• Develop, review and update health and safety policies, procedures and guidance.
• Deliver and coordinate health and safety training, including risk assessment and manual handling.
• Work collaboratively with Trade Union Health & Safety Representatives and chair health and safety meetings.
• Liaise with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), insurers and other regulatory bodies as required.
• Support procurement and contract evaluation by advising on health and safety compliance.
• Provide advice in relation to emergency response and critical incidents.
• Maintain oversight of the Council's High Risk Register and elevate significant issues to senior management.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' occupational experience in a health and safety advisory role.
• Strong working knowledge of health and safety legislation, regulations and best practice.
• Experience working within local government or a similar public sector organisation.
• Ability to act as a competent person under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations.
• Proven experience of conducting audits, inspections and investigations.
• Experience of accident reporting and RIDDOR compliance.
• Confident advising and influencing senior managers and stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience delivering health and safety training and presentations.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines.
• Good ICT skills, including Microsoft Office.