Health & Safety Inspector

Are you an experienced health and safety professional with a commitment to ensuring safe working environments? Join our team as a Health & Safety Inspector and help uphold the highest health and safety standards across council-managed housing and public buildings.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Health & Safety Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of council-owned properties, buildings, and estates to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. Identify hazards, assess risks, and recommend corrective actions.
2. Compliance Auditing: Audit health and safety practices, procedures, and documentation for both in-house teams and contractors. Ensure all work is carried out in compliance with local, national, and regulatory standards.
3. Risk Assessment: Carry out detailed risk assessments for council properties and operations. Provide advice and support to departments on identifying and managing potential hazards.
4. Incident Investigation: Investigate accidents, incidents, and near-misses within council properties. Identify root causes and recommend measures to prevent future occurrences.
5. Health & Safety Reporting: Prepare detailed inspection and incident reports, including risk mitigation plans. Present findings to senior management, council committees, and regulatory bodies.
6. Training & Advice: Provide health and safety training to council staff, contractors, and tenants. Ensure that all parties understand and adhere to safety protocols.
7. Regulatory Knowledge: Stay up-to-date with the latest health and safety legislation, best practices, and industry standards. Advise the council on legislative changes and their implications.
8. Emergency Preparedness: Assist in the development and implementation of emergency evacuation procedures, fire drills, and safety protocols across council-owned buildings.
9. Policy Development: Support the development, implementation, and review of health and safety policies, ensuring they align with legal requirements and council objectives.
10. Tenant Engagement: Work with tenants to promote awareness of health and safety procedures, including fire safety, maintenance issues, and hazard prevention.

Essential Qualifications & Skills:

1. Experience: At least 3 years of experience in health and safety inspections, preferably within a local government, housing, or facilities management environment.
2. Qualifications: NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (or equivalent). Additional certifications such as IOSH Managing Safely are desirable.
3. Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of health and safety regulations, including the Health and Safety at Work Act, fire safety, and environmental health standards.
4. Risk Management: Strong ability to identify hazards, conduct risk assessments, and recommend appropriate risk control measures.
5. Attention to Detail: Excellent observational skills and attention to detail when identifying risks or issues.
6. Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise reports and interact with a wide range of stakeholders.
7. Problem-Solving: Ability to analyse problems, investigate incidents, and implement corrective actions to prevent future issues.
8. IT Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office and health and safety management software (e.g., Safety Culture, SHE Software, etc.).
9. Customer Service: Ability to engage with tenants and other stakeholders, providing guidance on health and safety concerns in a clear and approachable manner.

Desirable:

1. Chartered Membership: Membership with the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) or equivalent.
2. Experience in Social Housing: Prior experience working in the social housing sector, dealing with residential buildings and tenant safety.
3. Fire Safety Knowledge: Experience with fire safety inspections, including Fire Risk Assessments and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order.
4. Multilingual: Ability to communicate in more than one language is an advantage.

What We Offer:

1. Competitive salary and benefits package.
2. Opportunities for career progression and professional development.
3. A dynamic and inclusive work environment.
4. Flexible working arrangements and a focus on work-life balance.
5. The opportunity to play a key role in maintaining and improving health and safety standards across council properties.