HSEQ Health and Safety Officer

John Innes Centre; Norwich; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading bioscience research organization is looking for a motivated HSEQ Health and Safety Officer. This role involves reviewing health and safety documentation, ensuring compliance with policies, and collaborating with various teams to promote a safe working environment. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills and relevant certifications in Occupational Health and Safety. This position supports a diverse research community on the Norwich Research Park.

Qualifications

• Self-motivated with strong communication skills.
• Experience in supporting Health & Safety management systems.
• Ability to manage risk assessments and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Support the review and transfer of health and safety documents.
• Audit existing HSEQ policies and procedures.
• Provide guidance and training on new processes.

Skills

Excellent document management skills

Strong IT skills

Ability to coordinate with stakeholders

Good written and verbal communication

Attention to detail

Education

Minimum Level 3 qualification in Occupational Health and Safety

5 GCSEs at grade C / 4 or above

A degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline

Tools

Document management systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Description

The Norwich Bioscience Institutes Partnership (NBIP) has an exciting opportunity for a HSEQ Health and Safety Officer to join our busy team. The HSEQ team supports the John Innes Centre, Earlham Institute, Quadram Institute, The Sainsbury Laboratory, and the Partnership teams.

We are seeking a highly motivated individual to support the implementation of the NBIP Health & Safety policy and arrangements. Key responsibilities include reviewing, updating, and migrating HSEQ and H&S Facilities-related documentation into our new H&S management system, ensuring compliance and operational alignment. The role will also support the Head of HSEQ and the wider team in delivering an outstanding service.

The post holder will contribute to the implementation of HSEQ programmes and policies across the Institutes and Partnership teams, while also helping to coordinate a joined-up approach with the Facilities team and those involved in the new research building project (part of the Next Generation Infrastructure (NGI)).

The successful candidate will be self-motivated, collaborative, and a positive role model, promoting a healthy and safe working environment in line with legislation and best practice. This role requires both formal and informal leadership, alongside strong communication and influencing skills.

Key Relationships

The position will report to the Head of HSEQ and be supervised on a daily basis by the HSEQ business system coordinator. The post holder will work closely with the other HSEQ members and NBIP facilities team to contribute to the delivery of an outstanding H&S support on site.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

• Support the review and transfer of risk assessments and other health and safety-related documents into the new Health & Safety Management System.
• Audit existing HSEQ / Facilities policies, procedures, and records.
• Review and update documentation in line with the approved NBIP Health & Safety Policy and arrangements.
• Oversee the structured upload, categorisation, and version control of documents within the new Environment Health and Safety (EHS) management system.45 Coordination :
• Liaise with HSEQ, Facilities, and other stakeholders to collect, verify, and update relevant H&S documentation.
• Provide guidance and training on new processes and system use.15 Compliance Monitoring :
• Identify gaps in documentation or practice in line with H&S legislation and NBIP policy.
• Support the monitoring of compliance with the NBIP Health & Safety framework across all functions.10 Reporting & Continuous Improvement :
• Provide regular progress reports to the Head of HSEQ on implementation status.
• Contribute to the refinement and continuous improvement of health and safety arrangements.10 Additional Responsibilities :
• Provide cover and support to HSEQ team members during absences, particularly for engineering and construction queries.
• Maintain accurate H&S records, including accident logs, training records, incident reports, and inspection checklists.
• Provide general administrative support, including monitoring email inboxes, responding to queries, assigning actions, and ensuring timely completion.
• Provide the Head of HSEQ with high-quality H&S compliance data and reports.
• Promote a culture of health, safety and environmental stewardship throughout the organisation.10 System Implementation Support :
• Act as a key point of contact for EHS system usage relating to document control and compliance tracking.
• Ensure workflows and version controls are correctly established and maintained.10As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post.

Person Profile

Education & Qualifications

RequirementImportance5 GCSEs at grade C / 4 or above, including English and Mathematics.EssentialMinimum Level 3 qualification in Business or Administration (e.g., NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration or equivalent experience).EssentialA-levels or equivalent further education qualification.DesirableHND in Business Studies or equivalent qualification.DesirableA degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline (e.g., Environmental Science, Facilities Management, Business Administration, or related field).Desirable

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

RequirementImportanceMinimum Level 3 qualification in Occupational Health and Safety (e.g., NEBOSH National General Certificate or equivalent)EssentialWorking knowledge of UK Health and Safety legislation and relevant compliance standards.EssentialExcellent document management skills including version control and audit processes.EssentialAbility to coordinate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.EssentialStrong IT skills, including experience with document management systems, databases, or other digital HSEQ tools. Experience in a similar role.EssentialNEBOSH Health and Safety or construction Certificate - or an equivalent qualification may be an advantage.DesirableMembership (or eligibility for membership) of a recognised professional body such as IOSH (TechIOSH or above).DesirableFormal training or certification in document control or quality management systems.Desirable

Relevant Experience

RequirementImportanceSupporting Health & Safety management systems, document control, or compliance monitoring in a facilities, research, or administrative environment. EssentialManaging documentation, version control, and workflows within a structured compliance framework.EssentialExcellent IT skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (knowledge of Power BI advantageous). EssentialProviding training, guidance, or support to colleagues on H&S procedures or digital systems.DesirableExposure to EHS or risk management systems implementation projects. DesirableLiaising with multiple stakeholders and departments to deliver H&S or compliance initiatives.Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

RequirementImportanceGood written and verbal communication skills. EssentialExcellent interpersonal and customer-focused skills. EssentialAbility to communicate effectively at all levels of an organisation. EssentialGood teamworking and collaborative skills. EssentialProactive attitude : willingness to learn, adapt, and take on additional tasks. EssentialEffective time management and ability to prioritise workload. EssentialAbility to work independently. EssentialMeticulous attention to detail.Essential

Additional Requirements

RequirementImportanceAttention to detailEssentialFull clean UK driving licence.EssentialPromotes equality and values diversityEssentialApplicants must have the right to work in the UK. EssentialWillingness to embrace expected values and behaviours of all staff, ensuring a positive workplace culture. EssentialAble to present a positive image of self and the Institute, supporting reputation and public engagement aims. EssentialAble to handle sensitive and confidential information professionally. Willingness to work outside standard hours when required. EssentialPromote continuous improvement in HSE practices and performance through regular review and updating of policies and procedures. Essential

Who We Are

The NBI Partnership provides non-scientific services to the John Innes Centre (JIC), Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), Earlham Institute (EI) and The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL). All of these organisations carry out scientific research funded by the UK Government, European Union, Charitable and Industrial Sponsors. The Partnership employs around 140 staff to cater for the needs of approximately 1100 Research Staff, Students and Visiting Scientists who are all located in close proximity on the Norwich Research Park.

NBI Partnership

The NBI Partnership provides non-scientific services to the John Innes Centre (JIC), Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), Earlham Institute (EI) and The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL). All of these organisations carry out scientific research funded by the UK Government, European Union, Charitable and Industrial Sponsors. The Partnership employs around 140 staff to cater for the needs of approximately 1100 Research Staff, Students and Visiting Scientists who are all located in close proximity on the Norwich Research Park.

Department

HS & QA

Group Details

The Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality (HSEQ) team provides comprehensive non-scientific support across the Norwich Research Park’s four research institutes; the John Innes Centre (JIC), the Earlham Institute (EI), the Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), and the Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL). In addition to supporting these institutes, HSEQ also delivers dedicated health and safety guidance and oversight to the Partnership teams, including the Facilities team. The team’s remit covers a wide range of areas, including ensuring regulatory compliance, promoting best practices in laboratory and workplace safety, managing environmental responsibilities, and maintaining quality assurance standards. Through its work, HSEQ plays a key role in fostering a safe, sustainable, and high-quality research and working environment across the Partnership.

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