Interim Health and Safety Advisor

Irwin & Colton; Sevenoaks Weald; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Part time

Job summary

A specialist independent school is seeking a Health & Safety Advisor for a temporary 3-month contract in Sevenoaks. The role involves reviewing and updating health & safety policies, conducting audits, and providing expert advice. Applicants should possess a NEBOSH qualification and relevant experience in health & safety. This position offers a unique opportunity to impact a values-driven school environment while ensuring compliance and safeguarding for students. Immediate start for 30 hours per week.

Qualifications

• NEBOSH qualification or equivalent required.
• Proven experience in a Health & Safety advisory role.
• Strong understanding of health & safety legislation.

Responsibilities

• Review and update health & safety policies and procedures.
• Conduct health & safety inspections and audits.
• Lead on accident and incident investigations.

Skills

Health & Safety advisory experience

Knowledge of UK health & safety legislation

Risk assessment skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Education

NEBOSH qualification

First Aid at Work qualification

Job description

Health & Safety Advisor (Temporary - 3 Months)
Sevenoaks (Kent)
30 hours per week Immediate Start

We are seeking a pragmatic Health & Safety Advisor to support a school on a short-term basis, reviewing and strengthening health and safety arrangements across the site.

This is a specialist independent school with a strong therapeutic ethos, committed to rebuilding lives through education. This is a challenging but highly rewarding environment, and the successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring a safe, compliant and supportive setting for pupils, staff and visitors.

Reporting to the Head of Estates & Facilities, the Health & Safety Advisor will take ownership of reviewing policies, procedures and risk management arrangements, ensuring compliance with current legislation and best practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Review, update and embed health & safety policies, procedures and risk assessments in line with current legislation
• Provide expert advice to the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team on all health & safety matters
• Carry out health & safety inspections and audits across the school site
• Lead on accident and incident investigations, ensuring appropriate reporting and follow-up actions
• Support and coordinate health & safety training and inductions, including fire safety and manual handling
• Monitor the effectiveness of existing health & safety controls and recommend improvements
• Liaise with external bodies including contractors, local authorities and enforcing agencies where required
• Ensure fire safety systems, evacuation procedures and testing regimes are maintained and up to date
• Maintain accurate records and documentation relating to health & safety compliance
• Promote a strong safeguarding culture aligned with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• NEBOSH qualification (or equivalent)
• Proven experience in a Health & Safety advisory role
• Strong working knowledge of UK health & safety legislation and best practice
• Experience conducting audits, inspections and risk assessments
• The confidence to work with senior leaders and influence safety culture positively
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• The ability to work independently in a busy, demanding environment
• Experience within an education or care setting (desirable)
• First Aid at Work qualification (desirable)
• An understanding of safeguarding responsibilities in schools

An Enhanced DBS will be required (the school can apply if needed).

Why Apply?

This is a valuable short-term opportunity to make a real impact within a unique and values-driven school environment, supporting both compliance and the wellbeing of a vulnerable student community.