Pathology Environment Health & Safety Lead

279 University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization in the UK seeks a professional lead for health and safety management across laboratory sites. This role is responsible for ensuring compliance, delivering specialist training, and managing incidents. Candidates should have relevant health and safety certifications and proven leadership in the field. This position supports flexible working arrangements and values diversity in the workplace.

Benefits

Comprehensive training programs

Flexible working arrangements

Wellbeing programme for staff

Qualifications

• Proven track record of health and safety management.
• Ability to manage complex health and safety systems.
• Continuous professional development in health and safety.

Responsibilities

• Lead health and safety management across all laboratory sites.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Investigate and analyze incident reports for trends.

Skills

Leadership

Expertise in health and safety

Communication skills

Crisis management

Education

Relevant health and safety certifications

Experience in a laboratory environment

Job description

Job overview

The post-holder will be the professional lead for health, safety, bio-security, and environment management across all laboratory sites within UHSussex Pathology providing management, specialist knowledge, and scientific/technical expertise on all health, safety and environment matters to ensure the safe delivery of the clinical diagnostic service. The post-holder will be responsible for the integration and delivery of a comprehensive and coordinated health and safety system across all UHSussex Pathology sites. This will include facilitating the delivery of specialist training and systematic audit/inspection programmes across multiple sites for all staff grades. The post-holder will maintain high professional standards, professional knowledge and competency, undertaking personal continuing professional development, and assisting with the training and development of other staff.

Advert

Develops communication forums to disseminate H&S information and assists with handling formal written complaints. Uses highly developed communication skills to impart complex/sensitive information whilst ensuring compliance with professional codes of conduct and confidentiality e.g. outcomes of HSE inspections, accident investigations etc. Develops and maintains strong/effective relationships with key personnel e.g. H&S Executive (HSE), Environment Agency (EA) & South East Counter Terrorism Unit (SECTU). Contributes to strategic planning in H&S matters. Critically reviews, prepares, implements, maintains and monitors compliance with all Health & Safety pathology procedures. Acts as one of the approvers/authorisers on local Health & Safety documentation with delegated authority in matters of H&S including suspending/stopping activity deemed unsafe. Ensures safe management/maintenance of expensive & complex analytical equipment and facilities is carried out. Maintains scientific knowledge and skill set with the latest scientific/medical developments, emerging technologies, research and other national/international issues which may have an impact on the laboratory (e.g. epidemics/pandemics, Ebola/VHF outbreaks). Investigates and analyses incident reports to identify trends and recurring issues. Develops and implements plans/processes and internal policies to ensure UHSussex Pathology conforms to requirements of relevant legislation and local/national guidance.

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack and wellbeing programme for staff, which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance – because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

As part of our commitment to access for all, please see the different ways you can access the application form.

https://apps.trac.jobs/accessibility?_ts=1

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see the detailed job description and person specification that has been included within this vacancy.

Important information for applicants

A Note on AI Use in Applications: We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation. Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected.

Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified. Some adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.

DBS Checks: We undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for roles that meet the visa eligibility criteria. For further information please visit gov.uk and search for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criterion.

UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications.

Further Information: For help with the application process for Nursing vacancies, please email [emailprotected]. For help with the application process for Non-Nursing vacancies, please email [emailprotected].