Safety Officer

Somerset County Council; Taunton; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave

LGPS pension scheme

Flexible and hybrid working

Health and wellbeing support

Volunteering opportunities

Job summary

Somerset Council is seeking a Safety Officer to champion health and safety across a wide range of council services. You will provide practical advice, training and support while working with managers to identify risks and improve practices, ensuring safe environments for staff and the public.

The role offers a permanent full-time contract with hybrid working arrangements, based in Somerset. A recognised health and safety qualification is essential.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of health and safety legislation and risk management.
• Experience providing practical health and safety advice to managers or operational teams.
• Ability to carry out inspections, audits and investigations and turn findings into recommendations.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills to influence and guide teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert health and safety advice to services, enabling safe working practices.
• Carry out inspections and audits to identify and reduce risks.
• Investigate incidents and support teams to learn and prevent recurrence.
• Deliver engaging health and safety training and awareness activities.
• Collaborate with managers to develop practical safety solutions across services.

Skills

Health and safety knowledge

Inspections and audits

Training delivery

Communication skills

Influence and advisory

Education

Health and safety qualification

Job description

Salary:

Grade 11 - £33,673 to £37,563 per annum

Contract:

Permanent - Full Time

Hours:

37 hours per week

Closing Date:

11th October 2026

About the Role

The Health and Safety Team provides professional advice, support and assurance services across Somerset Council, helping to create safe environments for employees, volunteers, elected members, service users and the wider community. Working collaboratively with services across the organisation, the team plays a vital role in promoting wellbeing, managing risk and supporting legal compliance.

As a Safety Officer, you'll help shape and maintain a strong culture of health and safety across a diverse range of council services. Providing practical guidance, training and support, you'll work closely with managers and teams to identify risks, improve working practices and help keep people safe. This is a varied and rewarding role where your expertise will directly influence positive outcomes for staff, residents and communities. Joining Somerset Council means becoming part of a supportive organisation that values professional development, collaboration and making a real difference.

How You'll Make a Difference

• Provide expert health and safety advice that helps services work safely, confidently and effectively.
• Carry out inspections and audits, identifying opportunities to improve safety standards and reduce risks.
• Investigate incidents and support teams to learn from findings and prevent future occurrences.
• Deliver engaging training and awareness activities that build knowledge and promote good practice across the organisation.
• Work with managers and stakeholders to develop practical solutions that create safer environments for employees, service users and the public.

What You'll Bring

• Strong knowledge of health and safety legislation, risk management principles and best practice.
• Experience providing practical health and safety advice and support to managers or operational teams.
• The ability to carry out inspections, audits and investigations, and turn findings into clear, workable recommendations.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to influence, advise and challenge constructively.
• A recognised health and safety qualification, alongside a commitment to maintaining and developing your professional knowledge.

Why Join Us?

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most enhanced and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.

Find out more about working at Somerset Council:

https://www.somerset.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/working-at-somerset-council/

Further Information

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship.

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Benjamin Smith, Principal Safety Officer, at [e-mail].

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.

You can find a copy of the job description here: AG0074 Safety Officer