Fire Safety Officer in Sheffield

DWP is the UK’s largest government department, with the largest commercial estate, made up of over 800 properties nationwide. We’re looking for a Fire Safety Advisor to join our team. DWP has the largest commercial estate in government and our team is committed to being smaller, greener and better helping people to work, grow and thrive.

Our estate provides accommodation for colleagues who support millions of daily customer interactions in Jobcentres and Health Assessment centres, back of house offices delivering frontline services and hub sites housing expert functions such as Policy, Finance, Digital and HR. The DWP Estates function ensures the smooth and efficient operation of this network on a day-to-day basis. We manage a private sector supply chain that delivers essential services such as security guarding, maintenance, property and leasehold, construction, cleaning and facilities management.

DWP Estates is undergoing a transformation, our ambitions include:

• Transition to a smaller, more affordable, and adaptable estate
• Invest in improving DWP’s buildings and infrastructure, conducted mainly through an extensive programme of planned replacement works
• Meet our agreed Government Greening Commitments - creating a culture where sustainability is embedded
• Expertly deliver cost effective services
• Create a professional working culture that is best in class across the Government Property world

As Fire Safety Advisor, you will be joining the Asset Management Team and will critically assess findings from a range of sources including, the Crown Premises Fire Safety Inspectorate (CPFSI) reports, our suite of Fire Risk Assessments (FRA) and from circa 750 Fire Risk Reports that have been commissioned. You will assess, and categorise based on risk, the findings from each of these sources. This risk assessment process will be used to direct future risk reduction activities and fire related programs of works.

You will also be responsible for assisting in the review of current fire safety policies, procedures and processes and identifying areas for improvement, helping to drive change that improves efficiency and reduces risk within the estate.

You’ll provide support to the DWP Estates Team on fire safety and compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 across its estate. You’ll engage with internal stakeholders to advise on technical policies and standards in accordance with the RRO (Fire Safety) 2005.

Support and assist in the review, development and communication of overarching fire policy and guidance across the estate. Review and critically assess findings from CPFSI inspections, FRAs and Fire Risk Surveys and recommend actions to adequately control identified risk. Quality assure FRAs and Fire Risk Surveys, and to engage with the supply chain to discuss and agree continuous improvement processes in relation to these reports.

Review the performance of Facilities Management suppliers in dealing with fire related remedial actions, and to escalate performance concerns when required. Undertake on-site inspections of physical assets and provide reports on their condition and compliance standards. Advise on fire safety risks in the working environment and on the appropriate action to be taken to prevent injury to staff and/or loss of buildings and equipment.

Support the review of Fire Risk Reports and contribute to the development of an appropriate program of works to address identified deficiencies in passive fire protection. Quality assure works delivered as part of any fire improvement process and to confirm that those works are fit for purpose and adequately address any deficiencies in regard to fire safety.

You’ll contribute to the ongoing assessment of Fire Detection and Alarm Systems within the estate and maintain a live risk register in relation to these systems. To assist in the management of the Fire Risk Assessment carve out contract, to quality assure the contracts outputs and to assist in the development of appropriate risk control strategies for the estate to develop productive working relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including though not limited to Directors, Managers, staff, fire safety professionals, TU representatives, Enforcing authorities and internal/external contractors.

Essential Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• Demonstrable experience within the fire industry.
• Knowledge of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
• Knowledge of and experience in carrying out or reviewing Fire Risk Assessments.
• Experience of conducting on site surveys of fire safety arrangements and passive fire protection measures.
• A working knowledge of BS 5839 and the requirements of this standard.
• Knowledge of the Health and Safety at Work Act and an in-depth understanding of the process of risk assessment.
• Relevant qualifications within the fire industry to evidence knowledge base, e.g. Level 4 certificate in Fire Safety, Level 4 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment or some equivalent qualification.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and experience of working with both internal and external partners.

Qualifications/professional memberships Desirable

• Health and Safety NEBOSH or equivalent.
• Fire Engineering qualifications, e.g. Level 4 certificate in Fire Engineering or degree level Fire Engineering qualification or some equivalent.
• Experience of project management.
• Experience of working with Excel spreadsheets and creating and using these spreadsheets to manage information.