Head of Health and Saftey

Head of Health and Saftey

Swindon Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the Health and Safety strategy across multiple campuses, ensuring a safe learning environment.
  • Company: Join New College Swindon, a dynamic institution focused on growth and sustainability in education.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative culture, opportunities for professional development, and a chance to make a real impact.
  • Why this job: Shape a legacy of safety and wellbeing while working with a forward-thinking team dedicated to innovation.
  • Qualifications: NEBOSH National General Certificate required; experience in multi-site health and safety management preferred.
  • Other info: We welcome diverse applicants and are committed to safeguarding the welfare of all students.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

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Are you ready to lead and shape a culture of safety, wellbeing and sustainability in education?

We’re looking for an experienced and proactive Head of Health and Safety to join our Estates and Facilities team at New College Swindon. Working across multiple campuses, you will take a strategic lead in transforming and embedding a robust culture of Health, Safety and Environmental excellence across our organisation.

You will:

  • Lead the development and delivery of a College-wide Health and Safety framework, aligned with best practices and regulatory standards (OHSAS 18001, ISO 45001, ISO 14001)
  • Oversee and manage all aspects of fire safety, environmental compliance, statutory testing, and risk management
  • Drive cultural change and ownership of Health and Safety across all departments and campuses
  • Design and implement a comprehensive training and CPD programme, tailored to all staff roles and responsibilities
  • Act as the College’s Educational Visits Coordinator (EVC), ensuring compliance and risk mitigation for all trips and external placements
  • Coordinate and advise on workplace safety, wellbeing risk assessments, incident investigations, and RIDDOR reporting
  • Lead on internal and external audits, inspections, and continuous improvement plans
  • Provide expert advice to Senior Leaders, Governors, and Committees on emerging legislation and safety performance
  • Line-manage designated Health and Safety staff, and oversee the Duty Manager rota across campuses
  • Monitor environmental sustainability and contribute to the development of the College’s Sustainable Vision and Strategy

You need to:

  • Hold the NEBOSH National General Certificate (or equivalent) in Occupational Health and Safety
  • Have significant experience managing Health and Safety across multi-site or complex organisations
  • Demonstrate a proven track record of driving improvements and embedding a safety culture
  • Have a strong working knowledge of UK HSE legislation, codes of practice, and sector guidance
  • Show excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence at all levels
  • Be confident in incident investigation, report writing, and designing impactful training

It would be advantageous to have:

  • Chartered or Graduate Membership of IOSH or NEBOSH
  • A qualification or experience as a Fire Risk Assessor
  • Experience working in the Further or Higher Education sector
  • Familiarity with digital H&S systems for reporting and compliance
  • A solid understanding of safeguarding, wellbeing, and their relationship with safety management

New College Swindon is undergoing a dynamic period of growth and transformation. This is your chance to take a leading role in shaping our future and building a legacy of safe, inclusive, and sustainable learning environments. You’ll be part of a forward-thinking Estates and Facilities team, working in a collaborative and supportive culture that values innovation, integrity, and impact.

Safeguarding Statement

New College Swindon is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion. References will be sought on shortlisted candidates before interview and by agreement.

DescriptionSupporting documentsEmployerLocation

Are you ready to lead and shape a culture of safety, wellbeing and sustainability in education?

We’re looking for an experienced and proactive Head of Health and Safety to join our Estates and Facilities team at New College Swindon. Working across multiple campuses, you will take a strategic lead in transforming and embedding a robust culture of Health, Safety and Environmental excellence across our organisation.

You will:

  • Lead the development and delivery of a College-wide Health and Safety framework, aligned with best practices and regulatory standards (OHSAS 18001, ISO 45001, ISO 14001)
  • Oversee and manage all aspects of fire safety, environmental compliance, statutory testing, and risk management
  • Drive cultural change and ownership of Health and Safety across all departments and campuses
  • Design and implement a comprehensive training and CPD programme, tailored to all staff roles and responsibilities
  • Act as the College’s Educational Visits Coordinator (EVC), ensuring compliance and risk mitigation for all trips and external placements
  • Coordinate and advise on workplace safety, wellbeing risk assessments, incident investigations, and RIDDOR reporting
  • Lead on internal and external audits, inspections, and continuous improvement plans
  • Provide expert advice to Senior Leaders, Governors, and Committees on emerging legislation and safety performance
  • Line-manage designated Health and Safety staff, and oversee the Duty Manager rota across campuses
  • Monitor environmental sustainability and contribute to the development of the College’s Sustainable Vision and Strategy
  • You need to:

  • Hold the NEBOSH National General Certificate (or equivalent) in Occupational Health and Safety
  • Have significant experience managing Health and Safety across multi-site or complex organisations
  • Demonstrate a proven track record of driving improvements and embedding a safety culture
  • Have a strong working knowledge of UK HSE legislation, codes of practice, and sector guidance
  • Show excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence at all levels
  • Be confident in incident investigation, report writing, and designing impactful training
  • It would be advantageous to have:

  • Chartered or Graduate Membership of IOSH or NEBOSH
  • A qualification or experience as a Fire Risk Assessor
  • Experience working in the Further or Higher Education sector
  • Familiarity with digital H&S systems for reporting and compliance
  • A solid understanding of safeguarding, wellbeing, and their relationship with safety management
  • Why join us?

    New College Swindon is undergoing a dynamic period of growth and transformation. This is your chance to take a leading role in shaping our future and building a legacy of safe, inclusive, and sustainable learning environments. You’ll be part of a forward-thinking Estates and Facilities team, working in a collaborative and supportive culture that values innovation, integrity, and impact.

    Safeguarding Statement

    New College Swindon is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion. References will be sought on shortlisted candidates before interview and by agreement.

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    Head of Health and Saftey employer: New College Swindon

    New College Swindon is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment where innovation and integrity are at the forefront. As part of the Estates and Facilities team, you will have the opportunity to lead transformative health and safety initiatives across multiple campuses, while benefiting from professional development and a commitment to employee wellbeing. Join us in shaping a safe, inclusive, and sustainable educational landscape, where your contributions will make a meaningful impact.
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    Contact Detail:

    New College Swindon Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Head of Health and Saftey

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Familiarise yourself with the specific health and safety regulations relevant to the education sector, such as OHSAS 18001 and ISO 45001. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Network with professionals in the health and safety field, especially those who have experience in educational settings. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to make connections that could lead to valuable insights or recommendations.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in driving cultural change around health and safety. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully implemented training programmes or improved safety practices in past roles.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Research New College Swindon’s current health and safety initiatives and sustainability goals. Tailoring your conversation to align with their vision will show your genuine interest in the position and how you can contribute to their objectives.

    We think you need these skills to ace Head of Health and Saftey

    NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety
    Experience in managing Health and Safety across multi-site organisations
    Knowledge of UK HSE legislation and codes of practice
    Strong communication and interpersonal skills
    Ability to influence at all levels
    Incident investigation and report writing
    Training design and implementation
    Fire safety management
    Environmental compliance knowledge
    Risk assessment coordination
    Experience with RIDDOR reporting
    Internal and external audit management
    Leadership and team management
    Understanding of safeguarding and wellbeing in relation to safety management
    Familiarity with digital Health and Safety systems

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in health and safety management, particularly in multi-site or complex organisations. Emphasise your NEBOSH certification and any other qualifications that align with the job requirements.

    Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for promoting a culture of safety and wellbeing in education. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you've successfully driven improvements and embedded a safety culture.

    Showcase Relevant Skills: Highlight your strong communication and interpersonal skills in your application. Provide examples of how you've influenced stakeholders at various levels and led training initiatives that have made an impact on health and safety practices.

    Research the Organisation: Familiarise yourself with New College Swindon’s values and current initiatives related to health and safety. Mention these in your application to show your genuine interest in contributing to their mission of creating safe and sustainable learning environments.

    How to prepare for a job interview at New College Swindon

    ✨Showcase Your Experience

    Be prepared to discuss your significant experience managing Health and Safety across multi-site or complex organisations. Highlight specific examples where you've driven improvements and embedded a safety culture.

    ✨Know the Regulations

    Familiarise yourself with UK HSE legislation, codes of practice, and sector guidance. Be ready to discuss how you would ensure compliance with standards like OHSAS 18001, ISO 45001, and ISO 14001 in your role.

    ✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

    As a Head of Health and Safety, you'll need to lead cultural change. Prepare to share your strategies for influencing and engaging staff at all levels to take ownership of health and safety practices.

    ✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

    Expect scenario-based questions related to incident investigations, risk assessments, and training programme design. Think through your approach to these situations and how you would communicate your findings effectively.

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