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- Tasks: Ensure health and safety standards are met across campuses while advising staff and students.
- Company: Join City of Portsmouth College, a progressive institution dedicated to shaping future leaders.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, a generous pension, and discounts at local businesses.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student safety and well-being in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: NEBOSH General Certificate or equivalent, excellent communication skills, and a full UK driving licence required.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are central to our mission; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 27600 - 29000 £ per year.
City of Portsmouth College provided pay range
This range is provided by City of Portsmouth College. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range
Job Title: Health and Safety Advisor
Location: Highbury Campus, Portsmouth with cross campus travel required
Salary: £33,478.17 – £35,502.72 Full Time Equivalent per annum
Hours of work: 37 Hours per week, 52 Weeks per year, Full-Time, Permanent
About us
At City of Portsmouth College, we aspire to be the employer of choice in the Portsmouth area, with a progressive, supportive, and rewarding workplace culture and one that offers competitive benefits for its staff. By joining us, you will personally be part of the change we are driving and will play a pivotal role in supporting the growth and development of our brilliant students, turning them into future leaders and innovators. Everyone at the College is part of the bigger picture and together, each role makes an impact and in turn a difference to our students learning journey.
We have an unrivalled curriculum of courses on offer for students of all ages and stages covering A-levels, Apprenticeships, Vocational & Technical courses. We also offer Higher Education, Online learning and Community courses that appeal to the needs of the local community.
What we offer
- Annual Leave: 25 days total and closure for winter shutdown period in line with Hampshire County Council school holidays & statutory bank holidays
- Pension: Generous Local Government pension. Further information can be found at www.hants.gov.uk/hampshire-services/pensions/local-government
- Learning & Development: Programmes by The Community Adult Education Department
- Staff Development: Access to the College staff development programmes and CPD
- Onsite Discounts: City of Portsmouth College Hair Salon & 50% off at the City of Portsmouth College Sports Centre
- Online Discounts: Unidays, Student Beans, and Totum with a City of Portsmouth College email address
- Parking: Free car parking across all campus sites (apart from Arundel)
- Blue Light Card: providing several discounts for clothing, electrical goods, food and days out, even concert tickets!
About the role
As the Health & Safety Advisor at City of Portsmouth College (COPC) you will be ensuring that the arrangements onsite serve to adequately protect people and the environment whilst meeting legislative obligations and departmental requirements.
You will continually develop and strengthen the site Safety & Environmental Management Systems whilst leading, motivating and managing relevant staff with H&S responsibilities.
You will provide timely, professional, and effective safety advice and assurance on all site activities and initiatives to COPC staff members as required, including but not limited to material(s) storage, processing, vehicle and plant movements, risk assessment and COSHH.
You will be located at the Highbury campus however, this role will involve travel to other locations across the city including North Harbour, Sixth Form and Arundel campuses.
Key Responsibilities
- Promote a strong safety culture and embed health, safety, and wellbeing into College operations, while supporting ISO 45001 improvements and staff/student engagement.
- Ensure legislative compliance through risk assessments, statutory inspections, and reporting, contributing to assurance reports and KPIs.
- Support safe contractor management and collaborate with Estates to maintain statutory compliance aligned with IWFM best practice.
- Deliver or coordinate safety training and campaigns, acting as a key contact for staff queries and promoting safe behaviours.
- Assist with incident investigations, emergency planning, and regulatory inspections, ensuring thorough documentation and follow-up.
- Promote safe learning environments for all learners, encourage student involvement in safety initiatives, and support environmental policy and compliance.
Qualifications & Experience
- Ability to travel across all City of Portsmouth College campuses.
- NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (or equivalent).
- IOSH membership (minimum TechIOSH).
- At least 3 years’ experience in health and safety within construction, engineering, estates, or facilities management.
- Confidence in designing and delivering inductions and safety training for staff, contractors, and (where appropriate) learners.
- Solid understanding of UK health and safety legislation, including HASAWA, COSHH, PUWER, LOLER, WAH, and Fire Safety.
- Experience in environmental management.
- Strong IT skills, with experience in Microsoft Office/365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams).
- Strong written and oral English communication skills.
- Full, clean UK driving licence.
Skills & Attributes
- Excellent organisational and time management skills.
- Confident communicator with the ability to engage effectively at all levels.
- Practical, solutions-focused, and adaptable across varied educational and workshop settings.
- Calm under pressure, able to prioritise and work to deadlines.
- Collaborative team player, able to work effectively with estates, curriculum staff, contractors, and senior leaders.
- Willingness to learn, adapt, and undertake training and CPD as required.
Diversity and Inclusion
Equality, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are central to the work of City of Portsmouth College. This underpins the vision of the College to transform lives through providing exceptional education and training.
The College’s commitment to Equality, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion is reflected in the continued successful promotion of these strands through the curriculum, enrichment activities, and the range of direct and indirect student support services.
Pre-Employment Checks
The City of Portsmouth College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in our college. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and two references.
We reserve the right to close the job advert when we have had successful applications, and it may not run for the full duration of the advert. We do not accept CVs from agencies for these roles.
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Management and Manufacturing
Industries
Primary and Secondary Education
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Health and Safety Advisor employer: City of Portsmouth College
Contact Detail:
City of Portsmouth College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Health and Safety Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific health and safety regulations relevant to educational institutions. Understanding the unique challenges faced in a college environment will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of City of Portsmouth College. Engaging with them can provide insights into the workplace culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with risk assessments and safety audits. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed health and safety issues in previous roles, as this will showcase your practical expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your communication skills during the interview. As a Health and Safety Advisor, you'll need to convey complex information clearly to staff and students, so be prepared to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
We think you need these skills to ace Health and Safety Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Health and Safety Advisor position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job description.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Emphasise your NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety or any equivalent qualifications. If you're working towards it, mention that too. This shows your commitment to health and safety standards.
Showcase Your Experience: Provide specific examples of your previous experience in health and safety roles. Discuss any relevant projects or initiatives you've led, particularly those involving risk assessments, safety audits, or training staff.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that not only summarises your CV but also expresses your passion for health and safety. Mention why you want to work at City of Portsmouth College and how you can contribute to their mission.
How to prepare for a job interview at City of Portsmouth College
✨Know Your Health and Safety Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the key health and safety regulations relevant to the education sector. Be prepared to discuss how these laws apply to the role and how you would ensure compliance at City of Portsmouth College.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
As a Health and Safety Advisor, you'll need to communicate effectively with staff and students. Prepare examples of how you've successfully conveyed important safety information in the past, showcasing your ability to engage with diverse audiences.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Highlight your experience in managing multiple tasks and deadlines, especially in relation to safety audits and inspections. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've prioritised tasks in a busy environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-life situations. Think about potential scenarios you might face in this role, such as handling an accident on campus, and outline how you would approach these challenges.
