Fire Safety Officer in Reading

Overview

We are seeking a committed and experienced Fire Safety Officer to join our Health and Safety team. In this key position, you will act as the group\'s primary fire safety lead, collaborating closely with the Health and Safety Manager, Property and Environment teams, and senior leaders to maintain a safe environment for students, staff, and visitors across all campuses.

As the Groups Fire Safety Officer, you will ensure full compliance with fire safety legislation and best practices within varied educational settings. This role demands excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong IT capabilities, and the ability to manage a dynamic workload—including urgent, unplanned tasks—efficiently under pressure. Your responsibilities will include conducting and reviewing fire risk assessments, updating fire safety policies and emergency procedures, delivering training sessions, and leading investigations after fire incidents to promote a proactive fire safety culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the Groups lead fire safety officer, ensuring adherence to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and other applicable standards.
• Carry out, evaluate, and update fire risk assessments, identifying hazards and proposing effective control measures tailored to educational environments.
• Develop and maintain fire safety policies, emergency response plans, evacuation procedures, and provide training to staff and learners.
• Manage fire door inspections and ensure compliance with UK fire safety regulations and standards.
• Lead or assist investigations following fire incidents, fostering continuous improvement and reinforcing a robust fire safety culture among diverse learner groups, including individuals with disabilities or limited English skills.

Fire Safety Officer is responsible for all locations in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Surrey; travel between sites is required.

Qualifications and Experience

• Must hold a NEBOSH National Certificate in Fire Safety and Risk Management or an equivalent Level 3/4 Fire Risk Assessment qualification; be a member of the Institution of Fire Engineers or hold relevant IFE qualifications.
• Certified as a Fire Door Inspector under the Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS) or hold an equivalent certification.
• Demonstrated experience in fire risk assessments in educational environments, with knowledge of fire safety regulations and standards (e.g., Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, BS 9999), and awareness of challenges related to diverse adult learners including those with disabilities or limited English skills.

About Activate Learning

Activate Learning is a pioneering education group with a global reach, committed to transforming lives through our approach to learning. We value our people as vital to our continued success and aspire to a diverse, open and inclusive environment that provides motivation for everyone to pursue their career goals and flourish. We are a large employer that supports career development and a collaborative working environment for our staff.

Together, we will bring out the best version of yourself.

Benefits

• Monthly Staff Appreciation Awards: Celebrating staff for their dedication and accomplishments aligned to our award-winning Learning Philosophy.
• Wellbeing & Resources Groups: Resources to support staff wellbeing.
• Company benefits: Including free eye tests and will writing, plus access to a Health Cash Plan covering optical, dental, health screening, and therapy treatments for you and your dependents.
• Learning and Development: Continuous opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement through our in-house L&D team.
• Teaching Support: Tailored induction and development programs for teaching staff.
• Pension Schemes: Teacher pension scheme for Activate Learning staff.
• Generous Annual Leave: Up to 6 weeks paid leave.
• Flexible Working: Hybrid and remote options, term-time patterns, and flexible working arrangements.
• Competitive salaries: Annual incremental progression and a twelve-point pay scale for teachers.
• On-Site Facilities: Free parking at all campuses, refectories, hair and beauty salons, and gym access.