Health & Safety Assistant - Part Time in Kingston upon Thames

Location: Kingston, KT1 2EE

Salary: £17,131.30 per annum (pay review August 2026)

Contract: Permanent, Part Time (22.2 hours per week)

Working Pattern: 3 days per week Tuesday, Wednesday, plus 1 flexible day

Join a Role That Helps Keep Our University Community Safe

KUSCO (Kingston University Service Company Ltd) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kingston University, providing facilities management services across the University's diverse estate.

We are looking for a reliable, organised and safety-conscious Health & Safety Assistant to join our Estates and Asset Department. This is an important role that supports the University's commitment to providing a safe environment for staff, students, visitors and contractors. While the position has a strong focus on fire safety compliance and fire alarm testing, the successful candidate will also contribute to wider health and safety activities across multiple sites.

If you are detail-oriented, enjoy working independently and take pride in maintaining high safety standards, we would love to hear from you.

About the Role

Working across four campus sites, halls of residence and additional University buildings, you will assist in the delivery of health and safety compliance activities, with responsibility for carrying out a structured programme of fire safety inspections, testing and record keeping. A key aspect of the role is the weekly testing of more than 50 fire alarm systems across the University estate, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, British Standards and internal procedures. In addition, you will support a wide range of health and safety activities including inspections, audits, reporting and risk reduction initiatives. This is a practical and varied role requiring excellent organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

What You'll Be Doing

• Fire Safety Responsibilities (Core Focus)
• Carrying out weekly fire alarm testing across all University buildings in accordance with British Standard 5839-1 and University procedures.
• Testing over 50 fire alarm systems as part of a structured compliance programme.
• Completing scheduled fire door inspections and reporting any defects or compliance issues.
• Recording all fire alarm tests, inspections and observations accurately within fire safety logbooks and electronic systems, including Nimbus.
• Reporting faults, defects and system issues promptly through mobile reporting systems and the FM Helpdesk.
• Monitoring fire safety hazards including blocked escape routes, defective fire doors and the inappropriate storage of combustible materials.
• Supporting fire drills, fire alarm activations, fire risk assessments and fire safety audits.
• Liaising with fire wardens, security personnel, maintenance teams and specialist contractors to ensure effective fire safety management.
• Assisting with fire marshal training and fire safety awareness initiatives where required.
• Health & Safety Responsibilities
• Supporting routine health and safety inspections across the University estate.
• Assisting with the identification, reporting and monitoring of workplace hazards and risks.
• Helping maintain accurate health and safety records, documentation and compliance reports.
• Supporting health and safety audits and inspections undertaken by internal teams and external bodies.
• Promoting safe working practices and contributing to a positive safety culture across campus.
• Assisting the wider Estates and Assets team with health and safety improvement initiatives and compliance activities.
• Supporting incident investigations and follow-up actions where required.
• Contributing to the continuous improvement of health, safety and wellbeing standards across the estate.
• Associated Systems Testing
• You will also undertake routine testing and checking of associated fire protection systems, including:
• Smoke ventilation systems
• Fire curtains
• Refuge call points
• Automatic door closers and door release mechanisms

To Be Successful in This Role, You Will Have:

• A full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle (mileage reimbursed).
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage a structured schedule.
• Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to work.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong administrative and record-keeping capabilities.
• An understanding of health and safety requirements and the importance of compliance.
• Basic IT skills and confidence using mobile devices, tablets and electronic reporting systems.
• The ability to identify potential risks and escalate issues appropriately.
• A good level of physical fitness, as the role involves travelling between sites and being on your feet for much of the day.

It Would Be Great If You Had:

• Previous experience in a health and safety, facilities management or compliance-related role.
• Experience working with fire alarm systems or similar technical systems.
• Knowledge of fire safety legislation, British Standards or building compliance requirements.
• Experience using Nimbus or similar electronic compliance systems.
• Fire marshal training or previous fire safety responsibilities.
• Practical technical skills and basic fault-finding experience.
• A health and safety qualification such as IOSH Working Safely or similar (desirable).

Why Join KUSCO?

• Be part of a trusted organisation supporting Kingston University.
• Play a vital role in protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of the University community.
• Take ownership of a structured and meaningful compliance programme.
• Receive full training on systems, procedures and site-specific requirements.
• Join a supportive Estates & Assets team committed to continuous improvement.
• Develop valuable health and safety, compliance and fire safety experience.

This position plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with fire safety and health and safety legislation across the University's estate. The successful candidate will help maintain safe environments for everyone who studies, works and visits Kingston University.

If you are dependable, conscientious and passionate about maintaining high safety standards, we would love to hear from you.

No agencies please.