At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead health and safety initiatives across multiple sites, ensuring compliance and best practices.
- Company: Join the Bedford College Group, a dynamic leader in education and safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy 35 days annual leave, pension scheme, and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the safety and wellbeing of thousands of learners and staff.
- Qualifications: Level 6 health & safety qualification and proven leadership experience required.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values diversity and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced health and safety leader ready to make a real impact? The Bedford College Group is seeking a Group Head of Health and Safety to shape and deliver a culture of safety and wellbeing across our multi-site organisation.
In this pivotal role, you will:
- Provide strategic leadership and expert advice at the highest level.
- Develop and implement group-wide health & safety policies and management systems.
- Act as the named competent person, ensuring compliance and best practice.
- Influence organisational strategy and foster a positive, learning‑led safety culture.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead health and safety in a dynamic, forward‑thinking environment where your expertise will protect and empower thousands of learners, staff and visitors.
What we’re looking for:
- Level 6 health & safety qualification and IOSH membership.
- Proven experience in a complex, multi-site organisation.
- Strong leadership, communication and influencing skills.
Location: This post is based at our Cauldwell Street Campus in Bedford. The role has a group‑wide remit, requiring travel to other group locations.
Ready to lead the way? Apply now and help us set new standards of excellence in health and safety. Interviews will be held on Tuesday 10th February 2026.
Values alignment:
- Valuing Teamwork – We are one team who, by working together, can achieve great things, respecting opinions and valuing each contribution.
- Improving Continuously – We challenge ourselves to do better by trying new things, sharing knowledge, reflecting on practice and learning from others.
- Student Centred – We put students at the heart of everything, considering them in all decision making to create positive outcomes.
- Inclusive – We celebrate differences and diversity, recognising we learn from each other.
- Open and Caring – We care about the wellbeing of staff, students, community and wider society, building trust and listening, engaging and supporting each other.
- Nurturing Education Excellence – We promote educational excellence by delivering programmes that challenge students to achieve their ambitions.
About the Bedford College Group: The Bedford College Group was formed in 2017 following the merger of Bedford College and Tresham College, and is now the largest provider of education in the South East Midlands, with over 15,000 students passing through our doors each year. Today the Group comprises a family of colleges across Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire: Bedford College, Central Bedfordshire College, Tresham College, Bedford Sixth Form, Corby Sixth Form, the National College for Motorsport and the Silverstone race circuit. The Group also operates community-based learning centres in Bedford, Corby and Kettering offering IT training.
Safeguarding our Students: The Bedford College Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will undergo a thorough vetting process which includes an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The Employer's policy on employment of ex‑offenders is attached. Candidates barred from working with children are reminded it is a criminal offence to apply for this post.
Terms and Conditions:
- 37 hours per week (1.0 FTE)
- 35 days annual leave per annum, plus bank holidays
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Retail and leisure discounts
Group Head of Health and Safety in England employer: Bedford College Group
Contact Detail:
Bedford College Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Head of Health and Safety in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the health and safety field, especially those who might have insights into the Bedford College Group. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the organisation’s values and recent initiatives. Show us how your experience aligns with their mission of fostering a positive safety culture. Tailor your examples to highlight your leadership and strategic skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses. Focus on articulating your vision for health and safety and how you can influence organisational strategy effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining the Bedford College Group and contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Head of Health and Safety in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Safety: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for health and safety shine through. We want to see how your experience aligns with our mission to create a safe and supportive environment for everyone.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. We’re looking for someone who can lead and influence, so showcase those leadership moments that made a difference in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you the perfect fit for this role. Remember, we want to understand your journey and how it relates to our values.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bedford College Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in health and safety regulations, especially those relevant to multi-site organisations. Brush up on your Level 6 qualifications and IOSH membership details, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led health and safety initiatives in previous roles. Think about times when you influenced organisational strategy or fostered a positive safety culture, as this aligns perfectly with what they’re looking for.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with the Bedford College Group's values, such as teamwork and inclusivity. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and provide examples of how you’ve embodied these principles in your work.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in their organisation and the role. Inquire about their current health and safety challenges or how they envision the future of safety culture within the group. This shows you’re proactive and genuinely interested.