At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead health and safety initiatives, providing expert guidance to enhance workplace safety for pilots.
- Company: Join BALPA, the leading trade union for UK pilots and helicopter crews.
- Benefits: Make a real impact while working in a supportive and reformative environment.
- Other info: Exciting career growth opportunities in a dynamic and collaborative team.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative journey, shaping the future of health and safety in aviation.
- Qualifications: Health and safety expertise, preferably with recognised qualifications and an industrial background.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Do you want your work to make a real difference? This is your chance to join BALPA, the trade union and professional association representing UK pilots and helicopter crews, as our new Health and Safety Policy Specialist. We’re at a pivotal point in our journey - BALPA is currently in a period of reform and improvement, working to modernise and put members at the front and centre of our union. When our General Secretary was elected in 2024 she recommended an independent review into BALPA’s culture. The culture commission was published in 2025 and we are now in the process of implementing the recommendations from the review. It is an incredibly exciting time to join our team and play a leading role in developing our Association for the better.
If you’re looking for meaningful work with real-world impact – and a place where your skills and talent will be valued and can make a difference – we’d love to hear from you.
About the role: This is a newly created role in BALPA to expand our expertise and capacity on health and safety issues, reporting to the Director for Flight Safety, Policy and Regulation. We have a thriving Occupational Health and Safety committee and network of health and safety reps and the post holder would work with the Committee Chair to drive forward BALPA’s health and safety work. The Health and Safety Policy Specialist will provide expert guidance on health and safety matters to our Company Councils and National Officers in their bargaining, campaigns and casework. The postholder would work closely with the Interim Deputy Director for Rep Support and Development to revitalise our education programme for our health and safety representatives.
We are looking for a specialist in health and safety (preferably with recognised health and safety qualifications) who also has an industrial background or would consider a National/Industrial Officer with clear successes on health and safety matters who is looking to specialise in health and safety and willing to commit to training and qualifications in health and safety.
You can apply by sending your CV and a covering letter (no more than two sides) setting out why you would be a great fit for the role to recruitment@balpa.org by midday Monday 13 April 2026. Interviews are scheduled to take place on Tuesday 21 April 2026.
About BALPA: BALPA is the trade union and professional body representing pilots and helicopter crews in the UK. We have around 10,000 members and are recognised in around 20 companies. BALPA represents members both individually and collectively with workplace issues ranging from individual advice on disciplinary and capability issues to collective industrial bargaining on pay, terms and conditions, to professional issues around flight safety, policy and regulation. BALPA have a thriving network of pilot workplace representatives in our Company Councils and eleven flight safety and flight policy committees of members in addition to our small team of staff. BALPA is affiliated to the Trades Union Congress (TUC); the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), the European Cockpits Association (ECA); and the International Federation of Airline Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA).
Health and Safety Policy Specialist employer: BRITISH AIRLINE PILOTS ASSOCIATION
At BALPA, we pride ourselves on being an employer that truly values its members and staff, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. As a Health and Safety Policy Specialist, you will be at the forefront of meaningful change within our union, contributing to the safety and well-being of pilots and helicopter crews across the UK. With a commitment to professional development and a supportive work environment, BALPA offers unique opportunities for growth and the chance to make a real impact in the aviation industry.
Contact Detail:
BRITISH AIRLINE PILOTS ASSOCIATION Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Health and Safety Policy Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those connected to BALPA. Attend events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues and learn more about the culture and values of the organisation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching BALPA's recent initiatives and the health and safety landscape. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about making a difference in the lives of pilots and helicopter crews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to health and safety policies. We want to see how you think on your feet and how your experience aligns with our mission at BALPA.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role and keeping you top of mind as we make our decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Health and Safety Policy Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Health and Safety Policy Specialist role. Highlight relevant experience and qualifications that align with the job description. We want to see how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about health and safety and how you can contribute to BALPA's mission. Keep it concise, but make sure it reflects your personality and enthusiasm.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements in health and safety. Whether it's successful campaigns or training initiatives, we want to know how you've made a difference in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s easy, and you’ll find all the details you need there. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our community at BALPA!
How to prepare for a job interview at BRITISH AIRLINE PILOTS ASSOCIATION
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on health and safety regulations relevant to the aviation industry. Familiarise yourself with BALPA's recent initiatives and the culture commission recommendations. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but also invested in the organisation's mission.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous successes in health and safety roles. Use specific examples that highlight your expertise and how you've made a difference in past positions. This is your chance to demonstrate your industrial background and how it aligns with BALPA's goals.
✨Engage with Their Vision
BALPA is undergoing significant reform, so be ready to talk about how you can contribute to their modernisation efforts. Think about innovative ideas you could bring to the table, especially regarding the education programme for health and safety representatives.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the future direction of BALPA’s health and safety policies or how they measure success in this new role. It shows you're proactive and genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
