Senior Occupational Health Advisor in Cheltenham

Flexible working options are available, including part-time and compressed hours, with flexibility around start and finish times.

About us: MI5 keeps the country safe from serious threats like terrorism and attempts by states to harm the UK, its people and way of life. We carry out investigations by obtaining, analysing and assessing intelligence, and then work with a range of partners, including MI6 and GCHQ to disrupt these threats. Through our protective security arm, we provide advice and guidance to government, businesses and other organisations about how to keep themselves safe.

The role: As a leader in our on-site Occupational Health team, you’ll play a crucial part in protecting and promoting the health and wellbeing of colleagues. You’ll provide leadership and oversight of the service provision alongside management of more complex casework. You’ll support employees with advice on how to manage their health conditions in the workplace, while providing travel clearances, risk assessments, health surveillance, and fitness for work medicals. Your advice will be relevant and timely, and your recommendations will always be in line with medical standards and legislation. Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll work closely with colleagues towards the overall goal of creating a positive and proactive health and wellbeing culture.

About you: You’ll be a qualified Occupational Health Advisor – registered with NMC Part 1 – with good knowledge of occupational health and employment legislation. You will be an experienced Senior Occupational Health Advisor, who has previously managed an Occupational Health team and worked within a wider multi-disciplinary team. You’ll have experience managing diverse and complex caseloads, including supporting both physical and mental health needs, and using analytical skills you’ll be able to make evidence-based decisions and provide effective solutions.

Training and development: When you start, you’ll get an organisation induction and a buddy to help you settle in. We’re proud to offer an inclusive and supportive working environment, and as an organisation that values and nurtures our colleagues, both professionally and personally, we’re dedicated to helping you fulfil your potential.

Rewards and benefits: You’ll receive a starting salary of £63,120, plus other benefits including:

• 25 Days Annual Leave automatically rising to 30 days after 5 years' service
• 10.5 days’ public and privilege holidays
• Opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme
• A dedicated development budget
• An interest‑free season ticket loan
• A cycle to work scheme
• Facilities such as a gym, restaurant, and on‑site coffee bars (at some locations)
• Paid parental and adoption leave

Equal opportunities: At MI5, diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. To protect the UK, we need a truly diverse workforce that reflects the society we serve. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including those from groups that are under‑represented in our workforce.

What to expect: Our recruitment process is fair, transparent, and based on merit. Here is a brief overview of each stage:

• Eligibility questions
• Interview, including technical and competency‑based questions
• If successful, you will receive a conditional offer of employment and progress to the vetting stage of the process

Please note, you must successfully pass each stage of the process to progress to the next. Your application may take around 6 to 9 months to process including vetting.

Before you apply: To work at MI5, you need to be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. This role requires the highest security clearance, known as Developed Vetting (DV).

The role is based in Cheltenham, so you’ll need to live within a commutable distance.