At a Glance
- Tasks: Review health & safety practices across global schools and provide actionable recommendations.
- Company: Cognita, a leading global education provider with 90 unique schools worldwide.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid role with competitive pay and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a diverse, international setting.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and help schools thrive in a safe environment.
- Qualifications: Chartered Member of IOSH with consultancy experience and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About Cognita: Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 90 schools in 21 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 100,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, "Thrive in a rapidly evolving world".
About the Role: The successful candidate will review health & safety practice across Cognita sites as outlined in published frameworks and documents, with work commencing from September 2026. It should be noted that this role is a self-employed, consultant role and the individual appointed as Independent Health & Safety Reviewer will not be a Cognita employee. This role is hybrid as the successful candidate will perform in-person audits of the schools and all other responsibilities will occur remotely.
We are seeking a professional and consultative Health & Safety Reviewer to undertake reviews and monitoring visits in line with an agreed deployment schedule. The successful candidate will prepare thoroughly for each visit by reviewing relevant documentation to ensure a strong understanding of the school’s context, policies, practices, and legislative requirements. They will assess practice against the agreed framework, identify and promote effective Health & Safety practice, and maintain strong professional relationships built on integrity and transparency.
Responsibilities include:
- Providing verbal feedback following on-site reviews
- Producing concise, evidence-based reports with clear and actionable recommendations
- Ensuring timely circulation of reports to key stakeholders, including Heads of School and Regional Teams
- Identifying and escalating risks or concerns promptly, supported by clear written evidence
- Ensuring all reviews are conducted openly, professionally, and to a consistently high standard
Who We Are Looking For: We are looking for a highly professional and experienced Health & Safety consultant who is a Chartered Member of IOSH (or equivalent) and has at least two years’ consultancy experience, ideally alongside other consultancy projects or part-time employment. The successful candidate will be an excellent communicator with strong report-writing skills and the ability to produce clear, formal, and high-quality written documentation. Experience within the education sector, together with an understanding of facilities-based compliance, is essential, along with the ability to recognise and adapt to differing cultural approaches to compliance within a global environment. An interest in, or understanding of, the general principles of international Health & Safety legislation is also important. The ability to speak, read, and write in Spanish would be advantageous, although this is not essential.
How to Apply: Complete this application before the closing date. The Closing Date for Applications is: Sunday 16th August 2026. Cognita Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. Details on Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is included within the Application Guidance. We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background. Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.
Independent Health & Safety Reviewer employer: Cognita
Cognita is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of integrity and transparency, making it an ideal environment for professionals seeking meaningful consultancy roles. With a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, Cognita offers unique opportunities for growth and development within a global network of schools, allowing you to thrive while contributing to the health and safety of educational environments. The hybrid nature of this role provides flexibility, enabling you to balance in-person audits with remote responsibilities effectively.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Health & Safety Reviewer
✨Leverage Professional Health Networks
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✨Craft Your Proposal Skills
When pitching for freelance gigs, tailor your proposals to highlight how your skills meet the specific needs of clients. Use previous experiences to demonstrate your value and don't shy away from showcasing any certifications or qualifications relevant to health sciences administration that can make you stand out to companies like Cognita.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Health & Safety Reviewer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Certifications:In the health sciences administration field, it's super important to highlight any relevant certifications you have. Whether it’s HIPAA compliance, project management, or something specific to healthcare, make sure these are front and centre in your CV. They help establish credibility and show that you're prepared for the role!
Craft an Engaging Portfolio:Since this is a freelance gig, your portfolio is your best mate! Include case studies, detailed descriptions of previous projects, or client testimonials from your health sciences work. This not only showcases your skills but also shows potential clients what they can expect when they work with you.
Highlight Your Flexibility:Freelancing often involves juggling multiple clients, so it's vital to demonstrate your adaptability in your application. Talk about how you manage time effectively, prioritise tasks, and how you’re comfortable working independently while still communicating with clients. This will reassure clients you can handle their needs.
Tailor Your Application for Each Client:When applying for freelance roles, it’s essential to tweak your application for each opportunity. Instead of a generic cover letter, write a personalised one for Cognita that speaks directly to what they’re looking for in a freelance health sciences admin. This shows you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in working with them!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cognita
✨Highlight Your Administrative Savvy
In health sciences administration, it’s crucial to demonstrate your organisational skills. Talk about your experience with managing patient records, scheduling, or even dealing with compliance documentation. These specific examples will show that you know your stuff and can handle the responsibilities that come with the role.
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Freelancing in health sciences administration often involves using specific software for data management and analysis. Be ready to discuss tools like electronic health record systems or healthcare databases. If you've worked with any relevant programmes, mention your proficiency and how you can hit the ground running for Cognita.
✨Pitch Your Unique Value
As a freelancer, it's important to pitch not just your skills but also what makes you unique. Prepare to share a brief overview of your portfolio, highlighting any relevant projects or previous clients. This isn’t just about finding a job; it’s about positioning yourself as the best option for Cognita.
✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility and Team Spirit
Freelancers often juggle multiple projects, so it’s key to express your adaptability and how you work within teams and larger healthcare settings. Share specific examples of when you’ve adhered to deadlines or collaborated effectively in multidisciplinary environments—this will show that you’re both versatile and a team player for Cognita.
