Head of Safety & Risk in Stockport

We are seeking exceptional applicants for the new post of Head of Safety and Risk, based at our head office in Stockport, to lead on the management of safety and risk across our organisation. The Head of Safety and Risk will be a key member of our highly performing senior leadership team and will contribute to our wider success and positive reputation. This challenging new role would be ideal for a competent, experienced Health and Safety professional keen to take on a role that blends strategy and operational delivery.

Creative Support is a national, fast growing organisation with charitable status providing care and support to people across England with a wide range of needs. We are also a Registered Social Landlord managing over 1,000 units of supported housing. Creative Support is regulated by the CQC and Regulator of Social Housing and therefore must achieve high standards of health and safety compliance. As a large employer with over 5,000 staff nationally, we promote a culture of safety, awareness, compliance and good practice, with a commitment to keeping our staff and service users as safe as possible.

Responsibilities:

• Management of the Health & Safety team and functions
• Providing a responsive and customer‑focused Health & Safety Helpdesk
• Ensuring compliance with Health and Safety legislation and regulations
• Development and ongoing management of the Health & Safety inspection programme
• Oversight of incidents, accidents & RIDDOR cases (including appropriate escalation & follow up)
• Undertaking investigations and supporting the Executive Team with incident management, identifying root causes, leading/attending strategy meetings and implementing follow up actions
• Case management of insurance claims and other high risk safety cases
• Writing and presenting professional reports and safety briefings
• Providing accurate data, reports, advice and assurance to the Executive Team and Board
• Collaborating across departments to ensure effective safety governance & risk management
• Reporting to and liaising effectively with regulatory bodies & other external stakeholders
• Devising and implementing safety‑related campaigns and the dissemination of safety information
• Embedding effective risk assurance, risk management and continuous improvement
• Oversight of our vehicles management function and line management of the Vehicles Officer
• Contributing to the review of the corporate Risk Register
• Championing a proactive culture of risk prevention and management aligned to strategic and business objectives

In order to fulfil this role, you will need a track record in the management of health and safety in a health, care or housing environment, and a relevant safety qualification. You will demonstrate understanding of the Health & Safety at Work Act and other safety legislation and regulatory requirements. You will be conscientious, well‑organised, and able to clearly delegate to others whilst maintaining personal accountability. A proactive, assertive, and confident approach is essential, as is the ability to lead and motivate your team to provide excellent customer service and meet performance expectations and KPIs.

You must demonstrate a high standard of written English, with the ability to write professional reports. You will have strong IT and data management skills, including the confident use of Word, PowerPoint, spreadsheets and databases. The ability to critically read documents and accurately identify facts, issues, and root causes is essential. You will be able to research and evaluate information, and take responsibility for staying up to date with changing legislation, case law and emerging good practice. You will be required to handle information of a confidential nature and must observe the highest standards of diligence and professionalism, with excellent attention to detail. You must be able to represent Creative Support in a credible and assuring manner, and liaise effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

We will support your ongoing professional development with access to training and membership of professional networks.

Creative Support is a passionate, inclusive and anti‑racist organisation with a commitment to equality and diversity. We are recognised as a Mindful Employer, a Stonewall Diversity Champion and a Disability Confident Employer and have been awarded Investors in People Gold in recognition of our commitment to our employees. Applications are reviewed as they are received; we do not provide feedback for unsuccessful applications. We can only accept applications from candidates who are located in and eligible to work within the UK.