Facilities Support Officer in Lancaster

Based in Lancaster with travel throughout North Lancs & South Cumbria. The Facilities Support Officer plays a key role in ensuring the safe, compliant, and effective operation of the charity’s four cancer support centres. Working across multiple sites, the postholder will support the delivery of high-quality facilities management, with a particular focus on health and safety, risk management, and regulatory compliance. This role is essential in maintaining environments that are safe, welcoming, and therapeutic for clients, their families, staff, volunteers, and therapists. The Facilities Support Officer will assist in the coordination of day-to-day operational and administrative functions, ensuring that all centres meet statutory requirements and reflect the charity’s commitment to excellence, dignity, and compassionate care. The postholder will adopt a proactive approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks, ensuring that health, safety, and wellbeing are embedded in all aspects of centre operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Health, Safety & Risk Management
  • Liaise with the Centre Administrators to support the implementation and ongoing development of health and safety systems across all centres.
  • Assist in carrying out regular health and safety audits, inspections, and compliance checks, ensuring all documentation is accurate, up to date, and aligned with current legislation and best practice.
  • Proactively identify hazards and undertake suitable and sufficient risk assessments, ensuring appropriate control measures are implemented, monitored, and reviewed.
  • Maintain and contribute to a comprehensive risk assessment register for each site, including general, fire, COSHH, and activity-specific assessments.
  • Support the annual review and updating of the Health & Safety Policy in partnership with external advisors (e.g. Croner-i).
  • Ensure safe systems of work are in place and followed by staff, volunteers, and contractors.
  • Assist in monitoring environmental safety, including slip, trip, and fall hazards, lighting, ventilation, and accessibility.
  • Support the completion and regular review of Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs).
  • Ensure all accidents, incidents, and near misses are recorded, reported, and investigated appropriately, identifying trends and recommending preventative actions.
  • Maintain first aid provision across all centres, ensuring supplies are fully stocked and within expiry dates.
  • Act as Fire Marshal and/or First Aider (subject to training), supporting emergency preparedness and response.
  • Assist in DSE and workplace assessments to ensure safe and ergonomic working environments.
• Statutory Compliance & Facilities Support
  • Support the delivery and recording of statutory testing and compliance activities, including fire alarm testing and maintenance, emergency lighting checks, electrical safety inspections, and gas safety checks and boiler servicing.
  • Maintain accurate compliance records and ensure documentation is audit-ready at all times.
  • Assist in ensuring robust procedures are in place for the safe opening and closing of buildings.
  • Act as a key holder where required and participate in emergency call-out arrangements.
  • Support the coordination and oversight of contractors working on site.
  • Ensure all contractors complete appropriate site inductions prior to commencing work.
  • Verify that contractors provide suitable risk assessments, method statements (RAMS), insurance documentation, and relevant permits (including hot works permits where applicable).
  • Monitor contractor activities to ensure compliance with health and safety standards and minimise disruption.
  • Report and elevate any unsafe practices or non‑compliance.
• Training & Staff Support
  • Assist in coordinating health and safety training, including first aid, fire safety, manual handling, and infection control.
  • Promote a positive health and safety culture, encouraging staff and volunteers to take shared responsibility for safety.
  • Provide guidance and support to staff and volunteers on safe working practices.
  • Help maintain centres that are clean, safe, calm, and welcoming.
  • Ensure therapy rooms and communal areas meet high standards of comfort, hygiene, and maintenance.
  • Support the creation of environments that are sensitive and appropriate for individuals affected by cancer, life‑shortening illness, or bereavement as a result of these illnesses.
  • Assist in room setup, facilities readiness, and general site presentation.
  • Provide a helpful and professional presence for clients, visitors, and external partners.
• Administrative & Operational Support
  • Maintain accurate records relating to health and safety, compliance, and facilities management.
  • Support stock control and ordering of supplies, including cleaning materials, PPE, and facilities‑related items.
  • Assist in maintaining filing systems and documentation, both physical and digital.
  • Use Microsoft Office 365 for communication, reporting, and coordination.
  • Support financial processes in line with the charity’s procedures where required.
• General
  • Attend staff meetings as required.
  • Plan and prioritise workload with your Line Manager on a regular basis.
  • Manage your own time and maintain accurate schedules using appropriate systems (e.g. Microsoft Outlook).
  • Promote the aims, vision, and strategy of the charity.
  • Complete mandatory training and maintain up‑to‑date knowledge relevant to the role.
  • Carry out duties in accordance with the charity’s policies and procedures.
  • Adopt a flexible approach to working hours to meet the needs of the role.
  • Undertake any other duties as required by the Executive Leadership Team.

Skill Requirements

• Qualifications & Experience
  • NEBOSH or IOSH qualification (or willingness to work towards).
  • Experience supporting health & safety, facilities, or compliance functions.
  • Experience contributing to risk assessments and audits.
  • Understanding of statutory compliance requirements.
  • Experience working in a charity, healthcare, or multi‑site environment.
  • Experience supporting contractor management and compliance processes.
• Skills & Knowledge
  • Good understanding of health and safety legislation and risk management principles.
  • Ability to identify hazards and implement practical control measures.
  • Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
  • Effective communication skills with a wide range of stakeholders.
  • Ability to work across multiple sites and manage competing priorities.
• Personal Attributes
  • Calm, empathetic, and approachable.
  • Proactive and solution‑focused with a strong sense of responsibility.
  • Professional and discreet, particularly when handling sensitive information.
  • Flexible and adaptable in response to operational needs.
  • Committed to the mission and values of the charity.