At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a proactive safety culture across our charity's services.
- Company: Join David Lewis, a values-driven charity making a real impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £65,000 and meaningful work.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with passionate colleagues in a transformative role.
- Why this job: Shape strategy and influence leaders to make a genuine difference.
- Qualifications: NEBOSH/IOSH qualification and significant Health & Safety leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 65000 € per year.
At David Lewis, safety is about far more than compliance. It’s about protecting and supporting the people who live, learn and work across our charity every single day. We are looking for an experienced and influential Head of Health & Safety to lead and develop a proactive, positive and organisation-wide safety culture across our specialist education, residential and clinical services. This is a rare opportunity to join a well-established charity at a transformational point in its journey — helping shape strategy, influence senior leaders and make a genuine difference to the lives of people with complex needs, epilepsy and learning disabilities.
The Role
Reporting to the Director of People, Culture & Systems, you will act as the charity’s lead competent person for Health & Safety, providing expert leadership, professional advice and strategic direction across all sites and services. You’ll lead on:
- Health & Safety strategy and compliance
- Developing a strong organisational safety culture
- Fire safety and risk management
- Audits, inspections and incident investigations
- RIDDOR reporting and lessons learned
- Contractor and estates safety management
- Supporting leaders to manage risk effectively
- Health & Safety assurance reporting to senior leadership
- Embedding the principles of Martyn’s Law across the charity
You’ll also line manage the Health & Safety Officer and work closely with operational leaders, Estates, Governance, HR and external agencies.
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for someone who combines technical expertise with strong leadership and relationship-building skills. You will ideally have:
- NEBOSH / IOSH recognised qualification (degree or postgraduate diploma level)
- Significant Health & Safety leadership experience
- Experience within health, social care, education or a similar complex environment
- Strong knowledge of current HSE legislation and best practice
- Excellent influencing and stakeholder engagement skills
- The confidence to challenge, support and lead positively across all levels of the organisation
A Fire Safety qualification and Chartered IOSH status would be advantageous.
Why Join David Lewis?
This is more than a compliance role. It’s an opportunity to:
- Influence organisation-wide culture
- Join a charity with real purpose and impact
- Work alongside passionate and values-led colleagues
- Shape systems, standards and future development
- Help keep vulnerable people, colleagues and visitors safe every day
If you’re a strategic Health & Safety professional looking for a role where your expertise genuinely matters, we’d love to hear from you.
Join us and help create safer environments where people can thrive.
Head of Health & Safety employer: DAVID LEWIS CENTRE
David Lewis is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and safety of its staff and the individuals it serves. With a strong commitment to fostering a positive safety culture, employees are empowered to make meaningful contributions in a values-driven environment. The charity offers ample opportunities for professional growth and development, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a real difference in the lives of people with complex needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Health & Safety
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the health and safety field, especially those who might know someone at David Lewis. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the charity's values and recent initiatives. Show us how your experience aligns with their mission to create a positive safety culture. We love candidates who are genuinely passionate about making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've influenced safety culture in previous roles. We want to hear about your successes and how you tackled challenges head-on.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team and making an impact in the lives of those we support.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Health & Safety
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Head of Health & Safety role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant qualifications like NEBOSH or IOSH to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about health and safety and how you can contribute to our values-driven organisation. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your achievements! Use specific examples of how you’ve shaped safety culture or led successful initiatives in previous roles. We love to see how you’ve made a difference!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at DAVID LEWIS CENTRE
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest HSE legislation and best practices in health and safety. Familiarise yourself with David Lewis's mission and values, as well as their current safety culture. This will show that you're not just qualified but genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led health and safety initiatives in the past. Think about times when you've influenced senior leaders or shaped organisational culture. Be ready to discuss your approach to building relationships and managing teams effectively.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific health and safety challenges. Prepare to discuss your strategies for risk management, incident investigations, and compliance audits. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have some insightful questions ready. Ask about the current safety culture at David Lewis, how they measure success in health and safety, or what challenges they foresee in the near future. This shows your genuine interest and strategic thinking.
