At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a proactive safety culture across our charity's services.
- Company: Join David Lewis, a values-driven organisation making a real impact.
- Benefits: Influence culture, work with passionate colleagues, and help keep people safe.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a meaningful role within a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Shape systems and standards while ensuring the safety of vulnerable individuals.
- Qualifications: NEBOSH/IOSH qualification and significant Health & Safety leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 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.
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 will 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.
Benefits
- 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
Head of Health & Safety employer: David Lewis
At David Lewis, we pride ourselves on being a values-driven organisation that prioritises the safety and well-being of our community. As the Head of Health & Safety, you will not only lead a proactive safety culture but also have the opportunity to influence meaningful change within a charity dedicated to supporting vulnerable individuals. With a strong focus on professional development and collaboration with passionate colleagues, this role offers a unique chance to make a significant impact in a supportive and purpose-driven environment.
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. We want to see how you can align your expertise with their mission. Show them you're not just about compliance but about creating a culture of safety!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Think of examples where you've influenced change or built relationships in previous roles. We love hearing about real experiences that showcase your skills and impact.
✨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 you're genuinely interested in being part of our values-driven organisation.
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 your values align with ours. Share specific examples of how you've developed a safety culture in previous roles.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you’ve influenced others in your past roles. Include examples of how you’ve led teams, managed risks, and implemented safety strategies. This will help us understand your approach to leadership.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this meaningful opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at David Lewis
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your Health & Safety knowledge, especially current HSE legislation and best practices. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this in previous roles, particularly in complex environments like health or education.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your leadership and relationship-building abilities. Think about times when you've influenced a safety culture or led a team through audits and inspections. This is your chance to shine!
✨Understand the Organisation's Values
Familiarise yourself with David Lewis and their mission. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their meaningful work in protecting vulnerable people.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about their current safety challenges or how they envision the future of their Health & Safety strategy. This shows you're proactive and genuinely interested!
