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 difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £65,000 and meaningful work in a supportive environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a transformative role.
- Why this job: Shape strategy and influence leaders while keeping vulnerable people safe.
- 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.
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 in Alderley Edge employer: Davidlewis
David Lewis is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead Health & Safety within a values-driven charity dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with complex needs. Located in Alderley Edge, our organisation fosters a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and collaboration, allowing you to influence safety culture and strategy while working alongside passionate colleagues committed to safeguarding vulnerable populations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Health & Safety in Alderley Edge
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the health and safety field. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience and knowledge in health and safety. Share specific examples of how you've shaped safety culture or managed risks effectively. We want to see your passion and expertise shine through!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before interviews! Research the charity’s values and current health and safety initiatives. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference and that you understand their mission. Tailor your answers to show how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Health & Safety in Alderley Edge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in health and safety. We want to see how your skills align with our mission to create a positive safety culture.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Head of Health & Safety, you'll need strong leadership abilities. Use your application to demonstrate past experiences where you've successfully led teams or influenced organisational change.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and qualifications stand out without unnecessary fluff.
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 meaningful role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Davidlewis
✨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.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience. Think about times when you've influenced safety culture or led a team through audits and inspections. This role is all about shaping strategy, so demonstrate your ability to lead effectively.
✨Engage with the Values
Familiarise yourself with the charity's mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to creating a safer environment for vulnerable individuals.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about their current safety initiatives or how they measure the effectiveness of their safety culture. This will demonstrate your strategic thinking and genuine interest in making a difference.
