At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead health and safety projects and ensure staff safety across the organisation.
- Company: Join DFTO, the public sector rail owning group transforming train operations.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Flexible working culture and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in health and safety while shaping the future of railways.
- Qualifications: Must be IOSH certified with experience in health and safety management.
The predicted salary is between 39154 - 47096 £ per year.
About DFT Operator
Join Our Team at DFTO. DFTO is the government’s public sector rail owning group. Its purpose is to bring all currently privately-owned train operators into public ownership in advance of the creation of Great British Railways in 2027 - and deliver improvements in the here and now by unifying and integrating train operations under common public ownership. DFTO has over 30,000 employees, runs over 8,500 services a day and delivers over 640 million customer journeys across its networks every year. Major improvements are being delivered by DFTO train operators (TOCs) that are already under public ownership.
We work closely with the DfT but operate independently with our own governance and leadership teams. Our priority is ensuring efficient, dependable rail services for everyone.
Primary Purpose of Job: Contribute to successful health & safety management and strategy implementation at DFTO through providing advice and support across the organisation and leading on key health & safety projects.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee the management of health & safety arrangements for DFTO’s internal staff, so that roles, responsibilities and obligations are clearly defined and understood by colleagues and effective measures are in place to keep staff safe.
- Contribute, supporting the Group HS&S Director, to the development of evidence-based policies that support our TOCs to deliver improved health and safety performance.
- Organise and develop central DfTO H&S policies that set the framework for our staff to stay safe and healthy whilst at work.
- Lead the development of health and safety risk assessments that underpin the DfTO health and safety arrangements that evidence that our policies are correctly developed.
- Organise and manage key health & safety data, monitoring the effectiveness and adoption of DfTO health and safety policies.
- Make suitable recommendations to DfTO leaders to enable them to effectively implement the health and safety arrangements that keep staff safe.
- Work with Network Rail to implement the Network Rail accident reporting system into DfTO.
- Maintain and update the accident reporting system to produce progress reports, so that stakeholders have timely and reliable information.
- Produce management information and support governance and reporting processes on behalf of the Group HSSS&S Director.
- Identify process gaps and propose improvements within DfTO health and safety system, so that efficiency and compliance are enhanced.
- Contribute to lessons-learned reviews and lead case-specific reviews after safety projects or incidents, so that future processes are improved.
Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Technical Qualifications:
- Must be a member of the Institute of Occupational Health and Safety (IOSH) at Certified (CertIOSH) level or above.
- Significant experience in the successful management of HSEA issues within industry, and a strong understanding of how management systems operate.
- Experience of undertaking health & safety risk assessments.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for drafting reports and risk assessments.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to liaise effectively with internal and external colleagues as well as experts when required.
- Background in health and safety.
Desirable:
- Rail knowledge is useful but not essential.
- NEBOSH diploma or equivalent.
- Knowledge of Behavioural Change techniques.
- Knowledge of risk assessment systems and processes.
- Working knowledge of rules, regulations and standards applicable to workplace health and safety.
Vacancy Details:
- Duration: Fixed Term contract/secondment until October 2027.
- Location: Hybrid London Waterloo / Leeds.
- Salary: £39,154 - £47,096.
- Closing date: 8th June 2026.
DFTO Benefits:
- Annual Leave: Starting at 25 days and rising to an additional day per year of service completed within the first 5 completed years up to a maximum of 5 additional (30 days).
- DC Pension Scheme: 10% Employer contribution, 5% Employee contribution.
- Opportunities to learn and network across the wider industry.
About our people and the recruitment process - We're an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone! We encourage our colleagues to work flexibly, as we know traditional working patterns don't always fit. If you want to consider working flexibly, just let us know and we'll do our best to help and invest in your career with us, whilst you have a healthy work-life balance.
If you have any questions or reasonable adjustments, please contact jason.blakemore@dftoperator.co.uk. Please do not email any CVs to us, your application must be made by clicking the 'Apply' button.
Health and Safety Advisor employer: DfT Operator
At DFTO, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive employer that values the well-being and professional growth of our employees. With a strong commitment to health and safety, we offer a supportive work culture where you can thrive, alongside competitive benefits such as generous annual leave and a robust pension scheme. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the future of rail services while enjoying the flexibility and opportunities for networking and learning within the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Health and Safety Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the health and safety field. Attend industry events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals for a chat. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching DFTO and its health and safety initiatives. Show us that you’re genuinely interested in our mission and how you can contribute. Tailor your responses to highlight your experience and skills that align with our goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. Focus on articulating your experience in health and safety management clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us that you’re serious about joining the DFTO team. So, hit that 'Apply' button and let’s get started!
We think you need these skills to ace Health and Safety Advisor
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. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; explain how your skills, like risk assessment and communication, have made a difference in your previous roles. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and gets straight to the point.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, the best way to apply is through our website. It ensures your application goes directly to us, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at DfT Operator
✨Know Your Health & Safety Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your health and safety knowledge before the interview. Understand the key responsibilities of a Health and Safety Advisor at DFTO, including risk assessments and policy development. Being able to discuss specific examples from your experience will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but can apply it in practice.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent written and verbal communication skills are crucial for this role, prepare to demonstrate how you've effectively communicated health and safety policies in the past. Think of scenarios where you had to explain complex information clearly to colleagues or stakeholders, as this will highlight your ability to liaise effectively.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Data Management
DFTO places importance on managing health and safety data. Be prepared to talk about your experience with monitoring and reporting on health and safety metrics. Bring examples of how you've used data to improve safety performance or identify gaps in processes, as this will show your analytical skills and attention to detail.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with DFTO's mission and the broader context of public sector rail operations. Understanding how your role as a Health and Safety Advisor fits into the overall strategy will help you articulate your value to the team. It shows that you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in contributing to the organisation's goals.
