At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead health and safety projects to keep our staff safe and healthy.
- Company: Join DFTO, the government’s public sector rail owning group with over 30,000 employees.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Flexible working options available to support your work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in health and safety while working in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Must be IOSH Certified with experience in health and safety management.
The predicted salary is between 39154 - 47096 £ per year.
About DFT Operator
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 - these are LNER, Northern, TransPennine Express (TPE), Southeastern, South Western Railway (SWR), c2c, Greater Anglia and WM Trains. 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.
If you have any questions or reasonable adjustments, please contact jason.blakemore@dftoperator.co.uk. Please do not email any CV's to us, your application must be made by clicking the 'Apply' button.
Health and Safety Advisor in London 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 a generous annual leave policy 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 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research DFTO's mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common health and safety scenarios. Think about how you'd handle specific situations and be ready to share your experiences. Confidence is key!
✨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 you’re serious about joining DFTO and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Health and Safety Advisor in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Health and Safety Advisor role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description, especially your knowledge of health and safety management systems.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent written communication is key for this role, ensure your application is clear and concise. Use professional language but keep it friendly – we want to see your personality shine through!
Highlight Relevant Qualifications:Don’t forget to mention your IOSH membership and any other relevant qualifications like NEBOSH. These are crucial for us to see that you have the right background in health and safety.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, the best way to apply is by clicking the 'Apply' button on our website. This helps us keep track of your application and ensures it gets to the right people quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at DfT Operator
✨Know Your Health and Safety Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your health and safety knowledge, especially the latest regulations and best practices. Familiarise yourself with the specific policies and procedures that DFTO has in place, as this will show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific health and safety scenarios. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed risks or improved safety measures. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.
✨Show Your Communication Skills
As a Health and Safety Advisor, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Be ready to demonstrate your written and verbal communication skills during the interview. You might be asked to explain complex safety concepts in simple terms, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the current health and safety challenges DFTO is facing or how they measure the success of their safety initiatives. This shows that you're not only interested in the role but also invested in the company's mission.
