Environment Risk Specialist - Asbestos in Dundonald

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Environmental Risk Specialist – Asbestos

REPORTS TO: Environmental Compliance Lead Officer – Asbestos

RESPONSIBLE FOR: Provision of specialist support and guidance with regard to Education Authority (EA) Asbestos management related matters including but not limited to Asbestos management survey programmes, Asbestos remedial programmes information, instruction and training and contribution to the development of EA Asbestos management plans, procedures and policies in support of the Environmental Compliance Lead Officer – Asbestos.

JOB PURPOSE

The Environmental Risk Specialist – Asbestos will be part of a specialist team that contributes to the development and implementation of the Education Authority’s (EA) Asbestos management strategy in accordance with the relevant processes and procedures in order to assess EA properties to prioritise the highest risk issues and where necessary make recommendations for improvement. In addition the Environmental Risk Specialist – Asbestos will provide specialist advice and support to schools and EA corporate on all Asbestos management related matters in line with the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) (NI) 2012 and all associated legislation and guidance.

The Environmental Risk Specialist – Asbestos will work closely with EA colleagues, schools across all sectors, Department of Education (DE), suppliers, and external stakeholders including the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI) to ensure continuous service improvement and delivery on key performance priorities. The post-holder will establish strong working relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders to ensure the EA Asbestos management policy is implemented and adhered to.

The Environmental Risk Specialist – Asbestos will advise and support the Environmental Compliance Lead Officer – Asbestos in the development of the strategic direction for these services and will work closely with other senior EA colleagues to ensure that all legislative and organisational priorities are clearly identified and communicated in line with service requirements.

Environmental Risk Specialist – Asbestos will be expected to contribute to significant ongoing change and harmonisation processes to create and implement a fit for purpose Asbestos Management function. Acting as an integral member of the Environmental and Asbestos Compliance Team, the post holder is required to fully contribute to all Asbestos Management issues related to the corporate plan, operational business plan, service development proposals, savings proposals, and risk register to ensure that the Directorate operational plans support the overall strategic direction of the Authority and the achievement of its objectives in line with its vision, mission and values.

The Environmental Risk Specialist – Asbestos will advise and support the Environmental Compliance Lead Officer – Asbestos to establish, maintain and communicate a clear and compelling strategic direction for the service and will contribute to the development of a strategic plan for the Environmental and Asbestos Compliance Service. The Environmental Risk Specialist – Asbestos will also contribute to the regionalisation and transformation of the service and all related process and procedures.

The Environmental Risk Specialist – Asbestos will provide strong leadership and direction in order to manage service delivery effectively to ensure that the services achieves the highest standards of performance and focuses on the needs of the internal and external customers, whilst always ensuring compliance with Asbestos legislation. The Environmental Risk Specialist – Asbestos will develop and agree service performance targets with the Environmental Compliance Lead Officer – Asbestos and provide regular progress reports. The Environmental Risk Specialist – Asbestos will contribute to and implement a robust annual operational plan for the service and regularly monitor and review plans and make adjustments as required.

As part of DE’s Transformation of Education and the EA’s Transformation Programme, it is recognised that Environmental and Asbestos Compliance Service and the services which it provides will play a key role both within the Facilities Management Division, across the Operations and Estates Directorate and the wider EA. Service reviews are required in specific areas and this work will be required to develop as part of the transformational change programme in future years. Future development of services will also be an important aspect of this work.

The Environmental Risk Specialist – Asbestos will assist and support as required the annual business planning process within the Facilities Management Division and thereby contribute to the achievement of the EA’s overall corporate objectives. The post-holder will be responsible for providing advice, support, and guidance to the EA Board, its Committees and other relevant organisations as appropriate.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Asbestos Management Prioritisation

• Devise and implement effective systems to monitor, measure, control and report on the work of the service to take account of changes in the internal and external environments, which may impact on and influence priorities and needs.
• Ensure that corporate Asbestos management priorities are delivered to a high quality, provide value for money, support the delivery of Departmental policy and are consistent and integrated in approach across all areas of the EA.

Technical and Strategic Input

• Ensure that Asbestos management surveys, feasibility studies and other technical input to capital business cases are sufficiently robust and meet Departmental requirements.
• Contribute to the delivery of significant transformational projects/initiatives/programmes, including digital transformation programmes to achieve service-wide business objectives and meet customer expectations.
• Provide sound technical support for all Asbestos management related remedial projects in line with time, cost, quality and sustainability targets.

Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all best practice guidelines, legislation, regulatory inspection matters, Departmental directives and other statutory requirements.
• Support the Environmental Compliance Lead Officer – Asbestos to fulfil the EA’s statutory responsibilities under for example; the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) (NI) 2012, GDPR and Equality legislation.
• Comply with EA policies and procedures in relation to the duties and responsibilities of the post.

Service Development

• Contribute to emerging service developments and service reviews as required.
• Contribute to the delivery of an effective and efficient Asbestos Management service to ensure ongoing development and implementation of a robust Asbestos management survey strategy across the Estate.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders as required.
• Support the Environmental Compliance Lead Officer – Asbestos with staff training and development.
• Support the Environmental Compliance Lead Officer – Asbestos with recruiting, managing, mentoring and developing placement students, graduates and interns.

Other Responsibilities

• Publically represent and act on behalf of the EA in engagement and negotiation with school principals, on all Asbestos management matters.
• Work closely with Service Managers across the directorate and wider EA to ensure that all services are integral to the delivery of an efficient and effective Asbestos Management service.
• Deputise for the Environmental Compliance Lead Officer – Asbestos as required.
• Any such other duties that the EA may from time to time require.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Criteria – Qualifications / Experience

• Hold a bachelor’s degree (UK Qualification and Credit Framework Level 6) or an equivalent or higher qualification and a minimum of three years’ experience in the development and implementation of Asbestos related processes and procedures including the provision of specialist advice and support to senior managers on complex Asbestos related matters; OR
• Have a minimum of five years’ experience in the development and implementation of Asbestos related processes and procedures including the provision of specialist advice and support to senior managers on complex Asbestos related matters.
• Hold a recognised Asbestos qualification.
• Delivery of operational services within a complex organisation with evidence of knowledge and experience of:
  - Asbestos compliance risks for a large property portfolio
  - Managing contractors to ensure performance targets are achieved - Compliance with Asbestos legislation
  - Ability to analyse and process technical data
  - Undertaking management audits/inspections of completed Asbestos remedial works
  - Contributing to the development of an organisational strategic plan.

Essential Criteria – Skills / Abilities

• Proven ability of regularly and directly supporting and advising senior managers on complex operational matters including statutory and legislative requirements.
• Proven ability of establishing working relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders including Statutory Agencies on the implementation and adherence to an Asbestos Management Policy.

Essential Criteria – Knowledge

• Demonstrable knowledge of the current and anticipated challenges related to the role.

Essential Criteria – Other

• Demonstrable commitment to continuous personal and professional development.
• To have access to a suitable vehicle (appropriately maintained and insured for Education Authority business) that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion; or to provide sufficient information on the application form that will satisfy the employer that he/she has access to an appropriate alternative form of transport that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post.

Essential Criteria – Relationship and Value Approach (Game Changing People Model)

• Evidence of the ability to champion EA strategic priorities and deliver change through a design mindset.
• Skills to drive and deliver service improvement to children and young people.
• Strong collaborative working skills and an ability to build genuine and productive alliances.
• Excellent leadership and management skills.

Essential Criteria – Values Orientation

• Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect EA’s ethos and values.

Desirable Criteria – Qualifications

• BOHS P402 qualification, or equivalent.
• BOHS P405 qualification.

DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND

The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’.

In the event that you are recommended for appointment to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. Please note that you will be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Further information can be accessed at NI Direct or the Department of Justice.

OUR VALUES

Through the selection process we will also seek evidence that the personal values of candidates align with those of the EA. This will include evidence of commitment to equality and excellence in service delivery. These reflect our aim which is to meet the needs of all our children and young people equally, removing barriers to learning and ensuring equality of access to excellent education services so that every child can develop to his or her full potential.

EQUALITY AND NON‑DISCRIMINATION

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.