At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide health and safety advice, conduct audits, and promote a positive safety culture.
- Company: Join a values-driven charity making a real difference in Sunderland's housing crisis.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days annual leave, flexible working, and a competitive pension scheme.
- Other info: Great Place to Work certified with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission to create safer workplaces and thriving communities.
- Qualifications: NEBOSH Certificate required; experience in health and safety is essential.
The predicted salary is between 44969 - 44969 £ per year.
We're a values-driven, charitable organisation on a mission to make a real difference in Sunderland.
Every day, we provide more than 60,000 people with a place they're proud to call home.
Our vision is clear: everyone deserves a good-quality home they can afford.
We invest millions of pounds each year to keep our homes safe and decent, while also playing a part in tackling the UK housing crisis by building hundreds of modern, energy-efficient homes for rent right here in Sunderland.
If you share our passion for creating thriving communities and want to be part of something that truly matters, we'd love for you to join us and help achieve our vision.
If you have any accessibility needs or require adjustments, please let us know - we're here to support you.
We may close this vacancy earlier than the advertised closing date if we receive a large number of applications.
Job Description: Health and Safety Advisor
Job purpose
Are you passionate about creating safer, healthier workplaces and helping people confidently put health and safety into practice?
We're looking for knowledgeable and approachable Health and Safety Advisors to join our Health, Safety, Risk and Assurance team.
You'll provide practical advice, guidance and support to colleagues and managers across Gentoo, helping us meet our legal responsibilities and continually improve our health and safety performance.
You'll play an important role in promoting a positive safety culture where colleagues feel informed, supported and empowered to make good decisions.
This is a varied and visible role.
You'll work closely with teams across the organisation, visit our offices, depots and operational sites, and support the delivery of our wider health and safety strategy.
We believe in the power of collaboration and flexibility, so you can expect to spend time at our Sunderland office, across our operational locations and working flexibly where the role allows.
You'll enjoy a 36-hour working week, Monday to Friday, with an early finish on Fridays and a great work-life balance.
We're also proud to be Great Place to Work certified and recognised as one of the UK's Top 50 Best Workplaces 2026.
A full UK driving licence is required for this role.
What you'll be doing As one of our Health and Safety Advisors, you'll
- Provide clear, practical health and safety advice to managers and colleagues across Gentoo.
- Support the development and delivery of our health and safety strategy and management system.
- Build strong relationships with operational teams, helping them manage risks and improve safety within their services.
- Carry out audits, inspections, site visits and health and safety conversations, providing constructive advice and challenge where needed.
- Support colleagues to complete effective risk assessments and put appropriate control measures in place.
- Help identify emerging risks, trends and opportunities for improvement.
- Support investigations into incidents and recommend practical actions to prevent them from happening again.
- Develop and deliver engaging health and safety training, briefings and awareness sessions.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues, contractors, trade union safety representatives and other stakeholders.
- Promote positive health and safety behaviours through coaching, engagement and everyday conversations.
What we're looking for
Essential
- Strong knowledge of current health and safety legislation and recognised best practice.
- A NEBOSH Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety Management.
- A NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent qualification, or a willingness to work towards one.
- Experience providing practical health and safety advice to operational teams.
- Experience of audits, inspections, investigations and assurance activities.
- Experience delivering health and safety training, inductions, briefings or engagement activities.
- The ability to influence managers and colleagues and encourage positive safety behaviours.
- Strong analytical skills, with the ability to identify trends and develop practical solutions.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- The confidence to communicate complex health and safety matters clearly to different audiences.
- A full UK driving licence.
- The role requires knowledge of property-related safety matters, including gas, fire, asbestos, legionella and mechanical and electrical safety.
- An understanding of the relationship between workplace safety, landlord responsibilities, customer safety and consumer regulation will also be important.
Desirable
- Experience working within social housing, property or another regulated environment.
- Experience delivering face-fit testing or managing respiratory protective equipment programmes.
Some of our great benefits include
- 31 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with an option to purchase up to 5 additional days per year.
- Early finish on Fridays
- Flexible and hybrid working.
- Free Health Cash Plan, with cashback for dental, optical, physio, wellbeing therapies and more, with some free child cover.
- Access to private healthcare through the Health Cash Plan.
- Competitive Aviva pension scheme - Gentoo will contribute up to 10% based on your personal contribution.
- Salary sacrifice electric vehicle scheme
- Enhanced family-friendly leave
- Car mileage allowance if you use your personal vehicle for business purposes.
- Life assurance cover to the value of 3 times your annual salary
We are one of the largest employers in Sunderland and a leading provider of social housing in the North East.
We are officially a Great Place to Work and employ more than 1,100 people in more than 200 different job roles.
We are proud of every colleague who helps make a difference in our communities and our customers' lives.
Our Values, made by colleagues for colleagues. We care about people. We take accountability. We shape the future. We bring leadership. We deliver.
If you have any accessibility needs or require adjustments, please let us know - we're here to support you.
Health & Safety Advisor in Sunderland employer: Gentoo Group Limited
Gentoo is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a meaningful impact in the community. With a strong focus on professional development, a supportive work culture, and the opportunity to contribute to safe and high-quality housing solutions in Sunderland, Gentoo offers a rewarding environment for Maintenance Technicians. Employees enjoy competitive benefits and the chance to engage directly with residents, fostering a sense of purpose in their work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Health & Safety Advisor in Sunderland
✨Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives
Join local community health events or volunteer for organisations like public health agencies. This not only builds your experience but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know of openings at places like Gentoo Group Limited.
✨Tap into Professional Associations
Check out associations like the Institute of Healthcare Management. They often have job boards, networking events, and conferences that are perfect for connecting with potential employers in health sciences administration.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow health policy news and trends—being knowledgeable about the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also make you stand out as a candidate. You can discuss recent developments and their implications when chatting with folks at Gentoo Group Limited.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility
When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like Gentoo Group Limited, don’t forget to apply through our website. This can sometimes give you an edge by showing the employer you’re savvy and committed to finding the right fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Health & Safety Advisor in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at Gentoo Group Limited.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at Gentoo Group Limited.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to Gentoo Group Limited. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at Gentoo Group Limited. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gentoo Group Limited
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research Gentoo Group Limited’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
