Health & Safety Manager in Forest Row

We are currently recruiting for a Health and Safety Manager to join Glyndebourne on a 12 month, fixed-term contract. The Health and Safety Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing comprehensive health and safety practices to ensure a safe and efficient working environment across the organisation. This role guarantees the organisation's adherence to the most stringent H&S legislation and best practice while applying creative and flexible approaches to risk management that are sympathetic to the unique and evolving needs of a dynamic performing arts environment. The role demands a proactive, visible presence, providing expert guidance, and fostering a proactive and positive safety culture across all organisational tiers.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Policy, Legislation, and Governance
  • Lead on the development of, and continually improve, the Health and Safety culture across the organisation.
  • Advise and assist on all Health and Safety (H&S) matters and keep Glyndebourne updated on all changes in legislation, ensuring the organisation remains legally compliant.
  • Annually review, update, and issue the H&S Policy.
  • Schedule, chair, and minute the monthly H&S Representatives Committee, and sit on the H&S Management Committee to provide advice and report concerns.
  • Prepare Quarterly Audit and Finance Committee Board reports.
• Risk Assessment and Management
  • Develop and promote a positive culture across the organisation in relation to Health and Safety.
  • Prepare risk assessments and support Heads of Department (HODs) where required.
  • Review and maintain safe systems of work arising from risk assessments, for all individuals working or visiting Glyndebourne.
  • Observe fit‑ups, rehearsals, and changeovers to ensure all work is carried out safely.
• Inspections and Audits
  • Oversee a comprehensive program of in‑depth safety inspections and audits across all operational and administrative areas to ensure continuous compliance and identify proactive risk mitigation opportunities.
  • Manage a robust system for maintaining accurate, accessible digital records of all health and safety documentation, including all incidents, accidents, near misses, and statutory reporting data.
• Incident, Accident, and First Aid Governance
  • Direct and administer the accident and incident reporting protocol, ensuring timely and statutory compliant reporting of all RIDDOR incidents.
  • Oversee in‑depth investigations and act as the primary liaison with all relevant enforcing authorities and external legal representation.
• Training and Communication
  • Implement, and govern a comprehensive health and safety induction program and all mandatory training curriculums, ensuring the rigorous maintenance of accurate and auditable documentation for all staff compliance.
• Operational Safety and Compliance
  • Establish and govern compliance programs for all critical operational areas, including the oversight of specialist regulations such as LOLER and COSHH, ensuring all statutory checks and associated documentation are rigorously maintained.
  • Lead the planning and execution of emergency response evacuation protocols in collaboration with the Head of Front of House and other relevant departments.
  • Take responsibility for ensuring fire safety governance across all buildings, ensuring the completion of all annual fire risk assessment actions.
  • Promote and enforce compliance with all fire regulations and safe working practices, focusing on the delivery of continuous improvement and the development of a robust, proactive fire safety awareness culture.

Qualifications

• NEBOSH Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety (or equivalent Level 6 qualification) or a Member of IOSH (CMIOSH).
• Extensive knowledge of current legislation in all areas of Health and Safety at work and the ability to apply this knowledge on a practical, strategic basis.
• Proven experience of advising on Health and Safety matters at all levels and keeping a complex organisation updated on changes in legislation.
• Experience of managing and reporting on safety performance at a senior level, including providing comprehensive reporting.
• Experience of managing the accident, incident, and digital reporting process, including in‑depth investigation of near misses and the accurate recording and reporting of RIDDOR incidents.
• Experience of establishing and monitoring a robust safety management system, including oversight of specialist areas such as LOLER, COSHH, VDU Workstation Assessments, and Noise at Work.
• Experience of managing contractor H&S documentation and ensuring compliance on site.
• Ability to communicate and build credibility at all levels, from staff and management up to the H&S Management Committee, including the ability to simplify and convey complex information.
• Demonstrable ability to influence and implement change across diverse operational and administrative departments (e.g., Technical, Garden, Facilities, Production).
• Proven ability to deliver a comprehensive training programme for staff and management (including First Aid, MEWP, Fire Wardens, etc.).
• Experience of chairing Safety Committees and effectively leading the agenda for H&S Representatives.
• Specific experience in a theatre, production, or events environment, particularly with managing Production Risk Assessments and safe working at height/technical operations.
• Relevant fire safety qualification (e.g., NEBOSH Fire Certificate) is highly desirable, given the need to work with the Fire Safety Group.

Salary and Hours

We can offer a salary of c.£45,000 per annum. Salaries are reviewed annually on 1st January. This is a 12 month, fixed‑term position. The hours of work are 35 per week Monday‑Friday with an hour for lunch. However you may be required to work additional hours to meet the demands of the role. This is an in‑person position, onsite at Glyndebourne.

Benefits

• Subsidised dining at our onsite restaurants
• Discount at the Glyndebourne shop
• Staff events
• Corporate Gym memberships
• Free Pilates and Zumba classes
• Free tea and coffee
• Free on‑site parking
• An onsite Physiotherapist
• Cost‑price electric car charging
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Long service awards
• Discount at various highstreet retailers through the Glyndebourne benefits hub
• Beautiful working environment
• Free minibus service to and from Lewes railway station