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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Evaluate and support regulation of major hazard sites, ensuring safety and compliance.
- Company: Join the Health and Safety Executive, Britain's leading workplace health and safety regulator.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, flexible working, and 25+ days holiday.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public safety while developing your career in a vital field.
- Qualifications: Experience in major hazard risk assessment and a relevant degree required.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with tailored training and excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 55063 - 66338 £ per year.
About Us
The Health and Safety Executive is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. We’re dedicated to protecting people and places, ensuring everyone can lead safer and healthier lives at work.
A key part of HSE, the Chemicals, Explosives & Microbiological Hazards Division (CEMHD) regulates onshore major hazard industries across Great Britain, ensuring businesses effectively manage the risks of catastrophic events. Within this, the Major Hazards Risk Assessment Unit (MHRAU) plays a central role under Control of Major Hazards (COMAH), assessing the adequacy of operators’ major hazard risk assessments to protect people and communities.
We are now looking for three major hazard experts to retrain as HM Specialist Inspectors and join us on a full-time, permanent basis.
The Benefits
- Salary of £55,063 - £66,338 per annum
- A Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 28.97%
- 25 days’ annual holiday increasing to 30 days after five years' service, plus bank holidays and 1-day Civil Service privilege leave
- Family-friendly policies and working hours to help balance your home life and career
- Carer-friendly policies to help create a supportive working culture
- Access to a wide range of fantastic benefits, such as the Cycle to Work Scheme, E-Gift Cards, and Vouchers via our partner EdenRed
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
This is a fantastic opportunity for three major hazards professionals to re-focus their careers and take on inspector positions with our essential organisation. You’ll be supported through a Specialist Training Programme (STP) to gain the skills and expertise to become a safety inspector. You will enrol on the STP and undertake a combination of study, practical experience and a final assessment, ensuring you are equipped to operate at the forefront of your specialist area.
So, if you’re ready to step into a role that combines challenge, purpose, and influence, while helping protect lives and the environment, we want to hear from you.
The Role
As an HM Specialist Inspector, after completing our Specialist Training Programme, you will evaluate and support the regulation of onshore major hazard sites across Great Britain, with a focus on assessing major hazard risks. Specifically, you will assess COMAH operators’ risk assessments, reviewing safety reports and undertaking inspections to ensure hazards are properly identified, analysed and controlled in line with legal requirements.
Alongside this, you will play a key role in public safety within the planning system, carrying out risk assessments on hazardous sites and pipelines, and providing clear, expert advice to planning authorities and stakeholders to support informed decision-making and continuous improvement.
Additionally, you will:
- Analyse hazard scenarios including fires, explosions and toxic releases
- Contribute to technical policy, methodologies and risk assessment tools
- Commission and oversee scientific work and contribute to peer reviews
- Represent us at planning appeals, inquiries and technical forums
Please note, enrolment in the Specialist Training Programme (STP) is a legal requirement that you will be required to study for and successfully complete.
About You
To be considered as an HM Specialist Inspector, you will need:
- Experience in major hazard risk assessment within high-hazard industries
- Experience using risk assessment techniques, methodologies and tools, including hazard identification and scenario analysis
- Experience evaluating individual and societal risk to inform risk management decisions
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage both technical and non-technical stakeholders
- The ability to make effective, evidence-based decisions and take accountability for outcomes
- The confidence to challenge stakeholders at all levels in a professional manner
- A degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant science or engineering discipline
- A full, valid driving licence
The closing date for this role is 21st April 2026.
Equal Opportunities
Webrecruit and the Health and Safety Executive are equal opportunities employers, value diversity and are strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and all applicants for employment. Equal opportunities are the only acceptable way to conduct business and we believe that the more inclusive our environments are, the better our work will be.
HM Specialist Inspector - Major Hazard Risk Assessment in Birmingham employer: Health and Safety Executive
Contact Detail:
Health and Safety Executive Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HM Specialist Inspector - Major Hazard Risk Assessment in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the health and safety field, especially those who work with major hazards. Attend industry events or webinars to make connections and learn more about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of risk assessment techniques and methodologies. Be ready to discuss real-life scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as it’ll show you’re the right fit for the HM Specialist Inspector role.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities and updates directly from us.
We think you need these skills to ace HM Specialist Inspector - Major Hazard Risk Assessment in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in major hazard risk assessment. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant expertise!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain your qualifications and experiences, as this will help us understand your fit for the HM Specialist Inspector role.
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for health and safety shine through! We’re looking for candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in workplace safety, so share why this role matters to you.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity with the Health and Safety Executive!
How to prepare for a job interview at Health and Safety Executive
✨Know Your Hazards
Familiarise yourself with the key hazards relevant to the role, such as fires, explosions, and toxic releases. Be prepared to discuss specific risk assessment techniques you've used in the past and how they apply to major hazard industries.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As an HM Specialist Inspector, you'll need to engage with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Practice articulating complex concepts in simple terms, and be ready to provide examples of how you've influenced decisions in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Analysis
Brush up on your skills in hazard identification and scenario analysis. You might be asked to evaluate a hypothetical situation during the interview, so think through your approach to assessing risks and making evidence-based decisions.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Safety
Express your passion for workplace health and safety. Share experiences that highlight your dedication to protecting people and communities, and be ready to discuss how you would contribute to the culture of inclusion and diversity within the organisation.