Health and Safety Advisor in North East

An exciting opportunity has arisen within Health and Safety for a Health and Safety Advisor.

This post is temporary to cover a period of maternity leave until 30th June 2027 or until the return of the substantive post holder, whichever is sooner.

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

As a Health and Safety Advisor you will provide support and advice across the authority in relation to the Children’s and Young People’s Service (CYPS) and Adults and Health Service (AHS).

You will contribute to the provision of professional health and safety services against the background of the Council’s objectives, guiding principles and equality policies, including the continuous development of a positive health and safety culture, which is regarded as being integral to normal management functions.

You will assist in the formulation of policies and procedures ensuring legislative compliance, best practice, and safe working environments.

We encourage you to contact Lynn Swinney or Victor Collinson via email at lynn.swinney@durham.gov.uk / victor.collinson@durham.gov.uk to arrange an informal discussion about the role.

WHAT WILL I NEED?

You will need NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety or equivalent and/or NEBOSH Health and Safety Management for Construction certificate or equivalent.

Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria.

If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.

Our commitment to safeguarding

Durham County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore if successful in your application, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be sought inclusive of a check of the Children’s Barred List and / or Adults Barred List due to the position working in regulated activity. Applicants should be aware that the DBS check will disclose both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings, in line with current legislation and will confirm whether an individual is barred from working with children, adults, or both.

INTERVIEWS

Interviews will be held as soon after the closing date as possible.

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.

OUR OFFER TO YOU

We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website.

Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.

Company: Durham County Council

Salary: £35,412 to £39,152 p.a. (Grade 9) pay award pending

Location: Durham, Durham

Sector: Education

Job Role: Teaching Assistant