Registrar and Chief Operating Officer in Liverpool

Job Summary

As Competent Person, provide an assurance and advisory service on the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and associated fire safety legislation or standards, to ensure a coordinated, strategic and collaborative approach to the management of fire safety risk, the achievement of a positive culture and high standards of fire safety performance. Accountable to the Director, Safety, Health and Environment.

Duties

• Undertake the functions of a 'competent person', in relation to such duties as required under the provisions of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and be the main point of contact with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service inspection and enforcement officers.
• Plan, conduct, document and review fire risk assessments, in accordance with BSI PAS 79 and present to the Fire Safety Management Sub-Committee and relevant Directors. Monitor actions, working collaboratively with the Estate Development Department and contractors, and Faculty Management staff and report findings to the Fire Safety Management Sub-Committee, University Health and Safety Committee and Executive Leadership Team, as required.
• Undertake and communicate recommendations contained within Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres (DSEAR) risk assessments; also advise the Estate Development Department in appointing consultants to undertake the same. Monitor actions, working collaboratively with the Estate Development Department and contractors.
• Review building fire strategies and provide technical and legislative fire safety advice and support to the Estate Development Department in respect of building, refurbishment and maintenance projects, from feasibility to completion, maintaining excellent communications with the project teams, architects, design engineers and building control bodies. Be consulted on the use of hot work permits, witnessing commissioning, testing of life safety systems and handovers.
• Review the University Fire Risk Management Plan and relevant Policy documents; monitor changes to legislation and good practice/industry guidance that significantly affect the university, disseminating relevant information and advice on its practical application.
• Working closely with the Estate Development Department, plan and carry out fire safety audits and inspections of university buildings to ensure that statutory fire precautions are being maintained, identifying non-compliance in activities or conditions, taking appropriate action, including the issue of internal enforcement notices, where appropriate.
• Maintain auditable records of implementation of the university's fire safety management systems, including up to date records of fire risk assessments, fire strategies and emergency plans to keep fire risk assessments alive.
• Maintain a positive relationship with local authority planning officers; local authority enforcement officers; licensing authorities; and Health and Safety Executive Inspectors. Liaise with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and relevant Faculties and Departments, facilitating and hosting Site Specific Risk Information Surveys, familiarisation visits and formal inspections/audits (with colleagues from the Estate Development and Campus Services Departments, as appropriate), collating relevant documentation and addressing concerns.
• Provide advice on the fire safety implications of implementation of Public Protection Measures and Procedures, required by the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act, 2025.
• Design and deliver fire safety training, including bespoke fire and Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations training, to address specific risks within laboratories and workshops. Review fire safety training needs arising from fire drills, emergency plans and investigation of fire alarm activations and develop and maintain a fire safety training needs matrix, liaising with Management to ensure training is up to date and recorded appropriately.
• Review and maintain the communication strategy to engage with students, to ensure they have an appropriate awareness of fire safety.
• Provide specialist technical advice to inform the compilation of General Emergency Evacuation Plans and Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) when required, such as determining building features and engineering services that support such plans (and to complete PEEPs as necessary). Liaise with Disability Coordinators over student issues raising from PEEPs, within the confines of Data Protection and Equality law.
• Devise, document and review emergency plans for university buildings, evaluating and revising those plans where necessary, such as when construction work affects means of escape strategies and other fire protection measures, or to accommodate major events. Provide advice as necessary to event planners on the suitability, setup and management of conferences and events.
• Consult with key stakeholders, particularly Campus Services Security, to plan, communicate and implement annual fire drill programmes for the university.
• Advise on fire risk management to Faculties, Professional Services and the Estate Development Department, to reduce the risk from fire to buildings, even if occupied on a temporary basis (i.e., leased buildings), advising on the appropriate control measures for compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, Building Regulations, and Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations and other relevant legislation. Provide advice and support to Fire Evacuation Team meetings and Faculty/Professional Services Health and Safety Sub-Committee meetings.
• Investigate fires and fire alarm activations and produce reports, detailing recommendations for mitigation strategies. Write the Annual Fire Safety Report; consulting with the University Health and Safety Committee and the Fire Safety Management Sub-Committee.
• Liaise with the Estate Development Department to monitor the timely testing, inspection and maintenance of fire detection systems and firefighting equipment, ensuring that all remediation works are detailed and deficiencies are reported to the Estate Management Department.
• Be part of the university's Incident Management Team and to be available, outside normal hours, to provide specialist advice.
• Undertake any other duties, commensurate with the grade, as deemed necessary by the Director, Safety, Health and Environment.
• A commitment to LJMU's values and regulations and Diversity and Inclusion Policy.
• Commitment to adhere to and promote the ethos of Respect Always as set out in the Respect Always Charter.
• Liverpool John Moores University recognises and is aware of its Social, Economic and Environmental responsibilities. The post holder is required to minimise the environmental impact in the performance of the role, contribute

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