Fire Safety Advisor in Barnstaple

Are you passionate about protecting people, buildings, and vital services? Join one of the largest acute NHS Trusts in the South West and play a key role in safeguarding patients, staff, and infrastructure as our Fire Safety Advisor. This is an exciting opportunity to shape fire safety across a diverse healthcare estate at a time of significant capital development and investment.

As a Fire Safety Advisor, you’ll be a trusted expert and Competent Person, providing professional guidance on all aspects of fire safety and risk management across the Trust. You’ll work proactively with managers and staff to ensure we meet our legal and regulatory responsibilities, while continuously improving fire prevention and safety standards.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading on fire risk assessments and fire safety audits across acute and community sites
• Providing specialist technical advice on fire safety and building compliance
• Designing and delivering fire safety training (practical and theoretical) for staff
• Monitoring and improving fire precautions and safety systems
• Acting as a key liaison with Fire & Rescue Services
• Supporting major capital projects to ensure fire safety is embedded from design through to delivery

This is more than a compliance role – it’s an opportunity to influence fire safety across a large and complex NHS estate, be part of a supportive team of Estates professionals, contribute to major ongoing and future developments within the Trust, and develop your career with training and progression opportunities, including specialist qualifications up to degree level.

We’re looking for a motivated professional who can combine technical expertise with strong relationship-building skills. You will bring:

• Experience in fire safety, building safety, or risk management (healthcare, local authority, consultancy, or similar)
• A solid understanding of fire safety legislation and building compliance
• A Level 3 qualification in fire safety, building, or engineering (or equivalent)
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence at all levels
• A proactive, resilient, and self-motivated approach
• A full UK driving licence and ability to travel between sites

Not from a healthcare background? We welcome experienced fire service professionals and will support you to gain specialist healthcare fire safety knowledge through structured training and apprenticeships.

Working Pattern: 37.5 hours per week. Flexible and part-time options considered.

Interview Date: To be confirmed.

For further information please contact: Jeff Harding, Senior Fire Safety Officer – 07385 935944 / Jeff.harding@nhs.net

This is an internal vacancy for Royal Devon employees, therefore Bank workers are currently not eligible to apply for this vacancy.

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Preference will be given to staff with ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

About Us: Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people’s own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).

Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.

Our values are at the heart of everything we do. It has never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you will help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.

Looking after you is important to us. We strive to help our staff create a healthy work‑life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies. If you are starting out in the NHS, you’ll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays. You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.

We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team. This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.

Salary is not the only financial benefit: You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:

• National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
• Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter.
• Car lease schemes.
• The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
• Cycle to work scheme.

These are just a few of the benefits available – if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.

Salary Band 5: £32,073 - £39,043 per annum per rata. Frequency Annual. Vacancy Reference 185-1563-13401. Contract Type Permanent. Closing Date 24 June, 2026. Job Category Cleaning & Facilities.