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- Tasks: Join us as a Health and Safety Officer, ensuring safety for our firefighting and office teams.
- Company: Be part of the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, dedicated to community safety and employee wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible hours, 28 days leave, and access to an onsite gym.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on health and safety culture while working in a supportive public service environment.
- Qualifications: You need a NEBOSH certificate and at least one year of health and safety advisory experience.
- Other info: We value diversity and welcome applications for part-time or job-share arrangements.
The predicted salary is between 32600 - 37400 £ per year.
Check below to see if you have what is needed for this opportunity, and if so, make an application asap.
Benefits
- Salary: £38,626 - £43,693 per annum, Grade 5
- Hours: Part Time - 37 hours per week
- Location – Service Headquarters, Calcot, Reading
- Excellent annual leave allowance of 28 days (pro rata), flexible working, onsite gym, parking facilities and a Local Government Pension Scheme are available
About the role:
We are looking for an experienced Health and Safety Officer, who will be able to apply their health and safety expertise to controlling the wide range of hazards faced by RBFRS staff, which include frontline firefighting roles, office-based roles and staff working within our communities. The Health and Safety Officer will be an integral member of the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Team, reporting to the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Manager they will provide competent health and safety advice, guidance and support to staff at all levels of the organisation and promote a positive health and safety culture.
The successful candidate is expected to work from service headquarters in Calcot, Reading weekly and to regularly visit fire stations across Berkshire. In line with our flexible working policy, this can be balanced with working from home, dependent on organisational and team requirements, to support a good work / life balance. This is a great opportunity to work for a Public Service organisation which invests in the development and wellbeing of employees.
About you:
The successful candidate will bring sound knowledge of health and safety legislation and best practice guidance and have previous advisory experience within an organisation, which following an induction, can be applied to the fire sector. This background will ensure you can provide competent support, advice and guidance, to all levels of the organisation from day one. Whilst we work closely with our colleagues who provide fire safety advice to the community and businesses, the focus of this role is on employee health safety and wellbeing, rather than fire safety.
We are seeking a highly motivated, proactive team player that can prioritise tasks, and manage their own workload. You will need the ability to communicate effectively and build relationships with staff at all levels of the organisation.
Key Responsibilities and Deliverables:
- Assists in the development and maintenance of the RBFRS Health and Safety Management System to ensure that RBFRS conforms to current and prospective health and safety legislation.
- Undertake and develop risk assessments when required and provide competent advice, guidance and support in the risk assessment process, to all members of the Service.
- Support the review of accident investigations and following up on recommendations with other department managers to completion.
- To represent the department and give competent advice and solutions regarding organisational projects / activities.
- Maintain and analyse data and produce monthly and ad hoc reports.
- Write and review internal health and safety policies and documentation.
- Undertake and contribute to H&S projects.
- Take part in external Southeast Region peer review audits and internal audits.
Key role requirements (knowledge, skills and experience):
- NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety or equivalent.
- Technical Membership of IOSH (Tech IOSH).
- At least one year’s previous health and safety advisory experience within an organisation (a requirement of Tech IOSH membership).
- Excellent written communication skills, including reports and policy.
- Good interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships and communicate with people at all levels.
- Able to manage workloads to meet deadlines and be flexible and adaptable to changing priorities and needs.
Application and selection process:
The successful candidate will demonstrate and promote behaviours in line with the Job Profile/Person Specification and our Behaviour Competency Framework as attached. The Behavioural Competency Framework allows us to easily identify the behaviours that drive successful performance and enables us to deliver an effective service. The behaviours detailed within the job profile will be assessed throughout the selection process.
If you are interested in applying for this position, click Apply Now. Please see the link on application to the Job Profile/Person Specification. Appointment is conditional upon undertaking a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Rechecks will be required in line with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy. Please note we do not accept applications via Agencies or CVs without an accompanying application form. Closing date for applications is 17:00 hours Sunday 30 March 2025. It is anticipated that the assessment/interview process will take place on 15, 16, 22 and 23 April 2025. The interview will include a short presentation, the topic will be confirmed on invitation to interview. Anticipated start date: May 2025.
Please note that it is your personal responsibility to check whether by applying / accepting this position it would result in any Annual Allowance implications. A breach in the Annual Allowance threshold could result in a Tax charge.
Our Commitments:
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service values your individuality, your diversity and your dignity. All are welcome here. Inclusion, diversity and equality are principles which guide our decisions and will be visible throughout the Service, and we will continually work to improve in these areas. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture of dignity and trust where everyone feels safe and comfortable to bring their whole self to work. Simply: The communities we serve are varied and diverse, we should be too.
Applications are welcome for job-share or part time arrangements please enquire on application. All applications are considered on merit alone. We are a Disability Confident Leader – if you meet the essential criteria of the role, you will be guaranteed an interview if you choose to opt into the Offer of an Interview Scheme (formerly known as the Guaranteed Interview Scheme). Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and all employees must share this commitment.
Health and Safety Officer employer: Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service
Contact Detail:
Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Health and Safety Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific health and safety legislation relevant to the fire sector. This will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the unique challenges faced by RBFRS staff.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of RBFRS, especially those in health and safety roles. They can provide valuable insights into the organisational culture and expectations, which can be beneficial during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by developing a short presentation on a relevant health and safety topic. This will showcase your expertise and communication skills, aligning with the role's requirements and demonstrating your proactive approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your ability to build relationships across all levels of an organisation. Think of examples from your past experience where you successfully collaborated with different teams, as this is crucial for the Health and Safety Officer role.
We think you need these skills to ace Health and Safety Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in health and safety. Include specific examples of your advisory roles, risk assessments, and any policies you've developed or reviewed.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your understanding of the role and the organisation. Mention your NEBOSH certification and how your previous experience aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Demonstrate Communication Skills: Since excellent written communication is essential for this role, ensure your application is clear, concise, and free of errors. Use professional language and structure your documents logically.
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've built relationships and communicated effectively with various stakeholders. This will demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively within the organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you have a solid understanding of health and safety legislation relevant to the role. Brush up on key regulations and best practices, as you'll likely be asked to demonstrate your knowledge during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions where you may need to provide advice on risk assessments or accident investigations. Think of examples from your previous experience that showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to handle real-life situations.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Health and Safety Officer, effective communication is crucial. Be prepared to discuss how you've built relationships with staff at various levels in your previous roles. Highlight any experiences where your communication made a positive impact.
✨Practice Your Presentation
Since the interview includes a short presentation, practice delivering it clearly and confidently. Make sure to structure your content well and engage your audience, as this will reflect your ability to communicate complex information effectively.
