At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead health, safety, and environmental strategies for Scotland's historic waterways.
- Company: Scottish Canals, a unique public organisation dedicated to sustainability and community connection.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, health cash plan, and pension contributions.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on continuous improvement and community impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a nationally significant organisation and drive meaningful change.
- Qualifications: Chartered membership in health and safety, with strong leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 66672 - 72854 £ per year.
Help Shape a Safe, Sustainable Future for Scottish Canals
Scottish Canals is one of Scotland's most distinctive public organisations.
As custodians of 141 miles of historic waterways, we connect communities, protect nationally significant heritage and create lasting social, environmental and economic value.
As we continue our organisational transformation, we're looking for an exceptional leader to join our senior leadership community as Head of Health, Safety & Environment.
This is a rare opportunity to influence the future of an organisation that combines heritage, sustainability, commercial ambition and public service, while leading critical functions that protect our people, communities, assets and environment.
About the Role
Reporting to the Deputy Director of People & Strategy, you'll lead Scottish Canals' strategic approach to health, safety, environment, sustainability and heritage, ensuring robust governance, compliance and assurance arrangements are in place across the organisation.
You'll provide visible, values-led leadership, helping to embed a proactive culture of safety, accountability and continuous improvement while strengthening organisational resilience and supporting the delivery of our Corporate Plan.
As the organisation's lead professional adviser in health, safety, environment and heritage matters, you'll provide expert advice and assurance to the Chief Executive, Executive Leadership Team and Board on statutory compliance, organisational risk and performance.
You'll also lead a team of specialist professionals responsible for
- Health & Safety
- Environmental Management
- Sustainability & Climate Change
- Heritage Management
- Organisational Resilience & Business Continuity
- Risk Assurance & Compliance
Working closely with senior leaders, regulators, statutory agencies and external partners, you'll help shape decisions that deliver safe operations, environmental stewardship and lasting benefits for Scotland's people, places and communities.
About You
Qualifications and Professional Knowledge
- Chartered membership of IOSH, IIRSM or an equivalent professional body.
- Evidence of current and relevant Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
- Strong knowledge of UK health and safety legislation, compliance frameworks and regulatory requirements.
- Comprehensive understanding of governance, assurance, risk management and organisational resilience.
- Sound understanding of audit methodologies, incident investigation and continuous improvement approaches.
- Knowledge of environmental management, sustainability, climate change and heritage compliance requirements.
- Understanding of regulatory, enforcement and statutory agency processes and expectations.
- Internal Auditor qualification or equivalent assurance qualification is desirable.
Skills and Experience
- Significant experience providing strategic health and safety leadership within a complex, multi-disciplinary organisation.
- Experience leading specialist teams across health, safety, environment, sustainability, heritage or other risk-based disciplines.
- Proven experience developing and implementing organisational health and safety strategies and improvement programmes.
- Strong track record of managing compliance, audit and assurance frameworks and translating findings into sustainable organisational improvement.
- Experience working with regulators, enforcement bodies and statutory agencies, including managing significant compliance issues and investigations.
- Experience leading emergency preparedness, business continuity and organisational resilience arrangements.
- Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data, identify trends and provide strategic insight to senior leaders.
- Strong communication and influencing skills, with experience advising Executive teams, Boards and senior stakeholders.
- Demonstrable experience coaching and developing leaders to strengthen accountability, capability and performance.
- Experience leading environmental, sustainability or heritage compliance functions.
- Leadership Qualities and Personal Attributes
- A visible and credible leader who inspires confidence and promotes a positive culture of safety, accountability and continuous improvement.
- Highly collaborative, with the ability to build strong relationships across a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
- Strategic and forward-thinking, with the ability to balance operational realities with long-term organisational priorities.
- Resilient and solutions-focused, able to make sound judgements in complex and challenging situations.
- Proactive and decisive, with the confidence to challenge constructively and drive meaningful organisational change.
- Committed to continuous improvement, professional excellence and organisational learning.
- Politically aware, with strong personal integrity and the ability to operate effectively in a high-profile public sector environment.
- An inclusive leadership style aligned to Scottish Canals' values of We Care, We Create and We Collaborate.
Why Scottish Canals?
This is an opportunity to
- Shape the future of a nationally significant organisation.
- Lead strategic health, safety and environmental governance across Scotland's canal network.
- Drive organisation-wide culture change and continuous improvement.
- Influence Executive and Board decision-making.
- Lead environmental stewardship, sustainability and heritage outcomes.
- Develop high-performing teams and future leaders.
- Help deliver lasting environmental, social and economic impact across Scotland.
- Reward
Starting salary will be determined in accordance with Scottish Canals' pay arrangements and the successful candidate's experience.
Scottish Canals offer a generous annual leave entitlement of 224 hours, plus 6 public holidays, along with enhanced sick pay, discounted shopping vouchers, health cash plan and a contributory pension scheme with up to 10% employer contribution.
Scottish Canals reserve the right to close this vacancy before the closing date if a sufficient number of applications are received.
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Head of Health, Safety and Environment in Falkirk employer: Scottish Canals
Scottish Canals is an exceptional employer that offers a unique opportunity to lead health, safety, and environmental governance across Scotland's historic waterways. With a strong commitment to sustainability and community impact, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture, generous annual leave, and professional development opportunities that empower them to shape the future of a nationally significant organisation. Join us in making a lasting difference while enjoying a supportive environment that values your expertise and leadership.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Health, Safety and Environment in Falkirk
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Scottish Canals, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Scottish Canals and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Health, Safety and Environment in Falkirk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Scottish Canals and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Canals
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Scottish Canals, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Scottish Canals.
