At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead health, safety, and environmental governance for Scotland's canal network.
- Company: Scottish Canals, a unique public organisation dedicated to heritage and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, health cash plan, and pension contributions.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence executive decisions and develop future leaders.
- 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.
Head of Health, Safety and Environment 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
✨Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives
Join local community health events or volunteer for organisations like public health agencies. This not only builds your experience but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know of openings at places like Scottish Canals.
✨Tap into Professional Associations
Check out associations like the Institute of Healthcare Management. They often have job boards, networking events, and conferences that are perfect for connecting with potential employers in health sciences administration.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow health policy news and trends—being knowledgeable about the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also make you stand out as a candidate. You can discuss recent developments and their implications when chatting with folks at Scottish Canals.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility
When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like Scottish Canals, don’t forget to apply through our website. This can sometimes give you an edge by showing the employer you’re savvy and committed to finding the right fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Health, Safety and Environment
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at Scottish Canals.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at Scottish Canals.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to Scottish Canals. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at Scottish Canals. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Canals
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research Scottish Canals’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
