At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop Health and Safety strategies for a diverse organisation.
- Company: Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council, committed to safety and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible working, generous leave, and extensive development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to equality and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on health and safety culture in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: NEBOSH General Certificate and significant experience in Health and Safety leadership.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Employer: Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council
Location: Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council, Magdalen House/Agile
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full Time
Hours: 36 hours per week.
DBS Check: No
Closing Date: 14/08/2026 at 17:00
Reference: REA/26/341868
Are you an experienced Health and Safety leader looking to make a real impact across a large and diverse organisation? This newly created role will be an exciting opportunity to develop and lead on Sefton’s Council’ Health and Safety priorities. We are seeking a dynamic and influential Head of Health and Safety to lead our corporate Health and Safety function. Reporting to the Executive Director of Regeneration, Economy and Assets, you will provide strategic leadership, expert advice and professional challenge to ensure a strong culture of safety, compliance and continuous improvement across the Council. You will set expectations, model behaviours and professionally challenge where needed to embed accountability and learning into daily operations.
About the Role
- Lead the Council's Health and Safety Strategy, Framework, Policies and Procedures
- Be proactive in developing, reviewing and implementing Health and Safety policies and procedures
- Act as the Council's senior Health and Safety adviser
- Drive compliance, assurance and risk management across all services
- Lead a team of Health and Safety professionals
- Support major corporate priorities, including the Corporate Landlord Model
- Build strong relationships with senior leaders, Elected Members and regulators
About You
You will be a qualified Health and Safety professional with:
- NEBOSH General Certificate.
- Level 6 Diploma (or equivalent) in Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Management.
- Chartered IOSH membership (or working towards).
- Significant experience leading Health and Safety within a large, complex organisation.
- Excellent leadership, influencing and communication skills.
Why Join Sefton?
- A competitive local government pay and pension package.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Generous annual leave entitlement.
- Extensive learning and development opportunities.
- A supportive, inclusive and forward-thinking culture.
Join us and help make a difference.
Closing Date: Friday, 14 August 2026 at 5.00pm (Please note we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applicants)
Interview Date: Monday, 24 August and Friday, 4 September 2026
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
Sefton Council strives to ensure that our workforce is inclusive and representative of our communities. A diverse workforce is important to us, our staff bring with them a wide range of experiences, views, ideas, and innovations, and we are committed to providing an environment that recognises, respects, and values everybody’s identity, where individual differences are strengths and where everyone can thrive and maximise their potential. We are always open to learning and growing as an organisation, and we welcome new ideas and initiatives that promote equality, diversity and inclusion. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer; all candidates will receive equal treatment. Our decision to appoint will be based upon whether an individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, and abilities make them the most suitable candidate for the role. Please note that all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for these jobs (as given in the Person Specification) and who want to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme will be invited to interview. If you are currently in care or have previously been in care, we provide a guaranteed interview scheme for care experienced people if you meet the essential requirements for the role.
Head of Health and Safety employer: Sefton Council
Sefton Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the growth and development of its employees. With a strong focus on educational innovation, this role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community while benefiting from professional development programmes and collaborative partnerships. Working in Sefton not only allows you to contribute to the future of education but also provides a vibrant environment that values diversity and encourages creative solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Health and Safety
✨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 Sefton Council.
✨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 Sefton Council.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility
When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like Sefton Council, 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 and Safety
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 Sefton Council.
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 Sefton Council.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to Sefton Council. 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 Sefton Council. 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 Sefton Council
✨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 Sefton Council’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!
