At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead health and safety strategy, ensuring compliance and promoting a positive safety culture.
- Company: Join the largest Housing Association in the South-East with a strong social purpose.
- Benefits: 30 days holiday, generous pension, health cash plan, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in health and safety while shaping policies that protect communities.
- Qualifications: NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent and significant experience in health and safety leadership.
- Other info: Great visibility at board level with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
Are you a confident and dynamic Head of Health and Safety seeking to join a growing, values-led organisation with a clear social purpose? Due to a recent merger, we are recruiting for the largest Housing Association in the South-East, managing over 27,000 homes across Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire.
About the Role:
You will lead the operational delivery of health and safety strategy across the organisation, ensuring compliance with legislation and best practice. Reporting to the Director β Health, Safety & Facilities, this role will manage a team of health and safety professionals, oversee risk management, and embed a positive safety culture throughout all business activities, and provide strategic support in shaping policies and frameworks that safeguard residents, colleagues, and contractors.
A key element of this role is to lead, influence and drive the evolution of health and safety processes and procedures for Property and Development & Regeneration services, which form over half of operations. This will be achieved through adopting a strong business partnering/mentoring approach to guide continuous improvements. The successful candidate will have a strong self-starter mindset who views challenges as chances to innovate and learn.
Key Responsibilities:
- Review existing H&S processes and identify areas to standardise procedures across functions for consistency and efficiency and implement best-in-class solutions.
- Ensure adherence to all relevant legislation, regulations, and sector-specific requirements.
- Oversee audits, inspections, and incident investigations, ensuring corrective actions are completed within specified time frames.
- Engage stakeholders at all levels to promote ownership and leadership of health and safety.
- Work with L&D to ensure impactful training and awareness programs are delivered.
- Champion a proactive safety culture, providing training, coaching and guidance to staff and contractors.
Experience required:
- NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent qualification (Level 6).
- Proven significant experience in health and safety leadership roles.
- Strong knowledge of UK health and safety legislation and best practice.
- Understanding of statutory compliance with legislation and regulations including but not limited to asbestos, legionella, LOLER, electricity, gas, fire etc.
Attractive benefits package includes:
- 30 days holiday, plus Christmas closure and buy options.
- Generous pension scheme β up to 9.5% employer contribution via salary sacrifice.
- Family-friendly leave: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
- Health cash plan β claim up to Β£1,800 for everyday health costs (plus free kidsβ cover).
- Life cover and income protection.
- Flexible working β hybrid options, modern offices, free parking & EV charging - 2 days in the office per week minimum.
The successful candidate will be a confident and experienced presenter and this role has great visibility and exposure at board level where you will have a voice and directly impact decision making. If you are looking for your next step in H&S or looking to move into a Not for Profit organisation where you can give back, apply now!
Head of Health, and Safety in Watford employer: Signet Recruitment and Retention
Contact Detail:
Signet Recruitment and Retention Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Head of Health, and Safety in Watford
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the health and safety field. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and donβt be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the companyβs values and recent projects. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission. Remember, they want someone who not only knows their stuff but also fits into their culture!
β¨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how youβve driven health and safety initiatives in the past. Highlight your ability to influence and mentor others β itβs all about demonstrating that you can lead a team effectively!
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. So, get your application in and letβs make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Health, and Safety in Watford
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Head of Health and Safety role. Highlight your leadership experience and knowledge of health and safety legislation to show us youβre the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why youβre passionate about health and safety and how your values align with our organisation's social purpose. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements in previous roles. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate how youβve improved health and safety processes or fostered a positive safety culture.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. Itβs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you donβt miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Signet Recruitment and Retention
β¨Know Your Legislation
Brush up on UK health and safety legislation relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how youβve implemented these laws in previous positions, as this will show your expertise and confidence in the field.
β¨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Think about examples where you've successfully led a team or influenced stakeholders. Highlight your mentoring approach and how it has driven improvements in health and safety processes. This will demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire others.
β¨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific health and safety challenges. Prepare scenarios from your past experience where youβve identified risks and implemented solutions, showcasing your problem-solving skills.
β¨Emphasise Your Commitment to Culture
Discuss how youβve fostered a positive safety culture in previous roles. Share strategies youβve used to engage staff and promote ownership of health and safety, as this aligns with the organisation's values and mission.