Health, Safety and Compliance officer

SOAS University of London is the leading Higher Education institution in Europe specialising in the study of Asia, Africa and the Near and Middle East. SOAS University of London is positioned to play a leading role in reimagining higher education globally, with a new strategic plan in place as the basis for the renewal and revitalisation of the School which commits SOAS to both student responsiveness and research intensity. SOAS is moving towards a new model of international partnerships which is responsive to the transnational character of our global challenges.

The Health, Safety and Compliance officer is responsible for assisting and coordinating the estates team with its strategic and comprehensive health and safety agenda, ensuring alignment with institutional objectives and regulatory requirements. The role reports directly to the Assistant Director of Campus Safety and plays a key role in supporting the effective governance of health, safety, and compliance across the school.

The postholder provides expert advice and guidance to the Estates team at all levels, fostering strong internal relationships and promoting a positive culture of health and safety compliance. They are responsible for developing and maintaining effective internal networks, as well as establishing and sustaining external professional networks to support the continuous review and development of health and safety policies and procedures, working closely with the Assistant Director of Campus Safety.

Acting as a principal advisory resource, the postholder supports the team through the provision of specialist expertise, including assisting with internal and external audits, preparing for ISO accreditation and inspection processes, and sharing best practice to ensure continuous improvement and assurance of compliance.

The Security and Safety Department at SOAS University is committed to creating and maintaining a safe, secure, and supportive campus environment for all students, staff, visitors, while also safeguarding the University’s physical assets. To achieve this objective, the Department operates within a comprehensive and robust framework that underpins all aspects of campus safety and security. This framework encompasses a clearly defined safety strategy aligned with the University’s values and risk profile, supported by established policies and detailed operational procedures.

Effective communication is central to the delivery of these arrangements, ensuring that safety information, guidance, and emergency instructions are accessible, timely, and well understood across the SOAS community. The Department also places strong emphasis on training and development, equipping staff and relevant stakeholders with the knowledge and skills required to prevent incidents, respond effectively to emergencies, and promote a culture of shared responsibility for safety.

Continuous improvement is ensured through regular auditing, monitoring, and review of safety practices, allowing the University to identify emerging risks, assess the effectiveness of existing controls, and implement enhancements where necessary. Together, these measures provide a resilient and proactive approach to campus safety, supporting SOAS University’s mission to offer a secure and inclusive learning and working environment.

We are committed to providing a supportive and rewarding work environment. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive range of benefits designed to enhance your well-being and work-life balance:

• Generous Holiday Entitlement: Benefit from 44 days of holiday (30 days annual leave, plus additional days).