At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a transformative health and safety project, embedding modern safety practices across the organisation.
- Company: Somerset Care, a forward-thinking organisation prioritising health and safety.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive workplace, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in workplace safety and culture while leading impactful change.
- Qualifications: Experience in health and safety management and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and safeguarding.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 75000 £ per year.
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Location: Taunton, Somerset (Support Office)
Contract: 12-month Fixed Term Contract
Hours: 37.5 hours/week (typically 09:00-17:00)
Salary: £62,000-£75,000
The Opportunity
This is a rare opportunity to lead an organisation-wide transformation in health and safety - moving from a predominantly compliance-based approach (Safety-I) to an integrated assurance and learning-based approach (Safety-II). You will help embed a modern view of safety that connects statutory compliance, incident learning, workforce wellbeing, leadership behaviours and safety culture - making safer work easier to deliver every day.
Your Role
- Act as Somerset Care's named competent person (Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations).
- Provide professional advice and support to leaders (with operational leaders retaining accountability for managing risks).
- Work cross-functionally with Property, Quality, HR and Operations.
- Design and embed a new Health & Safety Assurance Framework.
- Introduce a quarterly Health & Safety Assurance Report for ELT and the Quality Committee.
- Support business continuity planning, policy review and development.
What You'll Deliver
- Health & Safety Assurance Framework designed, implemented and embedded.
- Quarterly Health & Safety Assurance Report providing meaningful oversight and insight.
- Safety-II learning mechanisms embedded (e.g., good catches, learning reviews, proactive safety behaviours).
- Improved action tracking, assurance follow-through and visibility of risk controls.
- Consistent competent person advice and practical guidance across services.
- Capability and engagement strengthened so safer work becomes easier to deliver.
About You
You are an experienced change leader with strong health and safety professional competence. You can operate credibly as Somerset Care's named competent person while leading an organisation-wide programme to design, implement and embed a modern health and safety assurance and learning system aligned to Safety-II principles. You are comfortable influencing at senior level, translating complex information into clear assurance, and engaging colleagues across services.
Essential Criteria
Experience & Knowledge
- Built or overhauled an H&S management/assurance system end-to-end (governance, assurance cycle, reporting, audit schedule, embedding into practice).
- Health/care experience (e.g., CQC-regulated, multi-site) and understanding of sector risks.
- Senior stakeholder engagement (ELT/Board papers, dashboards, assurance narrative).
- Strong implementation capability: communication, adoption planning, training, embedding routines, follow-through.
Qualifications
- NEBOSH National General Certificate (or equivalent).
- Ability to operate as the organisation's named competent person.
- Project/programme delivery qualification (e.g., PRINCE2 Practitioner / APM PMQ, or equivalent experience).
Desirable
- NEBOSH Diploma and/or IOSH route (GradIOSH / CMIOSH, or working towards).
- Experience shifting from "paper compliance" to a learning system and strengthening safety culture.
- Practical Safety-II approaches (learning teams, walk rounds/huddles, good catches, capacity-to-succeed measures).
- Experience working with unions/H&S reps, contractors and external agencies.
How to Apply
Please submit a CV and covering letter. In no more than 300 words, describe a Health & Safety system or assurance framework you have built or transformed, and the measurable impact it had. Alternatively, email your application to recruitmentteam@somersetcare.co.uk with "Health and Safety Project Manager" in the subject line.
Closing date: Friday 20th February | Interviews: shortly after
Somerset Care Limited is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination. We are an Equal Opportunity employer and welcome applications from all individuals. As this position involves "regulated activity" (as defined by the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006) an Enhanced DBS check will be undertaken. It's a criminal offence for people who are barred from working in regulated activity (under the Safeguarding and Vulnerable Groups Act 2006) to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with that particular group. Somerset Care is committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults and children at risk.
Apply now!
Project Manager - Health & Safety System Transformation (Named Competent Person) in Taunton employer: Somerset Care
Contact Detail:
Somerset Care Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager - Health & Safety System Transformation (Named Competent Person) in Taunton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the health and safety sector, especially those who might know about opportunities at Somerset Care. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on Safety-II principles. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented or transformed health and safety systems in the past. Show us you know your stuff!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job alerts! Regularly check our website for new openings and apply directly. It shows initiative and keeps you ahead of the game.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice your storytelling skills. When discussing your experience, focus on specific examples that highlight your impact on health and safety systems. We love hearing about measurable outcomes!
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager - Health & Safety System Transformation (Named Competent Person) in Taunton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Project Manager role. Highlight your experience in health and safety systems, especially any transformations you've led. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, focus on a specific Health & Safety system or assurance framework you've built or transformed. Keep it concise and impactful, showing us the measurable results of your work. Remember, we love clear and engaging narratives!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a change leader, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to influence and engage stakeholders. Use examples from your past experiences where you successfully communicated complex information to senior leaders. We want to see your leadership shine through!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications better and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s make this easy for both of us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Somerset Care
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in health and safety regulations, especially the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations. Brush up on your knowledge of Safety-I and Safety-II principles, as you'll need to demonstrate how you can shift from compliance to a more integrated approach.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss specific examples of health and safety systems you've built or transformed. Highlight measurable impacts and be ready to explain how your previous roles have prepared you for this position, particularly in engaging senior stakeholders and implementing change.
✨Engage with the Panel
During the interview, don’t just answer questions—engage with the interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their current health and safety practices and express your ideas on how to improve them. This shows your proactive attitude and genuine interest in the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Project Manager, you’ll need to lead cross-functional teams. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully influenced others, managed conflicts, and driven change in previous roles.