Safety Health and Environment (SHE) Advisor
Science and Technology Facilities Council
Salary: £52,907 to £58,918 per annum depending on experience
Hours: Full time, on-site
Contract Type: Open-ended
Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE
Closing date: 14th June 2026
A vacancy exists in the STFC Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Group at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL). SHE Group supports a portfolio of scientific programmes and associated infrastructure projects across STFC sites.
Reporting to the RAL SHE Group Team Leader, this role will support the safe delivery of research and construction activities, contributing to the effective implementation and ongoing development of SHE arrangements across STFC.
Working as part of a small, multidisciplinary team, the post holder will bring relevant skills and experience to complement existing capability within the SHE Group and support the delivery of SHE services to a range of stakeholders.
We are seeking a SHE professional with demonstrable experience of successfully delivering in an advisory capacity within academia, engineering, construction, chemical, manufacturing, or technology related environments. The successful candidate will have a strong track record of influencing safety culture and supporting the delivery of improvements across areas of SHE relevant to STFC operations. Applications are welcomed from individuals with a combined background in health and safety and environmental management.
Responsibilities
- Provide professional SHE advice and guidance to management, employees, tenants, and science facility users and support them in discharging their responsibility for the implementation of the STFC SHE Management System.
- Support development of the STFC’s documented SHE Codes based upon experience of internal application, audit findings, external best practice, and legislative changes identified through horizon scanning.
- Manage and develop the provision of effective, efficient and professional SHE services to STFC staff, contractors, tenants, visitors and users.
- Ensure that all SHE incidents, including injuries, near misses, fires, environmental and vehicle incidents are reported, investigated appropriately and actions established to minimise the likelihood of their repetition. Sharing STFC wide learning appropriately.
- Monitor and audit the effectiveness and efficiency of the SHE Management System, its policies and procedures, at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory and as appropriate other STFC sites.
- Communicate and liaise closely with the key stakeholders in the STFC SHE Management System, in particular, safety and environment committees, trade union safety representatives, Departmental Safety Contacts, those appointed to key SHE roles, the Health and Safety Executive and emergency services.
- Assist with the preparation and delivery of STFC-specific on-line and face-to-face SHE training programmes.
Other requirements
- Available to work and travel in the UK and abroad; and
- Available to work flexibly, including occasional work or telephone contact at weekends or out of normal working hours.
Essential Shortlisting Criteria
The following criteria will be assessed at shortlisting (S), at interview (I) or both (S&I).
- Educated to degree or HND level in a science or engineering discipline. (S)
- Demonstrable experience of successful delivery of a SHE Advisory role in academia, engineering, construction, chemical, manufacturing or technology related area. (S&I)
- NEBOSH National Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Professionals or equivalent qualification or working towards. (S)
- A working knowledge of current and forthcoming changes to UK SHE legislation relevant to STFC. (S&I)
- Strong oral and written communication skills. (I)
- Evidence of excellent interpersonal skills deployed with staff at all levels. (I)
- Strong IT skills and specific experience of the Microsoft Office software suite. (S&I)
- Proactive with a high degree of self-motivation and independence, able to deliver under pressure and against tight deadlines. (I)
- There will also be a requirement to visit and work at other STFC sites as appropriate to the individual’s responsibilities within the STFC SHE Management System. (I)
STFC values their employees by offering a benefits package designed to provide an excellent work/life balance including 30 days’ annual leave, 10.5 public and privilege holidays, flexible working hours, an exceptional average salary pension scheme, social and sporting activities and societies and a subsidised restaurant.
