At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead health and safety initiatives across multiple sites, ensuring compliance and best practices.
- Company: Join the Bedford College Group, a leading education provider in the South East Midlands.
- Benefits: Enjoy 35 days annual leave, a pension scheme, and retail discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the safety and wellbeing of thousands of learners and staff.
- Qualifications: Level 6 Health & Safety qualification and proven leadership experience required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel opportunities and a commitment to safeguarding students.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ยฃ per year.
Are you an experienced health and safety leader ready to make a real impact? The Bedford College Group is seeking a Group Head of Health and Safety to shape and deliver a culture of safety and wellbeing across our multi-site organisation.
In this pivotal role, youโll:
- Provide strategic leadership and expert advice at the highest level.
- Develop and implement Group-wide health and safety policies and management systems.
- Act as the named Competent Person, ensuring compliance and best practice.
- Influence organisational strategy and foster a positive, learning-led safety culture.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead health and safety in a dynamic, forward-thinking environment where your expertise will protect and empower thousands of learners, staff and visitors.
What weโre looking for:
- Level 6 Health & Safety qualification and IOSH membership
- Proven experience in a complex, multi-site organisation
- Strong leadership, communication, and influencing skills
Location: Whilst this post is based at our Cauldwell Street Campus in Bedford, the post has a group-wide remit, which will require travel to other group locations.
Ready to lead the way? Apply now and help us set new standards of excellence in health and safety.
The interviews will be held on Tuesday 10th February 2026.
Successful candidates must also be able to demonstrate alignment to our organisational VISION values:
- Valuing Teamwork - We are one team who by working together can achieve great things, respecting the opinion and valuing the contribution each of us makes.
- Improving Continuously - We challenge ourselves to always do better by trying new things, sharing knowledge, reflecting on practice and learning from others.
- Student Centred - At our heart is always doing what is best for our students. We consider students in all of our decision making to create positive outcomes and memorable experiences for every student.
- Inclusive - We celebrate differences and diversity, recognising that we can learn from each other.
- Open and Caring - We care about the wellbeing of our staff, our students, our community and wider society, creating an environment built on trust where we listen, engage with and support each other.
- Nurturing Education Excellence - We promote educational excellence by delivering programmes that challenge our students to achieve their ambitions.
About The Bedford College Group
The Bedford College Group was formed in 2017 following the merger of Bedford College and Tresham College and is now the largest provider of education in the South East Midlands, with over 15,000 students passing through our doors each year.
Today, the Group is made up of a family of colleges across Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire: Bedford College, Central Bedfordshire College and Tresham College in the towns of Bedford, Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard, Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough; Shuttleworth College, a specialist land-based college; The Bedford Sixth Form, (the only dedicated sixth form in Bedford); The Corby Sixth Form, (opened in September 2023); and the National College for Motorsport alongside Silverstone race circuit. To widen accessibility to education and training, the Group also has community-based Learning Centres in Bedford, Corby and Kettering which offer IT training.
Safeguarding our Students
The Bedford College Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to thorough vetting process which includes, an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975, provides information about which convictions must be declared during job applications and related exceptions and further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide. The Bedford College Group's policy on Employment of Ex-Offenders is attached to this vacancy.
Candidates who are barred from working with children are reminded it is a criminal offence to apply for this post.
Terms and Conditions - Bedford College
- 37 hours per week (1.0 FTE)
- 35 days annual leave per annum, plus bank holidays
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Retail and Leisure discounts
Group Head of Health and Safety in Bedford employer: The Bedford College Group
Contact Detail:
The Bedford College Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice ๐คซ
We think this is how you could land Group Head of Health and Safety in Bedford
โจTip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the health and safety field, especially those who might have insights into The Bedford College Group. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that arenโt even advertised.
โจTip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the organisationโs values and recent initiatives. Show us how your experience aligns with their vision of teamwork and continuous improvement. Tailor your examples to highlight your leadership skills in a multi-site environment.
โจTip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses. Focus on articulating how you can influence organisational strategy and foster a positive safety culture.
โจTip Number 4
Donโt forget to apply through our website! Itโs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows youโre genuinely interested in being part of our team at The Bedford College Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Head of Health and Safety in Bedford
Some tips for your application ๐ซก
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in health and safety. We want to see how your skills align with our vision and the specific requirements of the Group Head of Health and Safety role.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, emphasise your leadership experience and how you've influenced safety culture in previous roles. Weโre looking for someone who can inspire and lead a team, so let that shine through!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience.
Apply Through Our Website: Donโt forget to submit your application through our website! Itโs the best way for us to receive your details and ensures youโre considered for this exciting opportunity. We canโt wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Bedford College Group
โจKnow Your Stuff
Make sure youโre well-versed in health and safety regulations, especially those relevant to multi-site organisations. Brush up on your Level 6 Health & Safety qualification and IOSH membership details, as youโll want to showcase your expertise during the interview.
โจShowcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led health and safety initiatives in previous roles. Think about times when you influenced organisational strategy or fostered a positive safety culture, as these experiences will resonate with the interviewers.
โจAlign with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with The Bedford College Group's VISION values. Be ready to discuss how you embody these principles, particularly in teamwork, continuous improvement, and student-centred decision-making. This alignment will demonstrate that youโre a great cultural fit.
โจPlan for Travel
Since this role requires travel across multiple sites, be prepared to discuss your flexibility and willingness to visit different locations. Highlight any past experiences where you managed similar responsibilities effectively, showing that you can handle the demands of the job.