Occupational Health Physician - Human resources - 106999 - Grade 10

The University of Birmingham is seeking a qualified and experienced Occupational Health Physician to join its in-house Occupational Health and Wellbeing Service. This role is central to supporting the health, safety, and wellbeing of our diverse staff population, including academic, research, and professional services colleagues.

The post holder will provide expert clinical and strategic leadership, manage complex medical cases, contribute to health risk management, and play an active role in shaping and delivering a proactive, high-quality occupational health service aligned with university policies, legislative requirements, and SEQOHS standards.

• Clinical Leadership and Case Management
  • Provide expert clinical oversight for complex occupational health cases referred by the nursing team.
  • Conduct specialist assessments for fitness for work, return-to-work, and ill-health retirement.
  • Advise on reasonable adjustments and workplace accommodations in line with the Equality Act 2010.
  • Support the management of long-term sickness absence, facilitating early interventions and rehabilitation.
  • Assess and review complex cases, ensuring clear, evidence-based recommendations are communicated effectively to management and HR.
  • Liaise with external healthcare providers, GPs, and specialists to coordinate care and ensure continuity.
  • Provide advice on workplace health risks, environmental hazards, and compliance with statutory health requirements.
  • Undertake pre-employment fitness assessments and advise on medical suitability for specific roles.
  • When required, visit university campuses, colleges, and departments to support managers on workplace health issues.
  • Work in conjunction with the Head of Service to ensure the effective delivery, governance, and development of the OH service.
• Health Surveillance and Risk Management
  • Provide clinical support and interpretation for health surveillance programmes (e.g. HAVS, audiometry, spirometry, biological monitoring).
  • Review escalated cases and advise on appropriate medical management and workplace controls.
  • Support immunisation and vaccination protocols for staff in clinical, laboratory, or international roles.
  • Contribute to risk assessments and workplace inspections, providing specialist medical input.
• Strategic and Advisory Responsibilities
  • Work collaboratively with HR, Health & Safety, and senior leadership to develop and implement occupational health, wellbeing, and attendance strategies.
  • Advise on policies and procedures relating to sickness absence management, rehabilitation, stress, and mental wellbeing.
  • Provide expert input into occupational health governance, service improvement, and compliance with SEQOHS standards.
  • Contribute to the strategic planning and evaluation of the Occupational Health Service to ensure alignment with university goals.
• Education, Engagement, and Health Promotion
  • Contribute to university-wide health promotion campaigns and wellbeing initiatives.
  • Engage with staff and managers to promote a proactive, inclusive, and preventative approach to workplace health.
  • Provide mentorship and professional guidance to Occupational Health Nurses and contribute as a senior clinical leader within the Occupational Health leadership team, supporting wider engagement, governance, and continuous service improvement.
• Governance and Professional Standards
  • Ensure all clinical activity complies with GMC guidance, Data Protection/GDPR, Equality legislation, and University policies.
  • Maintain accurate, confidential electronic medical records and ensure appropriate clinical documentation standards.
  • Participate in clinical audit, service evaluation, and continuous quality improvement activities.
  • Keep abreast of developments in occupational medicine and maintain CPD and professional revalidation in accordance with Faculty of Occupational Medicine standards.

• GMC-registered Medical Doctor with a recognised qualification in Occupational Medicine (MFOM, AFOM, or equivalent).
• Significant experience providing occupational health advice in a large, complex organisation (e.g. university, NHS, or public sector).
• Strong understanding of UK employment law, health and safety legislation, and disability equality requirements.
• Proven ability to manage complex cases with sound clinical judgement and clear written communication.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to engage and influence at all organisational levels.
• Commitment to evidence-based practice, clinical governance, and ongoing professional development.
• Experience working within higher education, research-intensive, or laboratory-based environments.
• Familiarity with electronic occupational health systems and reporting tools.

The role holder will be expected to contribute to the ongoing development of an innovative and responsive occupational health service that supports the University’s people strategy and fosters a healthy, safe, and inclusive working environment.

OH & DBS required. The University is committed to safeguarding and we promote safe recruitment practice, therefore all associated pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. Due to the nature of the work undertaken in this role all successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Occupational Health and DBS clearance prior to appointment.

Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy.