At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead UCL's health and safety strategy, ensuring a culture of safety excellence.
- Company: Join one of the world's leading universities committed to innovation and wellbeing.
- Benefits: 41 days holiday, pension scheme, on-site gym, and employee assistance programme.
- Other info: UCL values diversity and encourages applications from underrepresented groups.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on health and safety in a dynamic academic environment.
- Qualifications: Chartered Health & Safety professional with significant leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About us
Help Shape the Future of Health, Safety and Wellbeing at One of the World's Leading Universities. At UCL (University College London), we are driven by a simple but powerful purpose: to transform how the world is understood, how knowledge is created, and how global challenges are solved.
About the role
Reporting to the Executive Director of Estates Operations, you will be UCL's most senior health and safety leader, setting the strategic direction, providing expert assurance, and embedding a culture of safety excellence across the organisation. This is more than a compliance role; it is about leadership, influence, and creating a lasting legacy of safe, high-performing environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership – Define and deliver UCL's health and safety strategy aligned to institutional goals and risk appetite
- Executive Influence – Provide trusted advice and assurance to senior leadership, the Provost and Council
- Culture Transformation – Embed a proactive, consistent and measurable safety culture across a decentralised organisation
- Team Leadership – Build and inspire a high-performing Safety Services function, fostering excellence and continuous improvement
- Governance & Assurance – Establish robust frameworks for risk management, incident investigation and organisational learning
- Operational Oversight – Lead specialist safety functions including radiation protection and biological safety
- Change Delivery – Drive impactful programmes that strengthen accountability, governance and resilience
- Stakeholder Engagement – Translate complex risk and regulatory issues into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences
About you
We're looking for a strategic, visible and credible leader who can operate confidently at executive level while driving delivery through empowered teams.
Essential Experience & Expertise
- Chartered Health & Safety professional (CMIOSH / CFIOSH)
- NEBOSH Level 6 Diploma, postgraduate qualification or equivalent experience
- Significant leadership experience in a large, complex organisation
- Deep knowledge of UK health & safety legislation and regulatory frameworks
- Track record of aligning safety strategy with organisational performance
- Experience influencing at Board / Executive level
- Strong leadership capability within complex, matrixed environments
Desirable
- Experience embedding ISO 45001 safety management systems
- Proven delivery of large-scale safety transformation programmes
What we offer
- 41 days holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays and 6 closure days)
- Additional 5 days annual leave purchase scheme
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- Immigration loan
- Relocation scheme for certain posts
- On-site nursery
- On-site gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
- Discounted medical insurance
This role meets the requirements for a Skilled Worker certificate of sponsorship or Global Talent visa under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. UCL welcomes applications from international applicants who require a visa. For guidance on eligibility, see Gov.uk Skilled Worker Visa guidance. For some roles UCL will consider hybrid working. This can be between 20-80% onsite working. Where this happens there is an expectation that individuals can be asked to work onsite as required up to 100% of a week.
UCL Terms and Conditions of Service: Research and Professional Services Staff. Closing date: 8th July 2026 at 23:59 GMT (applications may close early if volumes are high, so early submission is recommended).
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. Applicants should also familiarise themselves with UCL's policies on Prevention of Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy and Personal Relationships Policy.
Director of Health and Safety employer: UCL
At UCL, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer that champions health, safety, and wellbeing within a vibrant academic environment. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our extensive benefits package, including 41 days of holiday, a defined benefit pension scheme, and opportunities for hybrid working. Join us to be part of a diverse community that values innovation and inclusivity, where your leadership can make a lasting impact on the future of health and safety.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Health and Safety
✨Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives
Join local community health events or volunteer for organisations like public health agencies. This not only builds your experience but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know of openings at places like UCL.
✨Tap into Professional Associations
Check out associations like the Institute of Healthcare Management. They often have job boards, networking events, and conferences that are perfect for connecting with potential employers in health sciences administration.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow health policy news and trends—being knowledgeable about the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also make you stand out as a candidate. You can discuss recent developments and their implications when chatting with folks at UCL.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility
When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like UCL, don’t forget to apply through our website. This can sometimes give you an edge by showing the employer you’re savvy and committed to finding the right fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Health and Safety
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at UCL.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at UCL.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to UCL. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at UCL. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at UCL
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research UCL’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
