Interim Head of SHE 12 months FTA in Abingdon

By 2050, the planet could be using twice as much electricity compared to today. Are you interested in contributing and helping to shape the future of the world’s energy? If so, read on. Fusion, the process that powers the Sun and Stars, is one of the most promising options for generating the cleaner, carbon-free energy that our world badly needs. UKAEA leads the way in realizing fusion energy, partnering with industry and research for ground breaking advancements. Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the grid, supported by tomorrow's power stations. In pursuit of our mission, UKAEA embraces core values: Innovative, Committed, Trusted, and Collaborative.

As an employee of UKAEA you will benefit from:

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme.
• Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and a Relocation allowance (if eligible).
• Flexible working options including family friendly policies and the right to request flexible working from the start of your employment.
• Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders.
• Generous annual leave allowance starting with 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays.
• Wide range of career development opportunities.
• A vibrant culture committed to equality and being fully inclusive.

The salary for this role is £86,758. Onsite working is expected for 3 days each week, however, we actively support requests for flexible working. This role can be based at any of the following sites: Culham, Oxfordshire.

This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions and possibly a search of open source data.

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to make a difference? Join our team and contribute to the future of fusion energy. As Interim Head of Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) on a 12‑month fixed-term basis, you will lead the development and delivery of the SHE strategy across UKAEA, aligned to organisational goals and driving a strong culture of continuous improvement. You will champion and embed a proactive, best-in-class SHE culture, acting as the principal advisor on all legislative, regulatory, and best practice matters while influencing senior leadership and the Board. The role includes providing expert guidance to Directors, advising the Audit & Risk Assurance Committee, and ensuring robust governance and second-line assurance across all SHE activities. As part of the QSHE Risk and Assurance leadership team, you will contribute to strategic planning and lead key transformation initiatives. You will also be responsible for building and developing a high-performing SHE team, ensuring capability, performance, and resource planning meet organisational needs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide oversight, management information and reporting of SHE matters across Programmes and Divisions to the Executive and other boards and committees, challenging performance as appropriate.
• Ensure the provision of a certified Safety Health and Environment Integrated Management System that promotes continual improvement in SHE performance and enables risk to be minimised.
• Monitor and evaluate management controls enabling lessons to be learned and drive a culture of improvement, proactively engaging colleagues to embed a strong SHE culture.
• Act as a catalyst and champion change, providing guidance/support on interventions and tools.
• Manage, coach and lead the SHE Team, developing and maintaining technical and behavioural competencies to ensure the delivery of optimised advice and service to the business.
• Act as a role model, providing strong visible leadership and governance to the organisation in SHE matters in accordance with legislation, standards and best practice.
• Deputise to the Group Director of QSHE, Risk and Assurance.

Qualifications Essential Requirements:

• Degree in an appropriate subject.
• NEBOSH Diploma (Occupational Health & Safety) minimum or equivalent working experience.
• Chartered membership or willing to work towards one or more of the Professional Organisations in Occupational Safety Health and Environment and/or undertaking a scheme of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) e.g. chartered member of Institute of Occupational Safety & Health (CMIOSH).
• Knowledge and experience of occupational health & safety management systems and relevant areas of civil and criminal law implemented in complex and/or industrial environments.
• Highly developed organisational awareness, strong interpersonal skills and the ability to influence, persuade and communicate with people at all levels within the organisation and regulatory bodies.

UKAEA’s mission is clean energy for all, and we welcome talented people from all backgrounds to help us achieve this goal. We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and strive to ensure fair representation across our workforce. We particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in STEM, including women and individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, while ensuring all appointments are made on merit.

UK Atomic Energy Authority is committed to being accessible. Please email [email protected] if you have any questions or require help or adjustments to compete on a fair basis, for example, changes to the way we interview or share information.