Fire Safety Advisor in Harwell

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As a Fire Safety Advisor (FSA) you will provide effective fire safety advice and guidance, management and delivery of key functions such as Fire Risk Assessments (FRAs), training and emergency planning all in direct support of delivering an effective fire risk management system to assist STFC in meeting its legislative obligations. The post holder will provide competent advice as required under Article 18 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The role is mainly an onsite role, primarily based at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, though occasional travel to other STFC sites may be required.

• Provide fire safety advice to staff, tenants, contractors, visitors and facility users in respect to fire safety legislation and its implementation.
• Support the review and implementation of STFC Fire Risk Management strategy and objectives, offering technical guidance and assisting the development of supporting working processes and practices.
• Provide assurance and support to departmental directors regarding department performance in relation to fire risk management.
• Attend department safety management committees and forums and prepare associated reports and information.
• Engage, mentor and develop Building Fire Co-ordinators (BFCs) and department line managers to ensure that fire safety is managed effectively at department and building level.
• Conduct and manage FRAs within your defined area of responsibility, working with external fire safety consultants and stakeholders to facilitate visits and provide technical advice.
• Work with BFCs, Departments, Estates and other stakeholders to ensure that action plans are managed effectively and closed out in a timely manner.
• Undertake regular reviews to ensure that FRAs remain effective.
• Assist with the delivery and development of the fire evacuation drill programme for occupied buildings.
• Produce reports to identify areas of improvements, actions and document good practice/performance where applicable.
• Provide technical fire safety advice regarding Building Regulations compliance for minor projects, refurbishments and changes of use.
• Assist in the building handover process prior to STFC acceptance to ensure required standards have been met, and passive and active fire protection measures are in good order and are fully operational.
• Assist with the development and delivery of fire safety training.
• Support and advise the Estates Compliance Team to ensure that maintenance of fire safety equipment is carried out in accordance with approved Codes of Practice, and that accurate records are maintained.
• Conduct investigations of reported fire incidents, false alarms, near misses and unsafe conditions.
• Ensure that fire signage and fire safety equipment are appropriately located.
• Ensure that fire information folders, including those held by security and local Fire and Rescue services, are updated and maintained.

• Commitment to diversity and inclusivity – champions diversity and embeds a fair and ethical approach within the organisation.
• Openness to change – drives and manages the change process, seeking opportunities to create and implement improved organisational effectiveness.
• Committed to self-development and the development of others.
• Confidence and resilience – consistently projects and promotes a confident, controlled and focused attitude.
• Working with others – capable of working alone and as part of a team.
• Effective communication – communicates effectively both orally and in writing.
• Situational awareness – maintains an active awareness of the environment to promote safe and effective working.
• Planning and implementing – creates and implements effective plans to deliver long‑term organisational strategic objectives.

• Level 4 Certificate in Fire Safety (Fire Auditors), or equivalent.
• Membership of either the Institute of Fire Engineers or Institute of Fire Safety Managers (MIFireE or MIFSM).
• Level 3 trainer/assessor qualification (PTLLS, Level 3 in Education and Training, or equivalent).
• Demonstrable experience in management of fire safety, conducting FRAs and delivering fire safety training.
• A minimum of 25 hours of CPD in the last 12‑month period, or 75 hours over the last 3‑year period.

For any queries, or for more details regarding this role, please contact steve.pickston@stfc.ac.uk.

What we can offer you: 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, a workplace nursery, exceptional average salary pension scheme, social and sporting activities and societies and a subsidised restaurant.

Please note: if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you (and any dependants travelling with you) will be required to pay costs directly to the UK Home Office for the application before you start your role with us.