Head of Health and Safety

The Post

The Head of Health and Safety is part of the HR&OD senior management team and expected to operate as an agent for transformational change, leading innovatively on the provision of professional health and safety services that support and drive organisational objectives, assure statutory compliance, and promote a positive and proactive safety culture by:

• Leading and managing the operation and development of the University’s health and safety management arrangements, policies, procedures and assurance frameworks in line with legal requirements, sector best practice and institutional priorities.
• Providing expert advice, guidance and constructive challenge to senior leaders, managers and colleagues across the University in respect to organisational health and safety responsibilities and risk management.
• Leading on the collection, analysis and reporting of health and safety data in support of governance, assurance, regulatory compliance and strategic-level decision-making.
• Leading on the development of organisational capability, systems and processes that embed effective health and safety management across the University.
• Acting as a key senior leader within the directorate to support the ongoing strategic planning and development of the area’s work.

Description of Duties

For a full Description of Duties and Essential Criteria please refer to the Job Description attached below.

Additional Information

Full time.
Open ended.

The closing date for applications is midnight on Thursday 12 November 2026.
Interviews are expected to take place on Tuesday 8 December 2026.

There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.

For the purposes of sponsorship, this role may be eligible depending on candidate's circumstances.

The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

About Us

HR & Organisation Development (HR&OD) plays a central role in supporting our people and delivering the University's People Strategy 2030. We work with leaders, managers and colleagues across the University to provide high-quality services and create a positive, inclusive working environment where everyone can thrive.

Our directorate brings together expertise in HR business partnering, recruitment and resourcing, payroll and pensions, people systems and data, employee experience and engagement, organisational and leadership development, academic and researcher development, and health and safety.

Working in partnership across the University, we:

• Deliver essential people services, providing reliable, responsive support throughout the employee lifecycle.
• Strengthen employment practices across the University, providing trusted advice and guidance to colleagues and managers.
• Attract, develop and retain talented people, supporting recruitment, professional development and career progression.
• Improve employee experience and engagement, listening to staff feedback and working together to make meaningful improvements.
• Promote a safe and healthy workplace, providing specialist advice, supporting legal compliance and strengthening shared responsibility for health and safety.
• Use people data and insights, helping the University make informed decisions, improve services and plan for the future.

Together, we combine professional expertise, practical support and a collaborative approach to make a positive difference for our people and our University.

The University

The University of Stirling is Scottish University of the Year 2027 and UK Sports University of the Year 2027 (Daily Mail University Guide).

The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe. Driven by our mission to be the difference, we are addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society.

The University has more than 17,500 students globally and employs 1,500 staff, with more than 140 nationalities represented within our community. Our campus environment is ranked first in the UK and top 10 in the world, and our sports facilities rank first in the UK and second in the world (International Student Barometer 2024, wave two), reflecting our long-standing designation as Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence.

We are proud holders of a Silver institutional award from the Athena Swan Charter, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. We have an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings and, in recognition of our excellence in business education, we are accredited by AACSB International.

Eighty-seven per cent of our research has an outstanding or very considerable impact on society, with more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021), and we are ranked among the top 200 institutions in the world for our contribution to meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We have twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize; for our Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and our Institute of Aquaculture (2019).

Alongside partners, the University spearheads the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal – which will deliver major University-led projects, the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub and Scotland’s International Environment Centre. We are also a central partner in the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.

www.stir.ac.uk @stiruni