An excellent opportunity to join the #1 Modern University in Scotland as Head of Health and Safety.

As Head of Health and Safety, you will lead the University’s health and safety activities to ensure a safe and healthy work and study environment for our staff, students, visitors and contractors.

We are a forward looking, modern organisation who invests in people and supports our community, promoting inclusivity and championing access.

Our University has a large and complex Estate consisting of 3 campuses and 3 Student Accommodation sites across the City of Edinburgh. Housed within the campuses at Merchiston, Sighthill and Craiglockhart are our 6 schools; School of Engineering and the Built Environment, School of Computing, School of Applied Science, School of Health and Social Care and The Business School which in turn come with complexities including scientific labs, computer labs and a simulations and clinical skills centre.

The role

As the senior Competent Person appointed under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, you will provide professional leadership, advice and direction within the University to ensure we provide a safe environment for our staff, students and visitors, meet our statutory health & safety obligations and support the delivery of the University strategy.

Effective communication and engagement with stakeholders including the University Leadership Team, Academics in our Schools , Professional Services staff (HR, School support services, student services etc) trade unions and contractors is key; while you will be working closely with School/Service Safety Committees, Safety Co-ordinators and Trade Union safety representatives to develop and enhance health and safety within the University.

As Head of Health and Safety, you will lead and develop a specialist, in house team, providing information, training and advice on all aspects of health and safety and will lead in the development and delivery of effective health, safety and fire training, including delivery of IOSH accredited courses, student /staff induction, research and specialist health and safety seminars and fire safety training for all staff and students.

In this role, you will ensure compliance with the requirements of all relevant legislation, codes of practice, guidance notes, and the University Health and Safety Policy and Procedures. You will also provide leadership and support to the University’s emergency and business continuity planning framework, supporting the establishment, review and rehearsal of appropriate emergency and crisis response procedures and plans.

Please find the role description here.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for a highly strategic leader, who has a proven record in innovative, pragmatic approaches to solutions, who will be able to ensure the future proofing of the department. Experience of working in at least two sectors/industries which reflect two or more of our high risk Health and Safety academic activities would be desirable.

You will have previously developed and implemented an effective Health and Safety Management system in a large and diverse organisation, and you should be able to evidence the development of Health & Safety policies and procedures ensuring compliance and updates that are able to respond swiftly to changing health and safety legislative requirements, whilst following recognised good practice guidelines in relation to health and safety matters ensuring an exemplary audit record.

Benefits we offer

This includes a minimum of 36 days annual leave (includes bank holidays), a generous pension scheme with an Employer contribution of 20.4%, flexible working and professional development opportunities. Further information regarding our excellent benefits can be viewed here.

Salary: Grade 7 £51,034 - £59,135

Additional information

Closing date: Monday 29^th March (11:59pm BST)

Interviews: Monday 12^th April 2021, 1st stage interview

All interviews will be carried out via MSTeams in light of the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions.

The University is committed to inclusion, demonstrated through our work in respect of our diversity awards and accreditations and hold Disability Confident, Carer Positive and Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champion status. More details can be found here.