The Office provides  an impartial and independent institutional wide  advisory and assurance service on all aspects of health and safety within the University, including fire safety. The service supports the University in achieving its mission to embed Health and Safety into the business.  Its primary function is to provide assurance reporting to  the University’s Safety Executive Board members, by monitoring health and safety performance across the organisation. 

The Workplace Health and Safety Office  is an impartial and independent team which forms part of the Directorate of Technology, Estates and Facilities [DTEF], the department responsible for ‘providing outstanding work, study, research facilities, and facilities to enhance the student experience, on campus and online’.

Role The University has a thriving and ambitious strategic plan, and the health and safety of its staff is central in achieving these plans. In this exciting new position you will take a lead role in assisting the Director of Health and Safety in implementing the University’s  Health and Safety strategic plan, assisting the Director to raise the profile of Health and Safety across the institution implementing sector best practice. 

You will be expected to bring an enthusiastic and professional approach to operational Health and Safety leadership  and further develop support to the University on a range of Health and Safety activities. You will also have responsibility for the operational delivery of a supportive in-house team of advisers and departmental safety contacts.  You will be expected to work across the University and build collaborative relationships to assist the Director of Health and Safety to deliver an ambitious programme of culture change. You will provide strong leadership and be a key member of the senior team, taking the lead on specific aspects of the strategy and reporting at agreed senior meetings. You will ensure the provision of a timely, high quality effective and efficient service and provide support, advice and assistance to staff and users of the service.

You will have previous experience of line management  and some experience at a senior level within a diverse organisation, relevant supporting qualifications and demonstrable experience of delivering to a high standard and illustrating impact and effectiveness of approach.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• Level 6 qualification. (Qualifications at this level include a degree. Please view the full list). We also welcome applicants with equivalent non-uk qualifications or equivalent professional experience.
• Professional qualification in occupational health and safety or equivalent.
• Chartered IOSH membership status or equivalent.
• Strong Planning and organisational skills with the ability to set objectives, prioritise and provide sound judgement and decision making.
• Ability to lead in a crisis
• Experience of working collaboratively with Senior Academics and Trade Unions
• Evidence of upholding our behaviours as detailed within the accompanying person specification

Interview date:  To be confirmed.

Interview invitations will be sent by email, using the email address detailed on the application form.

For informal enquiries: please contact our Director of Health And Safety Services, monica.kanwar@york.ac.uk 

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive  – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as  Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We also encourage applications from women for senior roles. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork