Senior Health and Safety Risk Advisor

Are you ready for a dynamic safety role in a fast-paced environment?

Homes for Students, the leading independent provider for student accommodation in the UK, is seeking a talented individual to join our Health & Safety team as Senior Health and Safety Risk Advisor, working 40 hours per week, 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. This is a national role - aligned to our Key Clients channel (field based).

The Senior Health and Safety Risk Advisor will be a champion for fire safety and health of safety within our properties and our offices and as part of your role you will assist in ensuring that our company adheres to our legal requirements under fire safety and the health and safety legislation. In addition to this the Senior Health and Safety Risk Advisor will provide a “Central support role specifically aligned to our Key Clients channel” assisting and supporting our operational teams and the Asset Management team in the provision of guidance on health and safety, fire safety matters and with any queries that may arise, including from time to time associated compliance related projects using 3rd party contractors.

Major Duties

• A good level of understanding and working knowledge of the Health and Safety at Work Act and experience in acting as a competent person.
• Support the competent person as required by Regulation 7 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, providing advice and guidance to Management.
• Build effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Assist with the identification and interpretation of Health and Safety Legislation, Codes of Practice and the provision of appropriate advice on best practice, safe systems of work, processes, equipment and training needs
• To support the revision and review of Homes for Students policies with regards to health and safety issues in line with health and safety legislation/best practice and assist in the implementation of policies and procedures.
• Seek out information from both internal and external sources in order to research general queries or policy development and to provide advice where required.
• Support colleagues, team members, the Asset Management team and specifically the National Health and Safety Manager to discharge their specific fire safety and health and safety responsibilities.
• Undertake accident/incident investigations and near misses. Support the compliance with RIDDOR requirements and support the National Health and Safety Manager in complex accident/incident investigations.
• Support and assist in the monitoring of Health and Safety performance within Homes for Students via, workplace inspections, health and safety auditing and ensuring that deficiencies identified within fire risk assessments and health and safety audits are being completed within the time scales given.
• Support the monitoring of health and safety of contractors and sub-contractors in liaison with the Asset Manager.
• Reviewing and production of risk assessments and method statements to ensure that they are suitable and sufficient (as defined by Regulations), with specific attention given to RAMS supplied by external contractors.
• Ensure that any unsafe act, condition or situation which in your judgement could compromise the business is immediately escalated to the National Health and Safety Manager.
• Assist the National Health and Safety Manager in providing monthly health & safety performance reports at the team meetings and at the request of the Senior Management Team.
• Have a working knowledge of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the Building Safety Act 2022.
• Ensure legislative compliance and the continuing development and provision of a safe environment for staff students/residents and contractors at our properties.
• Assist in the identification of fire safety priorities and assist in the overall prioritisation as detailed with the fire risk assessment.
• Work closely with the National Health and Safety Manager to ensure that high standards of fire safety are implemented and maintained across Homes for Students portfolio.

The above outlines the main duties and responsibilities of the position, however these should not be considered to be the only ones and there could be additional elements which are included in future commensurate with your skills and training and consistent with the level and responsibilities of the role.

Skills (includes Key Competencies)

• Proven experience in a similar Health and Safety position with hands on Health and Safety experience.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with proven experience communicating with a variety of both health and safety/ non-health and safety professionals.
• NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety
• NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety and Risk Management is desirable.
• Good technical skills in PC applications, including PowerPoint, Word and Excel.
• Experience with CDM and fire safety would be a benefit.
• Excellent knowledge of reporting procedures and record keeping.
• Methodical and diligent with outstanding planning abilities.

Personal Qualities & Requirements

• Evidence of continuous personal development.
• The ability to relate to colleagues at all levels and participate within a team environment
• A team player with the ability to develop both internal and external relationships - excellent communication skills with the ability to demonstrate positive influencing skills internally and externally.
• Must display personal drive and enthusiasm with the willingness to learn, develop and grow within the role of a Senior Health and Safety Risk Advisor.
• Good organisational and planning skills, with the ability to work on own initiative.
• Ability to demonstrate proven results of achieving objectives and key performance indicators.
• Ability to adapt and deliver in a fast-paced environment, along with commercial awareness.
• The ability to work under pressure, often on multiple activities whilst displaying good organisational skills.
• Attention to detail is critical. Able to manage conflict and be both action and solution oriented.
• Time management and journey planning.
• To maintain strict confidentiality in relation to all student matters and their personal data
• A clean UK driving license.
• Willing to be flexible and respond to changing circumstances in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrate a positive ‘can do' attitude and to become quickly established to add value to the business.

What We Offer:

• Generous holiday package: 25 days, plus bank holidays, for work-life balance.
• Enhanced family leave packages.
• Exclusive retail discounts to make your money go further.
• Celebrate your birthday with a well-deserved day off.
• Car leasing scheme for a comfortable commute.
• Cycle-to-work scheme to stay active and eco-friendly.
• 2 charity days per year to make a difference in the community.
• Life insurance for peace of mind.

At Homes for Students, we value self-sufficiency, creativity, and teamwork. This is an opportunity to join a reputable organisation in the student accommodation sector and make a real impact. As a member of our team, you'll have the chance to contribute to our ongoing success while working in a collaborative and supportive environment.

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