About this role
Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Health and Safety Officer to join Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
As a key member of the Risk, Health and Safety Team, you will support the delivery of a safe environment for patients, staff, visitors and contractors across our hospital sites. Working closely with colleagues at all levels, you will help the Trust meet its statutory health and safety responsibilities and maintain high standards of compliance and assurance.
You will provide expert advice on health and safety matters, support the development and review of policies and procedures, undertake audits and inspections, and contribute to programmes of risk assessment, incident investigation and performance monitoring. The role offers the opportunity to influence both operational practice and wider organisational improvement.
The successful candidate will hold a NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent postgraduate qualification in Occupational Health and Safety) and have experience working in a health and safety role within an NHS or similarly complex organisation. A strong understanding of relevant legislation, excellent communication skills and the ability to build effective working relationships are essential.
The post is based at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, with regular travel between Trust sites required.
Main duties of the job
As a key member of the Risk, Health and Safety Team, you will support the delivery of a safe environment for patients, staff, visitors and contractors across Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Reporting to the Head of Risk and Assurance, you will act as one of the Trust's competent health and safety advisers, providing specialist advice and support across a large and complex healthcare organisation.
You will play a leading role in ensuring compliance with health and safety legislation through risk assessments, audits, inspections, incident investigations, policy development and performance monitoring. The post holder will work closely with clinical and non-clinical teams, supporting managers to identify, assess and manage risk while promoting a positive health and safety culture across the organisation.
The role also includes delivering training, supporting the Trust's respiratory protective equipment and fit testing programme, preparing reports for senior committees, and contributing to organisational assurance and continuous improvement initiatives.
We are looking for a professional, motivated, organised and influential health and safety officer with excellent communication skills, strong technical knowledge and the ability to work effectively with colleagues at all levels.
About us
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of England's top-performing and safest trusts. We operate two main acute hospital sites--Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital--along with award-winning clinics across North West London.
Our nearly 7,500 staff care for a diverse population of 1.5 million, providing full clinical services, including maternity, A&E, and children's services, plus specialist HIV and sexual health clinics. The Care Quality Commission rates us 'Good' in safety, effectiveness, care, and responsiveness, and 'Outstanding' in leadership and resource use.
We continually invest in our facilities, including a £30m expansion of critical care at Chelsea and Westminster and an £80m Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Middlesex.
We welcome applications for flexible working arrangements, accommodating requests where possible to support our staff and patient needs.
The Trust is committed to equality and welcomes applications from all, regardless of background. Adjustments can be made for disabled candidates. Early application is advised as vacancies may close once sufficient applications are received. If you haven't heard from us within three weeks of the closing date, your application was likely unsuccessful. Employment is subject to a six-month probationary period.
Job description Job responsibilities
Join our team and play a key role in creating and maintaining a safe environment for patients, staff, visitors and contractors across one of London's leading NHS Trusts.
As one of the Trust's appointed competent health and safety advisers, you will support compliance with health and safety legislation, promote a positive safety culture and contribute to continuous improvement across all Trust sites.
Key responsibilities include:
Providing specialist health and safety advice and guidance to managers and staff across the Trust. Undertaking audits, inspections and risk assessments to support compliance and assurance. Supporting the investigation of incidents, identifying learning and recommending improvements. Developing, reviewing and implementing health and safety policies, procedures and guidance. Delivering health and safety training and awareness programmes. Supporting the Trust's respiratory protective equipment and fit testing programme. Monitoring health and safety performance and preparing reports for committees and senior leaders. Working with clinical and non-clinical teams to identify, assess and manage risks. Promoting a proactive and positive health and safety culture across the organisation. Please read the full Job Description and Person Specification for detailed information about the role and essential requirements.
Person Specification
Education and qualifications Essential
Knowledge of current health and safety legislation and guidance which is updated through continued professional development. A Health and Safety expert either through formal qualification (diploma/degree) and/or extensive experience pertinent to the area NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent Health & Safety qualification / NVQ Level 6) in Occupational Health & Safety. Certified member of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) or equivalent
Desirable
Fit Testing Training - Fit2Fit or equivalent Master's Degree in Occupational Health and Safety
Experience Essential
Extensive experience from working in a similar Health and Safety management role. Extensive experience in overseeing and conducting accident investigations and implementing and communicating risk mitigation control measures. Experience in reporting directly to Board-level groups/ Directors within an NHS Trust on all areas of non-clinical risk compliance. Well-developed people management skills Evidence of initiating and managing change and implementing projects. Knowledge and experience of managing and training in a wide range of Respiratory Protective Equipment such as FFP3 masks (different makes and models) and Powered Air Purifying Respirators
Skills and knowledge Essential
Ability to interpret new guidance and legislation and disseminate key facts and information To be the expert on health and safety and act as the Trust's nominated Competent Person for Health and Safety. Experienced in the use of Risk Management techniques and processes Knowledge and experience of the Premises Assurance Model requirements including audit and monitoring levels of compliance Computer literate and knowledge of databases
Desirable
Knowledge of CQC requirements for Risk Management & Health and Safety. Knowledge of other public sector environments
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
369 Fulham Road
London
SW10 9NH
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.chelwest.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)