About this role
Job summary
Support the Fire Officer to provide expert professional guidance and support to Managers and Staff within Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in relation to the risk management of Fire Safety in accordance with Health Technical Memorandum 05-01: Managing healthcare fire safety.
To manage, organise, implement, co-ordinate and maintain full and efficient Fire Safety practice and procedures and carry out the Fire Safety training of all Trust staff.
To provide specialist advice to staff and outside contractors in respect of statutory Fire Safety legislation in existing and new buildings incorporating HTM 05 (Fire Code) and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, with support from the Fire Officer.
To carry out Fire Risk Assessments and to review them annually, utilising a variety of required methodologies including HTM 05-03 Part K and prioritise action plans for all Trust properties.
To provide support, as necessary, in carrying out ancillary duties associated with the Fire Officer, Health & Safety Manager, and Capital Projects Teams.
For all our roles, we are looking for staff who hold our Trust Values of Integrity, Respect Teamwork and Excellence, and who are passionate about providing the best patient care. To read more about our Trust and our Values search Dorset County Hospital online.
Main duties of the job
To undertake Fire Risk Assessments and carry out regular reviews in all Trust premises (both onsite and offsite including staff accommodation) managed by the Trust and to prepare reports and produce action plans ensuring all actions are tracked and completed.
Undertake Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) assessments when requested.
To provide Fire Safety instruction, presentations and practical training to all levels of NHS staff, including part-time and voluntary workers.
To provide induction training of new staff in Fire Safety and procedures.
To instruct staff in the use of fire extinguishers.
To give instructions on patient, staff and visitors evacuation procedures.
To arrange and carry out fire drills/evacuations at agreed times in conjunction with the Heads of Departments.
To manage training schedules and requirements in line with the TNA.
UKVI Sponsorship: This role may be available for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Sponsorship will be determined based on your current situation and on a case-by-case basis.
About us
At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture, we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff.
Our Mission is to provide outstanding care for people in ways which matter to them, and our vision is Dorset County Hospital, working with our health and social care partners, will be at the heart of improving the well-being of our communities.
We are a Trust that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.
We understand that AI can be a useful tool when completing your application. However, we are seeing an increasing over-reliance of AI tools, which can negatively affect your application as it reduces a candidate's individuality, and makes it difficult for us to gain a clear and authentic understanding of your experience, skills, and in turn your suitability for the role.
All submissions must be truthful and if you do use AI, it should only be used to enhance your application and not create your supporting statement in its entirety. Your supporting statement should be in your own words and must accurately reflect your personal experience and achievements. Where we have concerns that AI has been used to generate content that misrepresents your experience and suitability for the role, we may withdraw your application.
Job description Job responsibilities
Our DCHFT Job Description and Person Specification (attached) tells you all about this role, what to expect and what is needed to succeed. When completing your application please make sure to tell us how your experience and skills fit the person specification.
Please contact us at [email protected] if you are unable to view or download the attachment.
Liaising with the Fire Officer on all Trust Fire Safety matters and act as deputy for all fire safety matters.
Support the Fire Officer (Fire Safety Adviser (Authorised Person (Fire)) in providing expert advice on fire legislation.
Support the Health and Safety and Capital Projects Teams when required.
Assisting in the review of the Trust fire safety policy, fire safety procedures and fire safety protocols.
Assisting in investigating all fire-related incidents and fire alarm actuations and supporting the Fire Response Teams.
Liaising with the enforcing authorities on technical issues in support of the Fire Officer.
Liaising directly with managers and staff on fire safety issues.
Supporting the maintenance, preparation and required changes to fire prevention and emergency evacuation plans in accordance with the Trust Fire and Evacuation Strategy.
Act as Fire Safety Adviser (Authorised Person (Fire Training)) delivering the Trust Fire Safety Training programme in accordance with the Training Needs Analysis, by delivering face to face training sessions to managers and staff and carrying out fire evacuation drills.
Act as Fire Safety Adviser (Authorised Person (Fire Risk Assessment)) undertaking and recording Fire Risk Assessments validated by the Fire Officer using the required methodologies including HTM 05-03 Part K.
Prioritise and follow up on Fire Risk Assessment action plans.
Support the Fire Officer (Fire Safety Adviser (Authorised Person (Fire Projects)) in providing fire safety advice for any proposed building works ensuring that existing or proposed fire safety strategies are suitable and that any derogations from the HTM 05 Firecode series are suitably recorded and justified.
STANDARDS OF FIRE SAFETY
To visit all areas of the Trust on a regular basis to ensure standards of Fire Safety is maintained.
To ensure that Fire Safety standards meet those set out in documents issued by the Department of Health & Social Care and within the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
To report all deviations from the standards statutory requirements and codes of practice to all relevant personnel.
To provide advice on structural Fire Safety for existing and new buildings and proposed alterations to buildings.
To review new Fire Safety legislation and Regulations and, where necessary, provide briefing notes and draft policies and procedures for comment/approval by appropriate meeting groups.
To attend the Fire Safety Group and provide advice where required.
Able to plan own workloads and priorities using risk information including complex activities.
Work with the specialist Capital Project planning teams to enable delivery of projects in a timely manner and identify any necessary additional resource required.
FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT - FIRE SAFETY ADVISER (AUTHORISED PERSON (FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT))
To undertake Fire Risk Assessments and carry out regular reviews in all Trust premises (both onsite and offsite including staff accommodation) managed by the Trust and to prepare reports and produce action plans ensuring all actions are tracked and completed.
Undertake Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) assessments when requested.
FIRE SAFETY TRAINING - FIRE SAFETY ADVISER (AUTHORISED PERSON (FIRE TRAINING))
To provide Fire Safety instruction, presentations and practical training to all levels of NHS staff, including part-time and voluntary workers.
To provide induction training of new staff in Fire Safety and procedures.
To instruct staff in the use of fire extinguishers.
To give instructions on patient, staff and visitors evacuation procedures.
To arrange and carry out fire drills/evacuations at agreed times in conjunction with the Heads of Departments.
To manage training schedules and requirements in line with the TNA.
LIAISON & LOCAL FIRE AUTHORITY
Be the Trusts secondary contact with Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS), maintaining a close working relationship and arranging any necessary site visits to be made by them (in the absence of the Fire Officer).
To ensure that the DWFRS is informed of Fire Safety arrangements, site and building layout and availability of water supplies for firefighting.
In the absence of the Fire Officer, ensure that DWFRS are informed about any special fire or life risk.
To arrange for the Fire and Rescue Services attendance at drills or exercises.
EQUIPMENT & RECORDS
In collaboration with the Fire Officer, ensure that all firefighting equipment is maintained and available for use at all material times
To monitor contractors and in-house staff to ensure such equipment is maintained correctly
To monitor the selective testing of equipment as required ensuring fully operational, this shall include fire alarms and detectors, extinguishers, emergency lighting, etc.
To keep a record of all training visits made, drills carried out and Fire Risk Assessments throughout all the Trust premises
Maintain the register of all fire incidents and other fire related matters. Provide reports, as required, to the Trust and Department of Health & Social Care, with support from the Fire Officer.
Produce statistics and annual report as and when required
Make appropriate recommendations for future Fire Safety to the Fire Officer, and to minimise false fire alarms based on the recorded information, for them to escalate for approval and action.
FIRE & FALSE ALARMS
In the event of a fire, attend site during working hours and support Fire Response Team if deemed necessary.
In the event of a fire, to support the Fire Officer in undertaking an investigation as to the cause and, if appropriate, put forward proposals to reduce the risk of a recurrence.
To prepare and submit reports relating to fires and false alarms.
TEAM WORKING
Work in conjunction with the Fire Officer, greater Estates & Facilities teams, Capital Projects, Clinical Site Managers, Internal Fire Response Teams and Fire Safety Group.
Contribute appropriately to all aspects of the Trusts Fire Risk Assessment and training workload, thus helping to achieve a robust Fire Safety Management System.
Organise, manage and attend the Fire Safety Group meetings. Deputise for the Chair (Fire Officer) when necessary
Attend and contribute to team meetings, various working groups and training sessions
Manage, with support of the Fire Officer, the Trust Fire Wardens and Staff and liaise with them on a regular basis in relation to Fire Safety Procedures and Protocols.
Person Specification
EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING Essential
Degree level qualification or relevant demonstratable experience in Fire Safety Risk Assessment and competence Educated to Intermediate level in Fire Risk Assessment to BS 8674:2025 Built environment. Framework for competence of individual fire risk assessors. Code of practice Level 3 Award in Education and Training (PTLLS) / Teaching Qualification or equivalent experience Certificate in Training Practice and delivering training
Desirable
Membership of a professional organisation (for example the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) Institute of Fire Safety Managers Training or Experience in Healthcare Fire Safety Registered as a fire risk assessor with a recognised accreditation body A relevant NEBOSH / IOSH Qualification
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE Essential
Minimum 3 years' experience in Fire Risk Assessment Experience of preparing and delivering training courses Practical knowledge and interpretation of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
Desirable
Experience of working across organisational boundaries to improve standards Knowledge and experience in the application of HTM Firecode Understanding of fire modelling techniques Knowledge of risk management techniques Practical knowledge and interpretation of Current Building Regulations
SKILLS & ABILITIES Essential
Highly developed and effective verbal and written communication skills Ability to understand and interpret complex data Good organisational skills Ability to devise and deliver training programmes Good adaptability and ability to prioritise a high workload Highly motivated and resourceful with a proactive approach to problem solving
Desirable
Highly developed and effective negotiating and influencing skills
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).
Employer details Employer name Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address Dorset County Hospital
Williams Avenue
Dorchester
DT1 2JY
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.dchft.nhs.uk/working-for-us/ (Opens in a new tab)