Health & Safety Officer @ Heriot-Watt University

Role Title: Health & Safety Officer

Grade and Salary: Grade 6, £31,861 - £37,369 per annum

FTE and working pattern: Full-time (35hrs per week) Open-ended

Reward and

Benefits

33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full time staff. Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.

About our Team

The Governance and Legal Services Directorate supports sound, effective and accountable decision making and stewardship of the University's resources and reputation. The team aims to deliver, enhance and adapt an effective and sustainable governance framework upholding the rights and obligations of all stakeholders, including international stakeholders. Our core objective is to protect Heriot-Watt University's reputation, brand, values heritage and assets through maintaining compliance with standards (legislation, codes of practice, etc.) to enhance value.

The Directorate reports to the Secretary of the University who is responsible for the overall administration of the University. The Directorate is led by the Global Director of Governance and Legal Services.

The Governance and Legal Services Directorate comprises:

• Assurance and Legal Services
• Policy and Governance
• Information Governance
• Health & Safety
• SafeGuarding Services

Purpose of Role

The primary role of Health & Safety Officer is to support the development and application of a health and safety management framework which ensures that the University can meet its statutory requirements and contributes to the University’s values.

Health & Safety provides advice and guidance to Primary Organisational Units (POUs) to underpin the application of the University Health and Safety Management System within their own areas of responsibility. Health & Safety supports an ethos of risk control to protect our staff, students and others and which protects the University community, assets and reputation.

The role holder will provide additional skills and support to the statutory requirement of the Health & Safety team in the provision of competent advisor services to the University as required in terms of the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999. To support the implementation of the University’s health and safety management framework and supporting processes, in line with the University’s strategic objectives, to ensure compliance with relevant legislation, the University Health and Safety Policy, and current best practice, across the wide range of activities undertaken by the University.

The role holder provides general health and safety advisory services. They will also support the implementation of health and safety systems and risk assessments processes, investigate and report on accidents and dangerous occurrences, as well as liaise with relevant Enforcing Authorities and other regulatory bodies. Ensuring the smooth operation of health and safety systems, documentation, and communications across the University.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the development and implementation of the University health and safety management system.
• Support in the provision of direction and support to staff and students on all aspects of health and safety relevant to each School’s and Directorates activities.
• Work with staff and students to ensure improvements to work practices and devise action plans to reduce risk and comply with evolving standards.
• Support in the develop and delivery of initiatives which foster and strengthen the safety culture within the University.
• Assist in the delivery of appropriate training, risk assessments, hazard control and audits/inspections.
• Aid in the development of local Codes of Practice and Guidance as required and ensure that this information is effectively communicated to all staff, students and visitors.
• Aid in the management, review, and implementation of the Health and Safety Policy, plans and procedures.
• Assisting with regular safety audits and inspections to ensure compliance with legislation and internal procedures.
• Ensure the risk assessment portfolio is current.
• Attend relevant Schools and Directorates Health & Safety Committees when required.
• Contribute to University and campus contingency planning.
• Support in the investigations and monitoring of all accidents, incidents, near misses and occupational health issues, to assist in the identification and implementation of remedial actions as necessary.
• Participate in incident management as required.
• Assist in the preparation of reports, presentations, and communications for internal and external stakeholders.
• Monitor, track and follow up on incident reports and investigations, ensuring timely follow-up and escalation where necessary.
• Liaise with Schools, Directorates and contractors to ensure timely submission of risk assessments, method statements, construction phase plans and other safety documentation.
• Support the administration of statutory reporting (e.g. RIDDOR) and liaise with Enforcing Authorities and other regulatory bodies as directed.
• Develop and maintain the Health and Safety SharePoint pages and ensure information is current and accessible.
• Support in the implementation and execution of the Fire Risk Assessment Programme.
• Supporting with the review of health and safety arrangements.

All other duties consistent with the requirements of the role.

Person Specification

These are the criteria on which the short-listing and recruitment selection will be made.

Essential

• NEBOSH General Certificate, or willingness to obtain this qualification.
• Recognised health, safety and wellbeing membership.
• Experience in a health and safety or compliance environment
• Demonstrable working knowledge of health & safety legislation and accepted best practice.
• Experience of delivering innovative solutions to problems.
• Understanding in the assessment of health & safety risks in a range of activities in a working environment.
• Understanding of the application of e-learning programmes and modern electronic management systems.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Ability to manage confidential data.
• Demonstratable sound communication skills and ability to influence at all levels
• Full drivers licence

Desirable

• NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Health and Safety
• NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety or willingness to obtain this qualification.
• Tech IOSH or working towards
• Experience of interfacing with electronic management systems.
• Experience with audits and inspections; experience of working in a higher education or public sector setting
• Familiarity with health and safety legislation
• Ability to negotiate with and influence external authorities within UK

Additional Information

This role may require occasional travel to other campuses.

Training and development opportunities will be provided to support progression within the role.

The post holder will be expected to uphold the University's values and contribute to a positive and inclusive working environment.

How to Apply

Please submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system

• (1) Cover letter describing your interest and suitability for the post;
• (2) Full CV

Applications can be submitted until 23:55 on Thursday 3rd December 2026.

We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We therefore encourage you to submit your application promptly.

About Heriot-Watt University

At Heriot Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.

Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.

Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.

Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers https://disc.hw.ac.uk/ .

We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part-time working and job share options.