INTERNAL ONLY VACANCY. This post is open to existing Leeds City Council employees only. Applications will not be considered from external candidates.

Job title: Senior Health and Safety Officer

Salary: PO2 £38,626 - £41,511          

Hours: 37

Contract: Permanent

Location: Farnley Hall, LS12 along with parks and greenspaces throughout the city.

As a Senior Health and Safety Officer you’ll thrive in a skilled, dedicated, and enthusiastic team and be part of the wider diverse council where you will have the prospects to succeed. Best City Ambition

The successful candidate will be a highly flexible, well-motivated self-starter who possesses excellent communication skills and a commitment to ensuring the highest level of health and safety.

It’s not about finding problems, it’s the opportunity to have a positive impact to a diverse service, whilst ensuring the safety of staff and members of the public. You will be working across the city’s parks and greenspaces, cemeteries and crematoria, cafes, and retail outlets, in addition to sites that are home to our animal collections.

Candidates are required to hold NEBOSH General Certificate or equivalent.

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

About you

As a Senior Health and Safety Officer, you will bring to the role:

• Sound understanding of H&S legislation and requirements in a similar/ relevant environment.
• Experience of working in partnership with other agencies. (DEFRA, HSE, Contractors, RoSPA)
• Experience of problem solving, individually and in a group setting
• Highly self-motivated and ability to use initiative, when necessary
• Experience of producing risk assessments and method statements

About the role

As our next Senior Health and Safety Officer you’ll will be part of a large, dedicated team, working in varied environments.

You will work closely with contractors, stakeholders and other employees of Leeds City Council and create close working relationships with all.

What we offer you

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

• a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements

• a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

How to apply

Please complete the online application form.

Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role, please contact Rebecca.Meers@leeds.gov.uk

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people. 

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £38,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.

Job Description  

Job Purpose:  

To manage a team that are responsible for supporting the business in meeting compliance with legal duties stipulated in H & S Legislation, Approved Codes of Practice and the relevant Council Policies.

To achieve high levels of efficiency, cost effectiveness and quality, ensuring maximum performance in accordance with the targets, standards and policies of the Council. To ensure overall value for money is achieved through the effective management of resources.

Responsibilities for Grade:

• To develop and deliver strategic business improvement plans focussing on a range of activities which will deliver value for money services to customers and contribute to the delivery of Council priorities.

• Ensuring the organisation are compliant and registered with all appropriate bodies to discharge the required services.

• Ensure that an appropriate auditing and monitoring regime is in place to provide evidence that the Council is taking proportionate steps to manage risks and ensure employees are kept up to date with appropriate standards and delivering the highest level of standards.

• Ensure the organisation has in place suitable and sufficient H&S controls and processes including risk assessments, safety plans, COSHH etc.

• Work within financial regulations and council policies.

• Provide sound health and safety advice to work areas within the service.

• Assist with developing and maintaining appropriate systems to monitor and control costs and achieve financial and performance KPI’s to ensure that quality and value for money can be demonstrated in the delivery of the service.

• Develop and maintain effective relationships with other Council Directorates, external partners and agencies, to deliver contracts and ensure effective investment is achieved.

• To undertake daily line management duties of staff within the team in accordance with all council policies and procedures ensuring that staff records are maintained using the appropriate documentation and associated guidance.

• Provide clear direction and motivational management to create a high performance culture which drives continuous improvement, organisational change and efficiencies whilst delivering service priorities.

• Provide suitable interpretation and technical advice to Managers, staff and other stakeholders in relation to Health and Safety.

• Assist with the development and implementation of effective business processes to drive forward service improvements.

• Maintain a high level of personal effectiveness and uphold and promote the values of Leeds City Council.

• Work with Heath and Safety Business partner to plan, co-ordinate, deliver, control and monitor all health and safety activity across the business.

• To ensure all activities are delivered in accordance with all legal and regulatory requirements and in line with the Council’s policies and procedures. 

• To effectively manage the performance of staff and quality of work produced and respond appropriately to performance issues through a coaching style of management, providing both high challenge and high support.

• To ensure effective, positive and open relationships with staff and trade union representatives in the working environment.

• To ensure that colleagues and subcontractors are working in accordance with the safety standards laid down for the project.

• Assist with investigating and resolving escalated complaints regarding the service in accordance with the Councils Complaints Policy.

• To have a good understanding of The Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015.

• Safeguarding all forms of certification and reporting any loss, theft or misuse in line with LCC information governance standards.

• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade  

• To participate in appraisal, training and development activities as necessary to ensure up to date knowledge and skills

• To improve own practice through observation, evaluation, discussion with colleagues and development programmes.

• To work collaboratively with colleagues, knowing when to seek help and advice.

• Contribute to the overall ethos, work, and aims of the service by attending relevant meetings, training days/events as requested.

• Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures e.g. child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person

• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding and promoting the values, standards and equal opportunities of Leeds City Council.

• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment or victimisation and any form of abuse of equal opportunities, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.

• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and this role will be expected to work within these parameters.

The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.

Qualifications:

Hold NEBOSH general certificate or Level 5/6 Diploma in Occupational Safety & Health is essential. 

A full driving license is essential for this role.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS: It is essential that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities:  Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements.

Method of Assessment will be through one or more of the following Application Form, Test, Interview or Certificate.

Skills Required

• Ability to provide direction and coordination regarding resources, workloads, processes and projects.

• Ability to identify and implement culture change programmes, improve service quality and support a culture that drives up standards and performance.

• Sound commercial understanding with the ability to identify areas for improvement/efficiency.

• Ability to make a contribution to the strategic direction of the Directorate, Division and service/functions.

• Ability to create a performance framework and culture that provides high efficiency and high quality outputs that link to Council priorities.

• Ability to deliver training to a wide range of audiences.

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

• Ability to resolve potential conflict and to gain cooperation and trust.

• Ability to develop productive working relationships that command respect, trust and confidence.

• Strong customer care focus and ability to communicate effectively with customers, staff, contractors and elected members face to face, over the phone and in writing.

• Ability to manage a service with competing priorities whilst delivering on a range of service objectives and adapting to changing circumstances.

• Ability to use IT applications (Word & Excel) and management information systems.

• Ability to produce work of a high standard with attention to detail, whilst meeting often tight deadlines.

• Ability to work across service boundaries to achieve objectives and outcomes.

• Ability to use own initiative to develop solutions to complex issues and problems to ensure effective delivery of the service.

• Able to work flexibly across different work locations and areas as appropriate. 

Knowledge Required

• A good knowledge of Health & Safety legislation including the responsibilities under the CDM regulations 2015.

• Sound understanding of H&S legislation and requirements in a construction environment.

• A sound understanding of social housing and government policy including current issues affecting the sector.

• A good commercial knowledge and an understanding of modern methods of procurement and procurement legislation and procedures as well as effective contract management procedures.

• An understanding of the role of Elected Members within the Council and the community.

• An understanding of the diverse needs of communities and neighbourhoods.

• An understanding of and commitment to equality and diversity in terms of both employment and service delivery.

• A detailed knowledge of key strategic plans including the Vision for Leeds and City Priority Plans.

• An awareness of Asbestos related issues and responsibilities.

• An understanding of HR Policies including improving attendance and disciplinary procedures.

• An understanding of the Council values and a commitment to embed them into ways of working.

Experience Required

• Experience of working within a Health and Safety environment.

• Experience of successful management of a central service that supports all areas of the business such as Health and Safety, Business Administration, Asbestos Management, Stores.

• Experience of auditing against legislation or standard.

• Experience of RIDDOR regulations and reporting.

• Experience of leading, coaching and motivating teams and individuals.

• Experience of managing in a political environment and working on politically sensitive issues.

• Experience of working effectively with internal and external partners to contribute to strategic partnerships/programmes and deliver cross service projects to achieve positive outcomes partners.

• Experience of problem solving, individually and in a group setting.

• Experience of managing budgets and achieving budgetary targets.

• Experience of managing and developing staff to achieve objectives and outcomes.

• Experience of successfully presenting complex information to a range of audiences.

Behavioural & other Characteristics required

• A commitment to the public service ethos, with a genuine interest in serving the public.

• A commitment to continuous improvement and delivery of a high quality service.

• Ability to understand and observe Leeds City Council Equal Opportunities Policy.

• To carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health & Safety Policies.

• Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities to ensure up to date knowledge, skills and continuous professional development

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS: It is desirable that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities:  Candidates are not required to meet all the Desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between acceptable candidates.

Qualifications

Graduate Member of IOSH or Full Member of IIRSM.

Knowledge Required

• A recognised Management Certificate.

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