Head of Health and Safety Services

Overview

We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities, neurodiversity and long-term health conditions, and we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the recruitment and interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so, and, where successful, adjustments will be made to support people within their role. If you are unable to complete your application via our recruitment system or would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to support you in the application process, please get in touch with us on .

Job Title and Department

Job Title: Head of Health and Safety Services

Job Number:

Department: Estates and Facilities / Accommodation & Commercial Services

Details

• Working arrangements: Hybrid working (minimum of three days per week onsite, subject to business demands)
• Contract type: Open-Ended / Permanent - Full Time
• Nominal hours: 35 hours per week
• Working arrangements: Permanent
• Closing Date: 20-Nov-2025, 11:59 PM
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Requirement: Not Applicable

The Role

The Role and Department: As Head of Health and Safety Service you will provide leadership, management, guidance and support in all areas of health and safety management across the University. You will oversee the corporate strategy, objectives, arrangements and infrastructure for managing health and safety, monitor compliance and implementation, and keep the University Executive Committee and other senior leaders informed of issues. You will develop and maintain health and safety management systems, review and refresh policies and processes, and promote best practice while reinforcing a positive safety culture. This role sits within the Estates and Facilities Directorate (E&FD) but spans the entire University, providing expertise, guidance and advice to ensure a safe environment for academic, student, professional service and visitor activities.

E&FD provides essential services to Durham University and is responsible for managing, maintaining and developing the infrastructure and building fabric of the campuses. Further information about the role is at the bottom of this job description.

Working at Durham

A competitive salary is complemented by extensive benefits:

• 30 days annual leave plus 8 public holidays and 4 customary days (total 42 days per year).
• University closes between Christmas and New Year.
• Generous pension scheme with automatic eligibility for the USS on joining.
• Comprehensive travel and vehicle benefits, cycling schemes, and discounts with local transport providers.
• Car Benefit Scheme for electric or hybrid vehicles.
• Professional development and qualifications opportunities for all staff.
• Health and wellbeing support, including discounted gym membership and 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• On-site nursery and holiday camps; family-friendly policies.
• Volunteering opportunities and exclusive retail discounts.
• Salary sacrifice schemes and visa support where applicable.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Durham University is committed to equality, diversity, inclusion and values. We welcome and encourage applications from groups under-represented in our workforce, including people with disabilities. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever reasonable and, where successful, adjustments will be made to support people within their role. We will process data in line with the University Privacy Statement and immigration requirements where applicable.

What you need to demonstrate

Person Specification / Qualifications

• Educated to degree level in a relevant discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Recognised professional practitioner (e.g. Chartered Member of IOSH or equivalent) with specialist knowledge to influence service delivery.
• Relevant experience providing specialist advice within a large, complex organisation.
• Experience participating in internal or external networks to share best practice and influence the University's reputation.
• Experience implementing policies and procedures and supporting service improvements.
• Cross-functional management and development experience across a large service team.
• Extensive experience operating at a strategic/expert level in health and safety.
• Developing innovative solutions for strategic change to continually improve health and safety.
• Other skills and knowledge as listed in the original description.

• Skills/Abilities/Knowledge including communication, interpersonal skills, digital competence, CPD, regulatory compliance, strategic awareness, financial awareness, risk advice, and data interpretation.
• Well-developed knowledge of health and safety systems and how they relate to organisational strategy.
• Broad health and safety experience in a complex organisation.
• Ability to plan operational and strategic initiatives and allocate budgets.

What you need to submit

To progress to the assessment stage, evidence the essential criteria required for the role. Some criteria may be considered later in the process. Include a supporting statement or covering letter showing how you meet the essential criteria and any weighted criteria (those marked with ).

How to Apply

We prefer online applications. We will update you via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder for updates.

Documentation

What you need to submit

• A supporting statement or covering letter outlining how you meet all essential criteria with examples.
• Demonstrate commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University's values.
• Provide professional and strategic leadership of health and safety; develop and deliver health and safety delivery plans.

Final notes

Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data in accordance with the University Privacy Statement. We may require immigration checks where applicable.