Summary
Dorset Council is in search of a seasoned Health & Safety Manager to spearhead its corporate Health & Safety Service.
This pivotal leadership position involves steering strategic health, safety, and wellbeing initiatives across the Council and its partner entities.
The role requires managing the Health & Safety Team, offering expert advice to senior management, overseeing governance and assurance processes, and fostering a robust health, safety, and wellbeing culture within the organization.
This position presents a unique opportunity to shape corporate strategy, drive service enhancements, and ensure compliance with statutory and best practice standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee and guide the Health & Safety Team to deliver exceptional service.
- Formulate and execute Health & Safety strategies, policies, and procedures.
- Offer strategic counsel and professional support to senior managers and stakeholders.
- Lead governance, performance reporting, and corporate assurance for Health & Safety.
- Identify, manage, and mitigate health and safety risks across the Council.
- Develop and sustain effective audit, inspection, and assurance frameworks.
- Monitor legislative changes and evaluate their impact on Council operations.
- Conduct investigations into serious incidents, accidents, and near misses.
- Collaborate with external regulators and enforcement authorities as needed.
- Foster organizational ownership of health, safety, and wellbeing through coaching and engagement.
- Provide training, guidance, and support to managers and staff.
- Support broader People & Workforce initiatives and organizational transformation programs.
- Engage actively with trade unions, service managers, and stakeholders on health and safety issues.
- Attend and lead relevant internal and external meetings and governance forums.
- Contribute to corporate risk management strategies.
Leadership Responsibilities
- Inspire, motivate, and develop the Health & Safety Team.
- Establish clear objectives and performance expectations.
- Conduct performance management, coaching, and development activities.
- Advocate for innovation, service improvement, and cultural change.
- Foster an inclusive and supportive work environment.
- Support staff wellbeing and continuous professional development.
Essential Requirements
- NEBOSH Diploma in Occupational Safety & Health or equivalent professional qualification.
- Evidence of working towards Chartered Health & Safety Practitioner status.
- Minimum of five GCSEs (or equivalent), including English and Mathematics.
- Extensive post-qualification Health & Safety experience, ideally in a large organization.
- Proven experience in leading Health & Safety services and teams.
- Experience in developing and implementing policies, procedures, and governance frameworks.
- Proficiency in conducting audits, inspections, and investigations.
- Strong knowledge of Health & Safety legislation and best practices.
- Experience in delivering training and coaching to managers.
- Experience in leading service improvement and organizational change initiatives.
- Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Desirable
- Experience in the Public Sector or Local Government.
- Experience advising senior leadership teams and elected members.
- Chartered Member of IOSH (or nearing completion).
- Experience managing Health & Safety within complex multi-service organizations.
What's on Offer?
- £350 - £450 per day (Inside IR35)
- Ongoing Interim Contract
- Hybrid Working
- 2 Days Per Week in Dorchester
- Immediate Start Available
- Bi-weekly Pay
- Opportunity to lead a key corporate Health & Safety function.
- Strategic leadership role with significant organizational impact.
- Exposure to governance, transformation, risk management, and wellbeing initiatives.
This role is ideal for individuals with experience as a Health & Safety Manager, Head of Health & Safety, Health & Safety Business Partner, Corporate Health & Safety Manager, Senior Health & Safety Advisor, Health & Safety Lead, Health & Wellbeing Manager, or Occupational Safety Manager.