Director of Health, Safety & Wellbeing

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Health, Safety & Wellbeing (HSW) expert to spearhead and craft the HSW strategy throughout our diverse and thriving organisation. Your role will be to establish a comprehensive service that surpasses our legal obligations by actively fostering a culture of safety and a healthy work environment.

The University of East London is one of the most diverse and vibrant universities in the global capital. Our pioneering and future-focused careers-1st vision is making a positive and significant impact to the communities we serve, inspiring our students, our staff, our alumni, and our partners to reach their full potential. Founded in 1898 to meet the skills needs of the 2nd industrial revolution, we are implementing Vision 2028 our ambitious 10-year strategy to reshape the face of education through collaborative initiatives alongside industry partners. It is already making a noticeable impact on our students’ lives and career opportunities.

The University of East London prioritises the safety and inclusiveness of everyone and the HSW team works towards promoting behaviours that support this priority. With c.2,000 staff and 44,000 students across three campuses, there's always something new to consider. We aim to transform our culture and become the most welcoming, engaging, and healthy university in the UK. To achieve this, we require someone with creative problem-solving skills, strategic vision, and the ability to measure impact to lead our efforts in Health, Safety, Wellbeing.

To be successful in this role you should possess extensive knowledge of Wellbeing initiatives, Health & Safety legislation, premises compliance, and risk management. Leadership experience in a large complex organisation is also required. Additionally, effective communication and influencing skills, along with a practical problem-solving approach, are critical.

Your key duties and responsibilities

• Lead the HSW Team and drive performance across UEL to achieve world class standards in H&S.
• Manage the HSW data and ensure that the right information is provided to the right people at the right time, to allow sound data led decision making.
• Lead on and contribute to staff wellbeing projects and initiatives.
• Develop and maintain close and effective relationships with relevant stakeholders.
• Proactively identify risks and assist in devising appropriate controls.
• Ensure that all duties are conducted by the HSW Team as required (e.g. inspections, audits, risk assessment reviews) and provide visibility of this to the University Executive Board.
• Provide governance and assurance on all areas conducted by others that affect HSW (e.g. statutory inspections, Development of Risk Assessments).
• Provide advice and guidance to staff at all levels of the organisation on HSW issues.
• Attend HSW Committee meetings (and sub-committee meetings) and provide reports and data for such meetings.

You will need

• Proven experience and success in a similar role working in a multi-site complex organisation with a wide variety of risks.
• Proven ability to influence and work effectively with senior stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Experience of consultation with Trade Unions.
• Relevant professional qualifications e.g. HSW related Degree or NEBOSH Diploma or Equivalent. CMIOSH or working towards it.
• Relevant professional knowledge e.g. fire safety, construction safety management, CDM and laboratory safety management.

Benefits Package

Here at UEL we understand it’s about more than just a salary. It’s about the entire package on offer along with our outstanding work environment and inclusive culture. We know the market rates for this vacancy and will offer a genuinely competitive salary DOE.

We care deeply about your wellbeing and our benefits includes: 20% pension (4% from you, 16% from us), 25 days holiday, plus 3 days over Christmas and bank holidays, hybrid working for most positions, and we’re always open to consider flexible working arrangements. We have a subsidised gym membership, 3 times base salary life assurance, a cashback healthcare scheme and wide variety of other generous benefits including discounts on: Apple and Samsung products, holidays, clothing, fitness, lifestyle, dining out and weekly shopping.

Equal Opportunities

UEL is an inclusive equal opportunities employer and are proud of our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity achievements, including: zero gender pay gap, members of Stonewall and have won Athena Swan awards. We expect all employees of UEL to accept our EDI policy and will not tolerate discrimination in any form.

So, if you’d like to take your career to the next level with us here at the University of East London and are inspired by our environment and committed to success, we want you to apply today!