Trust Health and Safety Officer

Job Introduction

RAISE Education Trust Health and Safety Officer

Job Title: Trust Health and Safety Officer

Organisation: RAISE Education Trust

Location: Across our three schools - Boorley Park Primary School, Deer Park School and Wildern School

Salary: Grade E FTE (£32 149 - £35 241) - Actual Annual Salary (£16,079.16) 

Hours: Part time - 3 days a week (21 hours) 8.30am - 4.00pm - 39 weeks/yr

Contract Type: Permanent

Reporting To: Chief Operating Officer

Start Date: 1st September 2025

About RAISE Education Trust:

RAISE Education Trust is a dynamic and growing multi-academy trust dedicated to providing exceptional educational opportunities for children and young people. We are committed to fostering a supportive and inspiring learning environment where every student can achieve their full potential, both academically and personally. Our Trust encompasses three schools, Boorley Park Primary School, Deer Park School and Wildern School all located within 10 minutes of each other.  We are united by a shared vision of excellence, innovation, and community engagement. We believe in empowering our staff and students to reach new heights, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and collaborative success.

Job Purpose:

The Trust Health and Safety Officer holds an influential position within our Trust and will be responsible for ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all students, staff, and visitors across all schools within the RAISE Education Trust. You will have the scope to reshape current policies and procedures, introduce new practices and advise the Trust’s most senior leaders.  As you conduct regular audits/inspections, risk assessments and roll out training programmes you will ensure that health and safety is fully embedded in daily activity. You will continually refresh your expertise of legislation and best practice and build networks with other external health and safety experts. Under your guidance the Trust can pride itself on its sector-leading approach to keeping staff, visitors and pupils safe and well.

This role will suit a candidate who relishes the opportunity to innovate and position their organisation at the forefront of health and safety best practice. You will have extensive experience of leading on all aspects of health and safety within a complex organisation. Your pragmatic approach and sound judgment will enable you to recommend ways of working that are practical and workable. The experience you have of maintaining important documentation and policies with attention to detail will be very useful in this crucial aspect of the role. Your strong written and verbal communication skills, tactful, approachable manner and ability to positively influence others will enable you to build strong professional relationships throughout the Trust at all levels of seniority.  
 

Key Responsibilities:

1. Policy and Procedure Development & Implementation:

• Develop, review, and update the Trust's health and safety policies, procedures, and guidance in line with current legislation and best practice.
• Ensure all policies and procedures are communicated effectively to all staff and stakeholders.
• Implement robust systems for recording, investigating, and reporting accidents, incidents, and near misses.

2. Risk Management:

• Conduct regular health and safety risk assessments across all Trust sites, identifying potential hazards and recommending appropriate control measures.
• Maintain a comprehensive risk register and ensure that identified risks are managed effectively and reviewed regularly.
• Advise on risk mitigation strategies for all Trust activities, including educational visits and extra-curricular activities.

3. Compliance and Monitoring:

• Ensure the Trust's compliance with all relevant health and safety legislation, regulations, and approved codes of practice (e.g., HASAWA, COSHH, RIDDOR, Fire Safety Order).
• Conduct regular health and safety audits and inspections across all Trust schools, identifying areas for improvement and ensuring corrective actions are implemented.
• Maintain accurate records of all health and safety activities, including training, inspections, and incident reports.
• Liaise with external bodies such as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and local authorities as required.

4. Training and Awareness:

• Develop and deliver health and safety training programs for staff at all levels, including induction training and specialist training (e.g., first aid, fire warden).
• Promote a strong health and safety culture across the Trust through awareness campaigns, regular communications, and proactive engagement.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to school leaders, staff, and the Trust Board on all health and safety matters.

5. Accident and Incident Management:

• Lead the investigation of all accidents, incidents, and near misses, identifying root causes and recommending preventative measures.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of reportable incidents to the relevant authorities (e.g., RIDDOR).
• Monitor trends in accidents and incidents to identify areas for targeted intervention.

6. Contractor Management:

• Advise on health and safety aspects of contractor selection and management, ensuring contractors work safely on Trust premises.
• Review contractor method statements and risk assessments.

7. Emergency Planning:

• Assist with the development and review of emergency plans for all Trust schools, including fire safety plans and critical incident responses.
• Participate in emergency drills and exercises.

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Recognised health and safety qualification (e.g., NEBOSH National General Certificate or equivalent).
• Proven experience in a health and safety role, preferably within an education or multi-site environment.
• In-depth knowledge of UK health and safety legislation and best practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with staff at all levels.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Proficient in IT, including Microsoft Office suite.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Full UK driving license and access to a vehicle for travel between Trust sites.

Desirable:

• NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent.
• Experience of working with schools and an understanding of the specific health and safety challenges within an educational setting.
• Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., IOSH).

Personal Attributes:

• Proactive and self-motivated with a strong commitment to health and safety.
• Meticulous attention to detail and a methodical approach to work.
• Ability to work under pressure and respond effectively to emergencies.
• Tactful and diplomatic with the ability to influence and persuade.
• Committed to continuous professional development.

This job description is a guide and is not exhaustive. It may be amended to reflect the changing needs of the Trust.

Application Process:

To apply for this vacancy please Visit:  https://mynewterm.com/jobs/17337/EDV-2025-RET-94863 

If you currently work in a school, please ensure one of your references is from your current Headteacher.

Please submit your application as soon as possible as we may invite candidates to interview before the closing date.  Closing Date: Midday Wednesday 2nd July 2025.

Interview Date: Tuesday 15th July 2025.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close a vacancy earlier than the advertised date if we receive applications that meet the criteria. Once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications, so please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

RAISE Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.

Safer Recruitment

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.