Deputy Health and Safety Officer (Social Housing)
Reading Borough Council’s Health & Safety and Risk Management Team provides an integrated risk management approach across all Council’s services, schools and to the Council’s children’s services company, Brighter Futures for Children. Services that the team provides also includes Emergency Planning and Business Continuity.
Through the development and monitoring of strategies, frameworks and policies the team provides assurance to the Council that it is effectively identifying and managing the risks it faces whilst delivering services to the residents of Reading.The team also provides operational advice, support and training to services and schools.
We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
We are open to flexible working patterns and can provide a hybrid working environment which utilises the best of both worlds with a mix of office working in central Reading and homeworking according to the needs of the Service.
About the role
This new role will provide a high level of health and safety assurance to the Council to ensure that it is fulfilling its obligations under the Social Housing (Regulation) Act. The role is ideal for someone with a strong background in building safety compliance, especially within social housing environments.
We are looking for a competent individual to provide assurance, advice and support to senior managers and elected members. You will work with managers at all levels to ensure that they have identified health and safety risks within the Councils social housing portfolio, making recommendations to reduce those risks as needed.
You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.
Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do
Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential
Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way
Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed
About you
You will require a professional qualification such as the NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent. You will possess the interpersonal, communication and stakeholder engagement skills that will enable you to effectively engage with Elected Members, Executive Directors, senior and operational managers.
You will also have the ability to interpret and apply the legal requirements contained within the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974, the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 and other associated legislation.
You will already have experience in identifying the wide range of connected health and safety risks that can affect social housing tenants and possess the skills to provide real-world practical advice to enable managers to control those risks.
Our offer
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leaveA wide range of flexible working opportunities
Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
Season Ticket Loan - to help with the cost of your rail/ bus journey, to & from work
Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax
For more information on this position please contact either Robin Pringle Health, Safety & Risk Management Lead robin.pringle@reading.gov.uk or Vicki Swift Senior Health, Safety & Risk Management Advisor vicki.swift@reading.gov.uk
Closing Date: 10th November 2024Interview Date: To be confirmed
Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.