Head of Health, Safety and Environment

About UK Biobank

UK Biobank is a large-scale biomedical database and research resource containing in-depth genetic and health information from half a million UK participants.

The database, the largest and most comprehensive of its kind in the world, is anonymised and made widely accessible by UK Biobank to global researchers who use it to find new scientific discoveries about common and life-threatening diseases – such as cancer, heart disease and stroke which strike in mid-later life.

“Today, the UK Biobank ranks as the world’s most important health database and is arguably the UK’s most significant scientific asset.” (The Guardian, Nov 2023)

UK Biobank employs over 260 colleagues split across multiple sites in the UK – including two locations in Stockport (an administrative centre and a technically-focused site, including an imaging centre), plus further imaging centres across the country.  A new site in central Manchester is also under construction.  Each site operates under the UK Biobank’s HTA license and in line with our Quality Accreditations (currently ISO9001, ISO27001).

Key operations include medical imaging (X-ray, MRI and ultrasound), clinical measures, laboratory (sample) processing, ultra-low temperature storage of biological samples (electrical and liquid nitrogen cooled) plus other ad-hoc projects and supporting services.

Overview of the role

Working hours are 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, hybrid working.

Principle duties and responsibilities

The role holder will be responsible for all aspects of Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) alongside well-being (in partnership with the People & Development team) across UK Biobank’s sites, developing strategies, policies and plans, offering pro-active and enabling guidance and support and leading continuous improvement activities. 

• All aspects of HSE at UK Biobank’s operational sites, including the implementation and maintenance of suitable management systems, in line with management requirements, business objectives and current legislation.
• Providing HSE input to new site developments, refurbishments and alterations.
• The development of strategies and plans to continuously improve standards.
• Preparation of executive and board reporting on HSE, annual and ad hoc reports.
• Developing, reviewing, updating and maintaining HSE related Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), associated records and other documentation.
• Designing, reviewing, implementing and updating safety systems.
• Leading UK Biobank’s drive to improve environmental performance across all its activities and reach net zero by 2040.
• Working in partnership with the People & Development team to monitor employee well-being and plan and implement interventions.
• Working with IT/IS and People & Development colleagues to ensure that HSE is supported by appropriate information systems and reporting.
• Managing a small HSE team.
• Guiding the completion of risk assessments, providing training where necessary.
• Proactively reviewing relevant legislation, taking action to ensure that UK Biobank’s systems and processes remain fit for purpose and are compliant.
• Managing internal inspection and audit programmes.
• Working with department managers to review, plan and develop policies and procedures for new projects and changes to the business which may have an impact on sustainability.
• Designing and delivering awareness training and induction materials.
• Ensuring your own competency, identifying and attending relevant and necessary training courses and keeping yourself updated on current HSE requirements and legislation.
• Any other reasonable task which may be required outside of normal duties.

About you

Essential 

• Qualified to NEBOSH Diploma level, or equivalent.
• Environmental qualification, such as IEMA Certificate in Environmental Management.
• Experience of working in a laboratory, clinic, imaging or other scientific environment and dealing with the specific risk areas in these types of specialised environment.
• Strong verbal communication skills, including the confidence and ability to deliver and facilitate training clearly and methodically to individuals and groups.
• Excellent written communication skills, including formal report writing.
• Good attention to detail with ability to multi-task and work flexibly.
• Ability to motivate and positively influence others and build a proactive health, safety and sustainability culture.
• Ability to manage your own workload and prioritise tasks in a fast-paced and growing organisation.
• Ability to travel regularly to all of the UK Biobank’s sites. 

Our passion for diversity and equity means creating a work environment for all employees that is welcoming, respectful, engaging, and enriched with opportunities for personal and professional development. 

What's on offer 

We have a range of benefits here at UK Biobank, some of the highlights of those are: 

• 26 days' annual leave (which increases with length of service) plus Bank Holidays
• Holiday buy scheme (buy up to 1 week of additional leave per year)
• A paid day off for your birthday (in addition to annual leave)
• Flexible (hybrid) working, including modern offices in Stockport (relocating to new offices in Manchester Science Park in 2026)
• USS Pension Scheme which is a ‘hybrid’ defined benefit/defined contribution scheme
• Enhanced family leave (available from day 1 of employment)
• Cycle to work scheme
• Professional subscriptions reimbursement (where applicable)
• Free gym on site
• On site Canteen
• Subsidised lunches (£5.50 contribution per day when working on site) and refreshments
• Free car parking
• Employee discounts portal
• 20% Discount at EE
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Eye-care scheme
• Annual flu vaccination
• Life Assurance cover 

#LI-Hybrid 

The job advert closing date may change, so we recommend that if you are planning to apply that you do so without delay.