Divisional Health and Safety Officer

Location: Social Sciences Divisional Office, 6 Worcester Street, Oxford, OX1 2BX

The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. Our research plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic.

The Social Sciences Division is one of four academic Divisions in the University, comprising fifteen departments, faculties and schools. The Division represents one of the largest groupings of social scientists in the world and in 2025 the University of Oxford ranked second in both the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for Social Sciences and QS World University Rankings for Social Sciences & Management.

The Social Sciences Division is seeking a Divisional Health and Safety Officer on a one year fixed term or secondment basis. This is an exciting opportunity to provide professional expertise and support on health and safety matters to all 15 departments of the Division as well as exercising oversight of health and safety matters on behalf of the Division. Based within the Social Sciences Divisional Office the post holder will report to the Strategic Planning & Projects Manager.

About the Role

The role will be supporting all departments across the full breadth of health and safety professional support as needed, from policy and assurance work to assessing and managing risk and reporting. The post holder will also be the main point of contact for any central projects and groups such as fire response, health and safety system project, safety office partnership meetings and other activities as appropriate.

The role includes advising senior managers on aspects of health and safety and the post holder will be expected to take a proportionate and facilitative approach in supporting departments to fulfil their legal obligations.

About You

A degree in a relevant subject or equivalent professional qualification with a significant experience in health and safety role (a minimum of 4 years in professional role), including exposure to contingency planning in fieldwork (both urban and rural), is essential for this post.

The post would suit someone in a current DSO position who holds a professional qualification in health and safety (for example NEBOSH general certificate).

Application Process

You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement, CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application.

For queries about the role, contact: recruitment@socsci.ox.ac.uk. For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Cat Griffin - cat.griffin@socsci.ox.ac.uk.

The closing date for applications is midday on 6 February 2026.

Interviews will take place on 10 February 2026 and will be online via MS Teams.

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