Director of Safety, Health and Wellbeing

The role

We’re looking for a dynamic and forward‑thinking Director of Safety, Health and Wellbeing to lead the strategic direction of the University’s approach to creating a safe, healthy and supportive environment for our community.

As a senior member of the HR leadership team, you will act as the University’s senior competent person under Health and Safety legislation, advising the Vice-Chancellor, University Executive Board and Board of Trustees.

You will shape and deliver our Safety, Health and Wellbeing Strategy, ensuring we maintain an effective framework that supports our academic and operational ambitions. You will lead a high‑performing team of specialists across health and safety, occupational health and staff counselling, and serve as the University’s senior expert voice in this critical area.

What will you be doing?

In this pivotal leadership role, you will:

• Set and deliver the institutional Safety, Health and Wellbeing Strategy.
• Ensure the University has a robust, compliant and future‑focused health and safety management system.
• Build strong, trusted relationships with senior leaders, including the Vice‑Chancellor and Board of Trustees.
• Lead, inspire and develop a team of subject matter experts across health and safety and wellbeing services.
• Provide authoritative advice and constructive challenge to improve organisational culture and performance.
• Oversee policy development, risk management, audits, monitoring and continuous improvement activities.
• Act as the University’s escalation point for serious incidents, coordinating responses and liaising with emergency services and enforcing authorities.
• Maintain key relationships with regulatory bodies including HSE, Local Authority, Environment Agency and Fire & Rescue.
• Take accountability for compliance with specialist areas such as ionising and non‑ionising radiation.
• Manage a significant departmental budget and ensure resources are aligned to institutional priorities.

You should apply if

You are an experienced and influential senior health and safety leader who:

• Has substantial expertise across safety, health and wellbeing in a large, complex organisation.
• Holds professional accreditation (e.g., IOSH) and a strong commitment to CPD.
• Can confidently influence and advise senior executives and governing bodies.
• Communicates with clarity and impact, even in high‑stakes or emotionally charged situations.
• Has a proven track record of leading high‑performing teams and building credibility at all levels.
• Operates with strong moral and ethical values and isn’t afraid to “speak truth to authority.”
• Brings sound political judgement and can represent the University in a range of internal and external forums.
• Is motivated by shaping a culture where people feel safe, supported and able to thrive.

Benefits of working for the University include-

• 32 days of annual leave per year (plus bank holidays)
• Automatic entry to a generous pension scheme
• Hybrid working environment
• Inclusive culture, valuing the diversity of thought, beliefs and background

Additional information

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Sunday 8th March 2026.  

For informal queries please contact James Bigwood, Chief People Officer, via Sarah Haworth – sarah.haworth@bristol.ac.uk 

Our strategy and mission

We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

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