Head of Health and Safety

Location: Radcliffe Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford

The Radcliffe Department of Medicine (RDM) is a large and diverse department in the University of Oxford, spanning discovery science, translational research and clinical activity across multiple hospital and campus sites. Following the launch of our ambitious five-year research strategy, and the outcomes of a departmental safety review, we are creating a new senior role, the Head of Health and Safety. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to shape the safety management and culture of a complex research environment at a moment of organisational change.

The Head of Health and Safety is the first post of its kind in RDM. You will act as the Departmental Safety Officer and the focal point for all health and safety activity across the department, advising the Head of Department. You will lead the development of a coherent, proportionate and effective safety framework, implement the recommendations of the departmental safety review, and provide clear, professional assurance to senior leadership. You will work closely with safety professionals at all levels of the organisation to set direction, support good practice and drive continuous improvement to support our world-leading research.

This is a senior leadership role and will suit candidates with substantial experience of managing health and safety in a large, complex organisation. You will be confident advising at executive level, comfortable in leading change, and credible when translating legislation and policy into practical, workable solutions. You will bring sound judgement and strong communication skills, with the ability to influence, build trust and support others to meet their responsibilities effectively.

Applications for this vacancy should be made online via the 'Apply' button above. You will need to upload a CV and supporting statement, which must clearly detail how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. 

This post is offered on a full-time permanent basis, although requests for part-time at 0.8 FTE will be considered. 

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Luke Evans, RDM Head of Operations (luke.evans@rdm.ox.ac.uk). 

The closing date for this application is 12 noon on 10 April 2026. In-person interviews are expected to be held on 29 April 2025. 

Committed to equality and valuing diversity.

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