Health and Safety Audit & Assurance Manager

Building on our foundations to create a safe, healthy and supportive environment is fundamental to the University’s strategy. As part of our ongoing commitment to strengthening our health and safety culture, we are seeking an experienced and influential Health and Safety Audit & Assurance Manager to lead our audit and assurance programme and help drive continuous improvement across the University.

About the role

As the University's lead Health and Safety Audit & Assurance Manager, you will be responsible for designing, delivering and continuously improving the University's health and safety assurance programme.

Working closely with senior leaders, managers and specialist colleagues, you will provide constructive challenge, independent assurance and practical support to strengthen health and safety performance across the institution.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing and delivering the University's annual risk-based health and safety audit programme, informed by the University's Operational Health and Safety Risk Register and departmental risk profiles.
• Evaluating the implementation and effectiveness of health and safety policies, standards, risk assessments and Codes of Practice.
• Producing clear, evidence-based audit reports that identify areas of good practice, opportunities for improvement and non-conformances.
• Supporting Faculties and Professional Services departments to develop proportionate and effective improvement plans.
• Monitoring audit actions through to completion and providing assurance on progress and effectiveness.
• Identifying themes, trends and organisational learning opportunities arising from audit activity.
• Providing high-quality assurance reporting to the University Executive Board, Council and relevant governance committees.
• Contributing to the continuous improvement of the University's health and safety management arrangements and culture.

This varied role sits within the University's Safety, Health and Employee Wellbeing Service, a specialist team providing leadership, advice, support and assurance across the University community.

The role is primarily based at our Claverton Down campus. Hybrid working is available in line with operational requirements, normally allowing up to two days per week working remotely. Job share applications are welcomed.

About you

We are looking for an experienced health and safety professional who combines strong technical knowledge with excellent interpersonal and influencing skills.

You will have substantial experience of auditing health and safety management systems within a large, complex organisation and be comfortable engaging with stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership teams and governance bodies.

You will be able to balance independent scrutiny with a collaborative approach, helping colleagues identify practical solutions and drive meaningful improvement.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Significant experience of health and safety auditing within a complex organisation.
• Strong knowledge of UK health and safety legislation and its practical application.
• Experience of developing, delivering and managing risk-based audit programmes.
• Excellent analytical, report-writing and communication skills.
• The ability to present complex information clearly and confidently to senior stakeholders.
• Strong influencing and relationship-building skills, with the ability to support and challenge constructively.
• A proactive approach to promoting positive health and safety culture and continuous improvement.
• Experience of working with, or alongside, regulatory bodies and external stakeholders.

Experience gained within a research-intensive, scientific, engineering, healthcare, higher education or similarly complex technical environment would be particularly valuable.

Essential qualifications

You will hold:

• A recognised health and safety qualification at Level 6 or above (such as the NEBOSH Diploma, NVQ Level 6 or equivalent).
• A recognised auditing qualification, such as ISO 45001 Lead Auditor or equivalent.
• Evidence of ongoing continuing professional development.

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