Head of Health and Safety Assurance

University of Oxford – Safety Office

Location: Multi-site across Oxford, based at Occupational Health and Safety Office, 10 Parks Road, with occasional overseas travel by exception.

Salary: £65,336–£75,439 per annum

Contract: Full-time (37.5 hours per week), permanent

Are you ready to establish and lead a new University-wide health and safety assurance function? Join the University of Oxford in this high-profile role, strengthening risk management, compliance and safety performance across a world-leading institution.

About Us

Ranked the world’s leading university for ten consecutive years, Oxford combines centuries of tradition with world-changing innovation.

Our Safety Office supports staff, students, contractors and visitors, providing practical health and safety solutions across research, teaching, maintenance and capital projects.

What We Offer

• 38 days’ annual leave (including public holidays), with options to purchase additional leave.
• Generous family leave, including up to 26 weeks’ full-pay maternity/adoption leave and 12 weeks’ full-pay paternity/partner leave.
• Hybrid and flexible working opportunities.
• Excellent contributory pension scheme.
• Sustainable travel benefits, including cycle loans and discounted bus travel.
• Access to University social, cultural and sports facilities.

About the Role

Reporting to the Director of Occupational Health and Safety, you will establish and lead an independent, institution-level health and safety assurance function.

Supporting the University's EveryDaySafe programme, People Strategy and Strategic Plan 2025–2030, you will provide evidence-based oversight of safety performance across academic divisions, Gardens, Libraries and Museums, Oxford Lifelong Learning, and University Administration and Services.

Working with the Safety Executive Group, senior leaders and key stakeholders, you will develop assurance frameworks, strengthen compliance monitoring and use data-driven insights to identify risks, inform decisions and drive improvements.

Your work will complement existing operational safety services, internal and external auditors, and regulatory oversight, helping embed a positive safety culture across the University.

About You

We are seeking an experienced health and safety leader with:

• A degree or equivalent experience and senior health and safety qualification (e.g. NEBOSH Diploma), supported by continuing professional development.
• Significant auditing experience against recognised standards, including ISO 45001.
• Proven experience establishing three-lines-of-defence assurance frameworks in large, complex organisations.
• Strong leadership, team management and project delivery skills.
• Broad understanding of health and safety risks, including biological hazards, fieldwork, buildings and visitor attractions.
• Experience influencing senior stakeholders and working collaboratively within devolved organisations.
• Excellent communication, analytical, reporting and data management skills.
• Comprehensive knowledge of relevant legal, regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Experience within higher education or a similarly complex environment.

Application Process

Please submit:

• Completed Selection Criteria Evidence document.
• Current CV.
• Details of three referees.

Further details can be found via the 'Apply' button above.

Closing date: 12 noon, 20 November 2026.

Interviews: Expected 2 December 2026, in person or via Microsoft Teams.

Join us in shaping a safer University and supporting Oxford’s world-leading teaching and research.

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