The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

Reporting to the School Safety Officer and School Technical Manager, the School Safety Officer plays a vital role in fostering a strong safety culture within the School of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Civil Engineering. The role focuses on promoting positive health and safety practices to maintain a high-performing environment that aligns with professional standards, UK legislation, and University policies. Key responsibilities include managing the safe disposal of WEEE, chemicals, and other waste while maintaining accurate records to meet legal requirements. The role also ensures statutory compliance for equipment such as Local Exhaust Ventilation systems, lifting equipment, and pressure equipment. The post holder will also be required to independently carry out audits and inspections, this position involves supporting satellite sites, a full UK driving licence is essential for this dynamic role. 

Main duties and responsibilities

• Assist in the implementation and monitoring of the university’s health and safety policies and procedures. 
• Conduct risk assessments, safety inspections, and audits at various university sites (namely Sheffield, Rotherham and Buxton) 
• Support the development and delivery of health and safety training for staff and students. 
• Provide advice and guidance to staff and students on health and safety matters. 
• Assist in the investigation of accidents, incidents, and near misses, ensuring appropriate follow-up actions. 
• Maintain health and safety records and contribute to compliance reporting. 
• Carry out laboratory Inspections at both University and Satellite sites 
• Support emergency planning, fire safety procedures, and first-aid coordination. 
• Take responsibility for Schools First aid and fire management arrangements 
• Keep up to date with health and safety legislation and best practices relevant to the university environment. 
• Be a key contact to report any facilities management issues to Estates 
• Assist in providing health and safety inductions for new staff and students 
• Ensure that statutory compliance is up to date on Local Exhaust Ventilation, lifting equipment and pressure equipment 
• Arrange for the safe disposal of WEEE, chemical and other waste 
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post 

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and are respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Essential criteria

• A relevant qualification in Occupational Health and Safety, such as a NEBOSH General Certificate 
• Knowledge of UK health and safety legislation (e.g., Health and Safety at Work Act 1974). 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage effectively with staff and students. 
• Organised with excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team. 
• Full UK Driving licence 
• Excellent team working and interpersonal skills with the ability to challenge constructively, influence, persuade and motivate others 
• Experience with common IT applications, for example Word, Excel and Google Mail. 
• Ability to plan and prioritise own work and resources, demonstrating flexibility to accommodate changing demands and priorities, and coordinate arrangements and tasks with other staff. 
• Capable of working to tight deadlines with a high degree of accuracy 

Desirable criteria

• Experience in a health and safety role, preferably within an educational or public sector setting. 
• Knowledge of fire safety, manual handling, COSHH, and risk assessments. 

Further Information

Grade: 6

Salary: £32,080 - £39,906, with potential to progress to £39,906

Work arrangement: Full-time

Duration: Open-ended

Line manager: School Health & Safety Officer

Our website: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/mac 

For informal enquiries about this job contact Phillip Pickstock, School Technical Manager: on p.pickstock@sheffield.ac.uk or on 0114 2227844

Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page:- sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window). 

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.