HSE & Safeguarding Officer

Role Overview

The HSE & Safeguarding Officer plays an integral role within the Health and Safety department, focusing on planning, strategizing, and managing everyday HSE operations. This role involves collaboration across faculty teams and professional services to promote campus safety and safeguarding practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Developing, implementing, and maintaining comprehensive HSE documentation and procedural standards.
• Enhancing campus safety performance by ensuring continuous improvements in health and safety outcomes.
• Conducting site audits, including fire safety, risk assessments, and general operational evaluations.
• Coordinating training activities related to HSE with external organizations.
• Preparing Method Statements and Risk Assessments for all upcoming projects.
• Delivering health and safety orientation sessions for new staff and students.
• Leading investigations of campus incidents, resolving safety issues effectively.
• Fostering a strong safety culture and executing the Middlesex University HSE plan.
• Inspecting campus premises and generating detailed safety inspection reports.
• Reporting all incidents and accidents promptly and accurately.
• Promoting safety awareness among both employees and students.
• Escalating safety violations and non-compliance to appropriate authorities.
• Ensuring full implementation of the safety plan throughout the campus.
• Working collaboratively with academic and professional services personnel to maintain optimal health and safety standards.
• Championing safeguarding initiatives to enhance the student experience and protect staff.
• Supporting the application and development of university safeguarding frameworks, policies, and procedures.
• Acting as the primary contact for safeguarding concerns, providing timely advice and support while maintaining confidentiality and legal compliance.
• Keeping updated on safeguarding legislation and guidelines, and disseminating this information to staff and students.
• Coordinating with various university departments to monitor and support students with safeguarding issues.
• Establishing and sustaining partnerships with external statutory, voluntary, and community agencies, facilitating timely referrals to safeguard the university community.
• Participating in safeguarding-related meetings and professional development opportunities to stay informed of best practices.
• Maintaining accurate, confidential records and compiling regular reports on safeguarding incidents and outcomes.
• Performing other duties as relevant to the role's level and responsibilities.

Candidate Requirements

• At least five years of relevant experience, ideally within an educational context.
• Bachelor's degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Familiarity with handling hazardous materials and a solid ability to draft health and safety policies and reports.
• Highly meticulous with strong organizational skills.
• Occupational health and safety certification such as NEBOSH is preferred.
• Competency in Microsoft Office tools; knowledge of safety management information systems is advantageous.
• Strong understanding of quality and safety protocols.
• Experience managing complex and sensitive safety-related issues.
• Availability to work flexible hours as needed.
• Excellent verbal and written English communication skills.