Health and Safety Officer

Devon and Somerset

Westcotts is a Top 50+50 Accountancy Practice and Real Living Wage Employer with around 300 team members based across the Southwest of England.

We are now looking for a Health and Safety Officer to join us on a permanent part-time basis (14.5 hours / 2 days per week). Reporting to the Partner accountable for health and safety and working closely with the Health and Safety Administrator, you will co-ordinate and lead activities on all matters of health and safety whilst having responsibility for the day-to-day health and safety of the Firm. The position can be based from any of our offices; however, travel will be required to all offices from time to time. Hybrid and flexible working arrangements available.

Main Duties

The main duties (but not limited to) are the following: –

• Upkeep and delivery of in-house health and safety training materials including office manual, induction training, refresher training, office champion and management training (including CDM).
• Co-ordination, completion, and monitoring of new starters and annual DSE training including follow up actions of organising equipment e.g., chairs, desks.
• Production of Health and Safety communications including ad hoc Viva Engage updates and monthly report for the Management Board.
• First Aider monitoring and training co-ordination.
• Completion of all general health and safety related risk assessments and supporting office lead Partners on completion of local assessments.
• Selection, co-ordination and monitoring of external health and safety related contractors including fire, electrical, and asbestos.
• Co-ordination of all fire risk assessments and guidance to office lead Partners on any subsequent required actions.
• Co-ordination of asbestos reviews and surveys to required timescales as well as ongoing 6 monthly review and communication of asbestos management plan.
• Co-ordination and guidance of legionella assessments, reviews, and actions.
• Co-ordination and guidance of required electrical assessments including PAT testing and fixed wire.
• Ongoing monitoring and coaching of individual office completion of health and safety routines including alarm testing, sensor checks, fire drills, extinguisher checks, emergency lighting and gas servicing.
• Carrying out annual Health and Safety office inspections to ensure working practices are safe and comply with legislation.
• Responsible for the incidents and accidents reporting process for the Firm.
• Supporting Facilities and Office Management teams with health and safety input relating to property maintenance, including planned preventative maintenance and reactive works.
• Providing health and safety guidance in relation to property-related projects and refurbishments to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and internal policies.
• Point of contact for all health and safety queries.
• Keeping up to date with new legislation and maintaining a working knowledge of all Health and Safety Executive (HSE) legislation, making recommendations to ensure Westcotts remains compliant.

Attributes, Skills, Experience and Qualifications

Ideally the successful candidate will have the following attributes, skills, experience, and qualifications:

• Outgoing and socially confident. A positive attitude, friendly, and approachable.
• Resilient, able to multi-task, and work independently / flexibly.
• Adaptable, organised, and conscientious. Takes the initiative, ability to prioritise, and meet deadlines.
• Discreet, professional, and team orientated in approach.
• Passionate about all areas of health and safety.
• Ability to learn new IT skills quickly and good working knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with proven accuracy and an eye for detail.
• Ability to articulate health and safety requirements / proposals efficiently and pragmatically.
• Full driving licence and access to own transport is essential.
• At least 2 years previous or current health and safety role experience.
• Minimum of NEBOSH / IOSH or other health and safety qualification required.
• Ideally Fire Safety and Asbestos qualifications or certificates.

Terms / Benefits

• 25 hours holiday / bank holiday per year increasing to 95.75 hours holiday / bank holiday after three years’ service with the opportunity to carry over 1 week’s holiday pro rata into the following holiday year.
• Annual salary review.
• Death in service 3 x annual salary.
• Access to Westfield Rewards and Health scheme.
• 24-hour external Employee Assistance Programme helpline.
• Flexible benefits including Buy and Sell holiday, Cycle to Work, Payroll Charity Giving and Private Medical Insurance.
• Introducing clients and team member commission schemes.
• Pension 3% rising to 4% (but matched up to 6% after 4 years’ service).
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity after one year’s service.

How to apply

To apply for this position, please upload your CV along with a covering letter providing information on why you feel you would be suitable for the role in particular in regards to the desired attributes, skills, experience and qualifications. Please also state your current salary (if applicable), salary expectations, desired working hours / pattern, preferred base office location and available start date.