Health and Safety

The Safety, Health and Wellbeing team have historically developed several newly trained Health and Safety Advisors, who have attained a Level 3 National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety through the National Examination Board in Occupational Health and Safety (NEBOSH). The trainee advisor will spend up to two years working alongside other senior SHAW advisors, and support colleagues, managers, and other departments within specified directorates in the management of all aspects of occupational health and safety. Whilst doing so, they will undertake further personal development whilst completing a Level 6 Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals through either NEBOSH or NVQ accreditation.

Safety, Health and Wellbeing (SHaW) Advisors will have attained a nationally recognised level 6 qualification in addition to other specific qualifications in specific areas, which could include; Fire Safety Management, Safeguarding, teaching qualifications in subjects such as Manual Handling, Display Screen Assessor, Evacuation Chair Trainer, First Aid at Work and Mental Health First Aid training. They will provide internal training where appropriate and work with both internal and external partners in all areas of SHaW governance and assurance to ensure Suffolk County Council upholds its legal, morale and financial obligations to good safety, health and well-being management.

The head of service will have attained the same professional qualifications as other Safety, Health and Wellbeing (SHaW) Advisors and have a minimum of five years occupational health and safety experience. They will be a member of the Institute of Occupational Health and Safety (IOSH) and continue to undertake continual personal development to ‘Chartered’ membership status. They will also be responsible for the development and deliver the safety, health, and well-being (SHaW) policy and strategy to ensure we are able to deliver our statutory and civil responsibilities and liabilities as an employer. In doing so, we ensure the strategy supports the organisational priorities and direction, providing joined up service delivery across Suffolk County Council and partner organisations.

As head of service and the council’s senior nominated ‘competent’ person, you will provide strategic influence, support, challenge, insight and professional advice to the organisation, senior leaders, and cabinet members to ensure organisational planning and decision-making takes full account of safety, health, and well-being considerations.

Lead and manage the professional team of health and safety advisers and identify opportunities for innovation, partnership working, efficiency and income generation both within the organisation and across the public sector.