Band 6 - Assistant Fire Safety Advisor, Compliance/Fire Safety

Job location: Cross Site, Watford, WD18 0HB. This is a permanent, full-time position within the West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

Overview

We are seeking an ambitious and professional fire safety team member who can work independently and remain calm under pressure in a busy Trust environment. The Assistant Fire Safety Advisor will support the Fire Safety Advisor to achieve Trust-wide Fire Safety Compliance in accordance with Healthcare Technical Memorandums and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO). The role is part of a period of transition and expansion, with flexible working options and core hours 08:00–16:00 across all sites, including the opportunity to work from home one day per week after probation.

Responsibilities

• Carry out fire safety audits and inspections across all Trust premises.
• Support requests for bespoke departmental fire evacuation training and training on evacuation aids.
• Undertake, record and report fire risk assessments.
• Provide competent advice on fire legislation and interpret fire safety guidance (including the Department of Health Firecode).
• Assist with the review of the Trust's fire safety policy, protocols and procedures.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of staff training programmes.
• Assist in the preparation of fire prevention and emergency action plans.
• Support the investigation of all fire-related incidents and fire alarm actuations.
• Liaise with enforcing authorities on technical issues as required.
• Assist with Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEP) where required.
• Perform any other duties commensurate with the post as requested by Trust Management.

Qualifications

• Essential
  • Education and qualifications: Working towards membership of an external fire-related association (e.g., Institute of Fire Engineers, IFSM or IFPO).
  • Good written and spoken English.
• Desirable
  • Health and Safety qualification (e.g., NEBOSH General Certificate, or IOSH General Certificate).
  • Fire service background or significant experience in a Fire Safety team/environment.
  • NEBOSH Certificate in Fire and Risk Management Level 3 or equivalent experience.
  • COSHH training and Fire, Health & Safety Investigation Training.
  • Evidence of CPD in accordance with professional body standards.

Knowledge

• Essential
  • Working knowledge of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
  • Knowledge of fire safety in the workplace, fire risk assessments and audits.
  • Understanding of fire alarm and fire safety systems; ability to use Windows applications and databases.
  • Commitment to equalities and ability to promote equality in employment.
  • Good communication skills; ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines; ability to produce high-quality written reports and analyse data.
• Desirable
  • Knowledge of NHS Fire Code suite of documents and NHS premises fire safety.
  • Experience with fire risk assessments and audits in NHS settings.

Experience

• Essential
  • Experience in a fire safety or fire engineering environment.
  • Fire management experience within a large service organisation or Fire Authority.
  • Experience of working with internal and external customers at all levels.
  • Experience applying relevant legislation, policies and procedures relating to fire safety.
  • Basic understanding of using and interrogating fire alarm systems.
  • Experience delivering or facilitating training programmes.
  • Able to work outside normal working hours.
• Desirable
  • Experience of preparing and delivering fire safety instruction and training.
  • Experience of working in an NHS environment.

About Us

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is updating theatres and planning a new hospital in Watford. We value staff wellbeing, development and innovation to improve clinical care and patient experience. We offer flexible working options to support work-life balance.

Note: We reserve the right to close this advert early. If you do not hear back within 3 weeks, please assume you have been unsuccessful.