Fire, Health and Safety Officer

The Post

Having a fire bias, this role will provide professional advice to the University on all fire matters and will support the Head of Safety, Environment and Continuity in the provision of competent health and safety advice to ensure the safety of all staff, students and visitors to all of our sites.

This division provides support on safety, environment and business continuity to the University community.

The post holder will take the lead on advising upon and assessing fire safety provisions in all University buildings. The post holder will be responsible for formulating policies and procedures and providing input into capital and maintenance projects. They will also be expected to take ownership of the issues and see through to conclusion.

The University Fire & Safety Officer is responsible for overseeing all aspects of fire safety in all University buildings including conducting fire risk assessments and monitoring the completion of actions arising from those risk assessments (a legal requirement under the Fire Safety (Scotland) Act), developing associated compliance strategies and policies and providing technical advice (e.g. acts as the primary fire safety adviser for capital projects and facilities management operations).

This will involve identifying risks and improvements required to meet legislative compliance or to reduce risks. The post holder is also responsible for investigating fire and safety related incidents, reporting findings to relevant staff and monitoring any arising actions.

The post holder will also deliver the mandatory training to University staff in relation to fire and safety. The role will require out of hours working including weekends in response to any incidents which require an on-site presence.

Description of Duties

• Within a changing and dynamic environment report to senior University managers providing expert advice to ensure the safety of the institution, its physical assets and its people
• Oversee all aspects of fire safety in University buildings and develop associated compliance strategies and policies
• Undertake and maintain documented fire risk assessments of all University buildings as required by the Fire Safety (Scotland) Act 2005 and The Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006, or current legislation. Ensure any resultant action plans are progressed and completed
• Provide fire safety support to Accommodation Services to assist them in their duty to ensure University residential accommodation is fully compliant with the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1992 (Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation Order 2000)
• Liaise with relevant enforcing authorities, e.g. Health and Safety Executive, Stirling Council Building Control and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, in particular during HMO licence audits and building warrant inspections
• Provide technical advice and guidance acting as the primary fire safety adviser at the design stage of capital projects and refurbishments e.g. advising on the design of fire protection systems, fire management plans, provision of means of escape, and ensuring overall fire safety compliance in accordance with the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005, the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006 and the technical handbook (Building regulations). Provide advice during the cause and effect commissioning stages of capital projects for all fire safety systems. Where a fire engineer is appointed take the lead in briefing the fire engineer to ensure the University’s requirements are met
• Work closely with colleagues in property management for the maintenance and installation of fire safety systems
• Provide technical advice on the suitability of building fire safety systems including fire-fighting equipment, fire safety protection equipment and fire alarm systems
• Provide fire safety advice during the construction phase of capital projects ensuring the University’s fire safety requirements are met
• Review and develop the fire management strategy and plans for all existing and new University buildings. Ensure these plans are effectively communicated to stakeholders and where necessary undertake training in the implementation of those plans
• Provide advice to the Operations and Maintenance team within the Property Management Division in respect of the operation, management and maintenance of all fire related life safety systems and asset protection systems
• Inform the University’s capital plan through the production of a five year fire safety capital investment plan
• Carry out periodic fire safety and health and safety inspections and audits of all University buildings and processes, making relevant recommendations and providing pragmatic solutions to maintain health and safety legislative compliance
• Provide competent advice and guidance to Accommodation and Commercial Services on safety requirements, occupancy capacities, emergency procedures, means of escape etc. for events that are held on campus e.g. conferences, graduation and graduation ball, exhibitions etc

Essential Criteria

• NEBOSH General Certificate (Fire Safety) or equivalent
• NEBOSH General Certificate (Health and Safety) or equivalent
• Excellent working knowledge of Statutory Compliance
• In depth experience of fire safety, health and safety and emergency response at a senior operational level including well developed leadership and interpersonal skills
• Excellent knowledge and experience of the installation, maintenance and operation of life safety systems including automatic fire alarm and detection, emergency lighting and sprinkler systems
• Excellent auditing and inspection skills
• Experience of implementing change in complex organisations
• Financial and commercial awareness
• The ability to support SEC colleagues and contribute to the wider departmental agenda
• The ability to set problems in a wider context, identifying priorities and implications for other areas and coming up with sound solutions
• The ability to work as part of a team and to foster collaborative partnerships
• Excellent planning, analytical, presentation and should be IT literate
• Excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to prepare and analyse appropriate reports and to complete records
• Evidence of decision making skills in critical situations
• Ability to motivate self and teams
• Honesty and integrity at all times
• Knowledge of current advancements within the fire and safety industry
• Ability to plan and organise resources
• Good record keeping skills
• Ability to build positive relationships with staff, tenants and contractors
• Proven experience in conducting audits, undertaking risk assessments and compiling and implementing procedures
• Full driving licence

Desirable Criteria

• Understanding of working in a University Campus environment
• Membership of IOSH (Tech grade) and IIFE (Tech grade) / IFSM (Associate grade)

Additional Information

Part time (40%FTE)

Open Ended

£37,999 - £45,163 p.a. pro-rata

The closing date for applications is midnight on Monday 20 January 2025.

There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.

This role is not eligible for sponsorship. Applicants require to have existing right to work in the UK.

The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

For a full description of duties and essential/desirable criteria please click the apply button, which will take you directly to the University Website.