Head of Corporate Health, Safety and Fire Unit
| Posting date: | 25 June 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £57,701 to £71,942 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 16 July 2025 |
| Location: | EH11 3XD |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 2 days per week |
| Company: | Scottish Government |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 1488 |
Summary
Are you an experienced Health & Safety (H&S) professional who will own and drive forward improvements in Health & Safety culture and practice?
As the Head of the Corporate Health, Safety and Fire Unit (CHSFU), you will be the Scottish Government’s (SG) ‘responsible person’, leading the organisation through the development, implementation and management of SG’s Health and Safety Management System. This role sits within the Workplace Division, and you will be expected to use your expertise to lead on the health, safety, and wellbeing of people and assets across the organisation.
You will provide professional leadership and practical advice in line with legislation and best practice, supporting a large and complex organisation. The Head of CHSFU is an exciting and high-impact post, involving strategic leadership, operational delivery, and offering significant opportunities for reform and transformation.
Responsibilities
Acting as the ‘competent person’ for all Health and Safety matters across core SG Directorates, providing competent, proportionate and professional health safety and wellbeing advice, guidance and decisions and supporting SG managers and staff at all levels by encouraging a positive H&S culture.
Leading, coaching and developing the SG’s CHSFU to provide a competent and professional health, safety and wellbeing advice service to the SG and maintain strong working relationships with key stakeholders including Trade Unions.
Maintaining and regularly reviewing the SG Health & Safety Management System in line with legislation to ensure its consistent implementation. In particular, and in conjunction with the appropriate stakeholders (trades unions, etc.) developing, and ensuring the ongoing maintenance and implementation of occupational health & safety policy and practice for SG operations.
Supporting high risk SG Directorates (such as Marine Scotland and Rural Payments and Inspections) with specific health and safety advice to manage operational risks effectively, specifically including risks associated with driving and lone working activities.
Leading on procedures to ensure effective fire safety management that include actions from Fire Risk Assessments and developing appropriate training for duty holders.
Ensuring all accidents, incidents and near misses are investigated and appropriate corrective action is taken.
Effectively manage the H&S budget within delegated limits.
As the Head of the Corporate Health, Safety and Fire Unit (CHSFU), you will be the Scottish Government’s (SG) ‘responsible person’, leading the organisation through the development, implementation and management of SG’s Health and Safety Management System. This role sits within the Workplace Division, and you will be expected to use your expertise to lead on the health, safety, and wellbeing of people and assets across the organisation.
You will provide professional leadership and practical advice in line with legislation and best practice, supporting a large and complex organisation. The Head of CHSFU is an exciting and high-impact post, involving strategic leadership, operational delivery, and offering significant opportunities for reform and transformation.
Responsibilities
Acting as the ‘competent person’ for all Health and Safety matters across core SG Directorates, providing competent, proportionate and professional health safety and wellbeing advice, guidance and decisions and supporting SG managers and staff at all levels by encouraging a positive H&S culture.
Leading, coaching and developing the SG’s CHSFU to provide a competent and professional health, safety and wellbeing advice service to the SG and maintain strong working relationships with key stakeholders including Trade Unions.
Maintaining and regularly reviewing the SG Health & Safety Management System in line with legislation to ensure its consistent implementation. In particular, and in conjunction with the appropriate stakeholders (trades unions, etc.) developing, and ensuring the ongoing maintenance and implementation of occupational health & safety policy and practice for SG operations.
Supporting high risk SG Directorates (such as Marine Scotland and Rural Payments and Inspections) with specific health and safety advice to manage operational risks effectively, specifically including risks associated with driving and lone working activities.
Leading on procedures to ensure effective fire safety management that include actions from Fire Risk Assessments and developing appropriate training for duty holders.
Ensuring all accidents, incidents and near misses are investigated and appropriate corrective action is taken.
Effectively manage the H&S budget within delegated limits.