Safety Officer
| Posting date: | 02 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £30,737 to £36,161 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 22 February 2026 |
| Location: | UK |
| Remote working: | Fully remote |
| Company: | The Duke of Edinburgh's Award |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: |
Summary
We are recruiting for a Safety Officer, this is an exciting opportunity to help strengthen and champion a culture of prevention, protection and accountability across the DofE, ensuring young people can safely access life‑changing experiences.
Working closely with colleagues across the charity you will play a key role in supporting operational safety across our extensive network of delivery partners, volunteers and Operations Teams.
This is a varied, collaborative and dynamic role, ideal for someone who is passionate about outdoor learning, committed to high standards, and motivated by making a positive impact on young people’s lives.
Please note: This role does not include Health & Safety responsibilities for staff.
Support the Senior Safety Manager to review and enhance safety practices across the DofE Network, with a particular focus on the Expedition Section.
Contribute to the implementation of safety policies, incident management arrangements and reporting processes.
Apply DofE frameworks — including the Expedition Responsibility Matrix, Due Diligence Risk Assessment, Annual Review and Action Plans — to lead and support safety management across the Network.
Coordinate the logging and reporting of safety incidents within CRM systems; escalate concerns and make referrals to relevant third parties when required.
Maintain accurate records and assist with incident data analysis to inform management information, training, guidance and communications.
Work with Training and L&D teams to maintain and refresh safety training materials for staff and volunteers.
Keep internal and external resources up to date, including case studies, scenario-based learning materials and safety communications.
Provide technical safety advice to Licensed Organisations, Approved Activity Providers and Operations Teams.
Respond to safety queries, contribute to briefings and support the delivery of safe practice across the DofE Network.
Track KPIs with the Data & Impact team to measure and report on safety outcomes.
Stay informed about safety developments, NGB guidance, youth sector trends and relevant government policy.
Share knowledge and promote good practice across the charity.
What we are looking for:
Knowledge and experience supporting the safe delivery of DofE or similar programmes, including risk assessments and incident reporting.
Technical qualifications and experience in outdoor education, expedition management and/or volunteering environments, with strong understanding of terrains, modes of travel and geographical considerations.
Understanding of national safety legislation and regulations relevant to adventurous or outdoor learning activities.
Experience supporting or delivering safety practice across a dispersed network or licensing model.
High level of personal integrity and ability to handle sensitive matters confidentially.
Strong planning, organisational, communication, teamwork and problem‑solving skills.
Commitment to quality, continuous improvement, learning and development.
Proficiency in Microsoft applications and excellent administrative skills.
How to apply and interview dates
If you feel excited by this role and believe you have the necessary skills and experience to become a valued team member, please go to our website and apply.
The deadline for applying for this role is: 22nd February - Midnight
1st interviews will take place on: WC 9th March - To be virtual via MS Teams.
2nd interviews will take place on: WC 16th March - To be virtual via MS Teams
If you would like to access the application form in a different format or if you would like any assistance that might help improve your experience while completing the application, please contact us by email recruitment@dofe.org
Benefits
We offer excellent staff benefits including a generous pension contribution, an employee assistance programme, healthcare cash plan and volunteer leave. Also, 25 days holiday, plus Bank Holidays and an additional 3 days paid leave between Christmas and the New Year. Buy additional annual leave, benefits discount website, death in service benefit 4 x salary, incapacity benefit, generous family leave and sick leave.
The DofE are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. All successful applicants will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. (e.g. DBS/PVG or similar), including references covering any gaps of employment/education, confirm eligibility to work in the UK and complete a health check.
**The geographical allowance is based on a member of staff having a home or office-based postcode within 30 miles (as the crow flies) from Charing Cross, WC2N 5HS. The allowance is 7% capped at £4,000 per annum.
Working closely with colleagues across the charity you will play a key role in supporting operational safety across our extensive network of delivery partners, volunteers and Operations Teams.
This is a varied, collaborative and dynamic role, ideal for someone who is passionate about outdoor learning, committed to high standards, and motivated by making a positive impact on young people’s lives.
Please note: This role does not include Health & Safety responsibilities for staff.
Support the Senior Safety Manager to review and enhance safety practices across the DofE Network, with a particular focus on the Expedition Section.
Contribute to the implementation of safety policies, incident management arrangements and reporting processes.
Apply DofE frameworks — including the Expedition Responsibility Matrix, Due Diligence Risk Assessment, Annual Review and Action Plans — to lead and support safety management across the Network.
Coordinate the logging and reporting of safety incidents within CRM systems; escalate concerns and make referrals to relevant third parties when required.
Maintain accurate records and assist with incident data analysis to inform management information, training, guidance and communications.
Work with Training and L&D teams to maintain and refresh safety training materials for staff and volunteers.
Keep internal and external resources up to date, including case studies, scenario-based learning materials and safety communications.
Provide technical safety advice to Licensed Organisations, Approved Activity Providers and Operations Teams.
Respond to safety queries, contribute to briefings and support the delivery of safe practice across the DofE Network.
Track KPIs with the Data & Impact team to measure and report on safety outcomes.
Stay informed about safety developments, NGB guidance, youth sector trends and relevant government policy.
Share knowledge and promote good practice across the charity.
What we are looking for:
Knowledge and experience supporting the safe delivery of DofE or similar programmes, including risk assessments and incident reporting.
Technical qualifications and experience in outdoor education, expedition management and/or volunteering environments, with strong understanding of terrains, modes of travel and geographical considerations.
Understanding of national safety legislation and regulations relevant to adventurous or outdoor learning activities.
Experience supporting or delivering safety practice across a dispersed network or licensing model.
High level of personal integrity and ability to handle sensitive matters confidentially.
Strong planning, organisational, communication, teamwork and problem‑solving skills.
Commitment to quality, continuous improvement, learning and development.
Proficiency in Microsoft applications and excellent administrative skills.
How to apply and interview dates
If you feel excited by this role and believe you have the necessary skills and experience to become a valued team member, please go to our website and apply.
The deadline for applying for this role is: 22nd February - Midnight
1st interviews will take place on: WC 9th March - To be virtual via MS Teams.
2nd interviews will take place on: WC 16th March - To be virtual via MS Teams
If you would like to access the application form in a different format or if you would like any assistance that might help improve your experience while completing the application, please contact us by email recruitment@dofe.org
Benefits
We offer excellent staff benefits including a generous pension contribution, an employee assistance programme, healthcare cash plan and volunteer leave. Also, 25 days holiday, plus Bank Holidays and an additional 3 days paid leave between Christmas and the New Year. Buy additional annual leave, benefits discount website, death in service benefit 4 x salary, incapacity benefit, generous family leave and sick leave.
The DofE are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. All successful applicants will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. (e.g. DBS/PVG or similar), including references covering any gaps of employment/education, confirm eligibility to work in the UK and complete a health check.
**The geographical allowance is based on a member of staff having a home or office-based postcode within 30 miles (as the crow flies) from Charing Cross, WC2N 5HS. The allowance is 7% capped at £4,000 per annum.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.