Job Summary Table of Health and Safety Advisor

Job Description Summary

The University of Sussex is seeking a dedicated Health and Safety Advisor who will also serve as the Radiation Protection Officer (RPO) to join their professional Health and Safety Team. This permanent role supports the university in maintaining a safe environment across its expansive 150-acre Falmer Campus and various off-site locations.

Detailed Health and Safety Advisor Role Overview

Are you passionate about creating safe working environments and have expertise in radiation protection? The University of Sussex offers an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact as their Health and Safety Advisor and Radiation Protection Officer. This role combines general health and safety responsibilities with specialized radiation protection duties, making it perfect for safety professionals looking to utilize a diverse skill set in an academic setting.

🔬 Role Context and Importance

The Health and Safety Team at the University of Sussex plays a critical role in fostering a culture of safety compliance across this research-intensive institution. With a beautiful 150-acre campus at Falmer and multiple off-site locations, the scope of this position is both challenging and rewarding. As a Health and Safety Advisor with RPO responsibilities, you’ll be instrumental in supporting the university’s commitment to providing a safe environment for staff, students, researchers, and visitors.

This position is particularly vital for supporting Sussex’s research activities, as you’ll ensure that radioactive substances are managed safely and effectively. The role represents an outstanding opportunity for a safety professional with laboratory experience to contribute to the academic community while developing their career in a prestigious university setting.

💼 Key Responsibilities

As the Health and Safety Advisor and Radiation Protection Officer, your responsibilities will include:

• Providing expert health and safety advice to university staff, with particular emphasis on radiation management protocols and procedures
• Conducting thorough audits and inspections across university facilities and supporting Schools during external audit processes
• Collaborating closely with the university’s Estates and Facilities Team on ongoing and new development projects
• Staying abreast of legislative changes related to health and safety, analyzing impacts, and communicating essential information to stakeholders
• Leading incident investigations, analyzing incident data patterns, and participating in safety committee meetings
• Developing and updating health and safety policies and guidance documents to ensure compliance with current regulations
• Reviewing departmental and experimental risk assessments with particular attention to radiation hazards
• Creating and delivering comprehensive health and safety training programs for staff and students
• Supporting the Head of Health and Safety on special projects aimed at enhancing the university’s safety culture
• Taking notes during meetings and handling administrative duties related to health and safety management

🎓 Health and Safety in Academic Environment

Working within a university environment presents unique health and safety challenges. From teaching laboratories to research facilities handling radioactive materials, the role requires adaptability and specialized knowledge. You’ll be working with diverse stakeholders—from administrative staff to leading researchers—each with different safety needs and levels of understanding.

While this is classified as a generalist health and safety position, your laboratory safety knowledge will be particularly valuable for fulfilling the Radiation Protection Officer duties effectively. Your ability to communicate complex safety concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences will be crucial for success in this position.

Required Skills and Qualifications

While specific qualifications aren’t explicitly stated in the job posting, the ideal candidate will likely possess:

• Demonstrable experience in health and safety management, particularly in laboratory settings
• Knowledge of radiation safety regulations and practical experience as a Radiation Protection Officer
• Strong understanding of health and safety legislation and its application in higher education
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build rapport across diverse staff groups
• Analytical mindset for conducting investigations and analyzing incident data
• Project management capabilities for supporting safety initiatives
• The confidence to provide authoritative safety advice while maintaining collaborative relationships

Benefits and Perks

Working at the University of Sussex offers numerous advantages:

• Beautiful 150-acre campus adjacent to the South Downs National Park
• Excellent public transport connections with Falmer train station just five minutes from campus
• Dedicated cycling paths and access to the cycle-to-work scheme
• Comprehensive reward and benefits package (details available on the university website)
• Opportunity to work in a research-led international university with a strong academic reputation
• Supportive professional development environment
• Being part of a diverse and inclusive community that values different perspectives

Company Overview

The University of Sussex is a renowned, multi-accredited, research-led international university located near Brighton, UK. With a strong commitment to academic excellence and innovation, Sussex has established itself as a leading institution in higher education. The university prides itself on creating an environment where staff and students can thrive personally and professionally.

Company Culture

Sussex values diversity in its staff and students and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. The HR Division is dedicated to supporting employees in achieving positive outcomes and implementing the university’s People Strategy. Sussex strives to provide an inclusive and positive working environment with the goal of becoming an Employer of Choice.

The university is committed to supporting professional growth, continuously seeking innovative ways to develop careers and help staff realize their aspirations. This creates a dynamic workplace where individuals can make meaningful contributions while advancing professionally.

Career Growth Opportunities

At the University of Sussex, you’ll find numerous opportunities for professional development. The Health and Safety Team environment allows for expansion of expertise across different safety domains, with the potential to specialize further or move into management roles. The university’s commitment to staff development means you’ll be supported in acquiring new skills and qualifications relevant to your career path.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

The University of Sussex actively values diversity among its staff and students and welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds. The institution is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong and can contribute fully. For more details about their equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives, interested candidates are encouraged to visit the university’s dedicated webpage.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Sussex is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on their skills, experience, and qualifications.

Remote Work Policy

This role is based on-site at the Falmer Campus, with work required to be performed in the UK. The university may consider flexible working options (subject to business needs), but remote work information is not specifically mentioned for this position.

Application Process

The application process involves: 1. Reviewing the full job details on the University of Sussex vacancies page 2. Submitting your application through their online portal 3. If shortlisted, attending an interview (date to be determined)

Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted by May th, 2025, 4:29 AM.

How to Apply

For complete details and to submit your application, visit the University of Sussex vacancies page through the application link provided. For informal inquiries about the position, interested candidates are encouraged to contact Katie Bennett (k.a.bennett@sussex.ac.uk).

Visa Sponsorship Information

This role may be eligible for sponsorship. Candidates requiring visa sponsorship should consult the University’s Skilled Worker Visa information page for further details about the sponsorship process and eligibility criteria.

FAQs or Additional Information

Q: Is part-time work possible for this role?

A: Yes, both full-time and part-time hours will be considered up to a maximum of 1 FTE (37.5 hours per week).

Q: Where exactly will I be working?

A: The position is based at the Falmer Campus, which spans over 150 acres, but may involve work at various off-site university locations.

Q: What is the focus of this Health and Safety role?

A: While this is a generalist health and safety position, there is a particular focus on Science and Engineering, with laboratory safety experience being highly desirable for the Radiation Protection Officer duties.

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