Portable Appliance Testing Co-ordinator

Join Colchester Institute – Where Your Career Makes a Difference

At Colchester Institute, we believe in the power of education to transform lives and communities. As one of the leading providers of education and training in the region, we are proud to offer a dynamic, supportive, and forward-thinking working environment.

We are seeking a Portable Appliance Testing Co‑ordinator to join our team. In this role you will take primary responsibility for supervising Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) across all College areas.

You will coordinate with support staff who carry out PAT testing within academic departments, ensuring testing activities are completed effectively and in line with College procedures and compliance requirements.

You will also provide direct PAT support for all non-academic locations across the College.

• Promote, develop and ensure that good health and safety practices are adhered to in line with HSE guidance on the Electricity at Work Regulations, BS 7671 Wiring Regulations, Health and Safety at Work Regulations, local codes of practice and College health and safety policies.
• Ensure that all Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) equipment is maintained in a safe and operational condition, including calibration and servicing, and that accurate records are maintained at all times.
• Manage PAT equipment on a daily basis, ensuring that data is uploaded and downloaded correctly, database records are maintained, and reports are produced for all areas.
• Ensure tester kits are prepared, maintained and stored effectively to support testing activities.
• Produce connectors and adaptors, where required, to enable safe and effective testing procedures.
• Ensure that all portable electrical equipment is maintained in a safe and operational condition, with appropriate records in place.
• Ensure that any equipment deemed unsafe or no longer fit for purpose is removed from use until repaired, retested or securely disposed of in accordance with procedures.
• Maintain, review and continuously improve the operational systems and procedures associated with College PAT testing.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other College testers, coordinating testing schedules, supporting the organisation of testing activities, and maintaining and providing testing equipment while ensuring records are securely managed.
• Personally undertake Portable Appliance Testing of equipment as required.

• Experience of practical Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) and associated record keeping.
• Experience of problem solving and adapting or designing equipment to ensure PAT testing can be carried out across a wide range of electrical items.
• Knowledge of current developments in the inspection and testing of electrical equipment.
• Previous experience of mentoring within the workplace.
• Awareness of Health and Safety at Work legislation and related practices.
• Knowledge of ordering processes and stock control procedures.
• Experience in the application of information technology.
• Experience of using Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Access and Excel.

• A good general standard of secondary education.
• At least an NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in Electrical Safety and City & Guilds 2377‑77 Portable Appliance Testing (PAT).
• A minimum Level 2 qualification in English and Mathematics, including GCSE Grade 4/C or above, CSE Level 1, O-Level Grade C or above, Level 2 Adult Numeracy or Literacy, or equivalent qualifications.
• A Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET).
• A degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant Electrical or Electronic field.

Salary: £28,686.84 to £30,399.20 per year

Permanent – Full-time

Job reference:
Health and Safety

Colchester Institute is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We strive to be an Equal Opportunities employer. All applicants who are offered employment will be subject to a Criminal Records check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Colchester Institute reserves the right to close a vacancy before the advertised closing date if sufficient applications have been received.