Head of Health and Safety Assurance

Safety Office, 10 Parks Road; with overseas travel by exception

Are you ready to establish and lead a new institution-level capability within our health and safety management structure and support the University’s core mission of teaching and research? Join our team in the Safety Office at the University of Oxford in this high-profile role which will enable an evidence-based, action-oriented risk management and compliance environment, helping to make a difference within a globally renowned institution.

Location:

Multi-site in Oxford, based at Occupational Health and Safety Office, 10 Parks Road, Oxford, with overseas travel by exception

Contract:

Full Time (37.5 hours), Permanent Contract

Spanning the historic streets of the “city of dreaming spires”, the University of Oxford has been ranked the world’s leading university for ten consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence.

The Safety Office supports the University in its strategic aim of delivering high standards of health and safety management. Our services support staff, students, contractors and visitors, whether they are based in Oxford or elsewhere. We aim to provide practical solutions across a wide range of activities, including research, teaching, maintenance and capital projects.

Here, you’ll contribute to an organisation which delivers ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges - from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations.

Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:

• 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
• One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
• A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.
• An excellent contributory pension scheme.
• Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
• Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.

The Head of Health & Safety Assurance will establish and lead a new institution-level capability within our health and safety management structure and support the University’s core mission of teaching and research. As part of a continued commitment to our Every Day Safe  improvement programme, the People Strategy, and the University’s Strategic Plan , this critical role will have a positive impact on staff, students and visitors.

We aim to ensure the University is a place of work that fosters an inclusive, supportive and safe work environment that allows individuals to meet their potential. Reporting to the Director of Occupational Health and Safety, this new unit will sit within the University’s Occupational Health and Safety service, but retain appropriate independence from the operational delivery of health and safety services via the Safety Office.

With sponsorship and oversight from the University’s Council and Safety Executive Group (SEG), this is a high-profile role in enabling an evidence-based, action-oriented risk management and compliance environment. You will be instrumental in enhancing an independent, data-driven perspective on safety performance across the University’s academic divisions (Medical Sciences;…