Service and Safety Advisor

Service and Safety Advisor – Homes for Students

Homes for Students is the UK’s leading provider of student accommodation. We currently have a vacancy for a Service and Safety Advisor at our Crown House Reading & Kendrick Hall properties in Reading, working 38.5 hours per week on a 4‑days‑on/4‑days‑off rolling rota.

Reporting to the Manager and working alongside the team to deliver the continuous safety of students, employees, visitors, and contractors both in and around our properties. You will work towards achieving KPIs and targets, maintaining an understanding of how individual activity contributes to the overall performance of the company.

• Conduct regular internal and external building patrols to identify, rectify and report safety hazards, risks or safety‑related issues.
• Maintain thorough incident logs, reporting any trends and repeat behaviours as necessary, ensuring data‑protection standards are upheld.
• Provide a welcoming, flexible and bespoke service experience for our customers, following the Homes for Students internal Service Style ethos.
• Provide a decisive and effective response to customer complaints, assisting in and resolving disputes, and escalating where necessary – including noise and controlled‑substance issues.
• Ensure that the properties are presented to the required standard and undertake ad‑hoc and emergency/incident‑response cleaning as required.
• Act as ‘First Response’ to incidents and emergencies, handling any issues or incidents with the appropriate level of involvement from emergency services and ensuring that all Homes for Students procedures are followed, including escalation of issues as per city process.
• Provide reception support, customer service and safety support (including key management and handling lock‑outs) outside of normal daytime opening hours, and support daytime hours when required.
• Conduct flat meetings and manage flat disputes as required, providing appropriate support and guidance, and escalating issues to the relevant personnel as needed.

• Carry out appropriate pre‑planned safety checks within the properties and record outputs such as fire blankets, window restrictions, as required to maintain the required compliance levels.
• Ensure correct work wear is worn at all times, including identity card, name badge and PPE when appropriate or advised by a manager.
• Work within the required risk assessments and follow procedures outlined in training at all times, reviewing all tasks for hazards before starting and ensuring risks are eliminated before work begins.
• Maintain a working knowledge of Homes for Students processes and policies retained within the internal communication channels, including lone‑working.

• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends and days as required, and to take part in a rota.
• Previous experience in a customer‑facing role.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrate an objective, professional and calm approach when handling difficult situations.
• Ability to build relationships internally and with third‑party suppliers.
• Computer‑literate with the ability to use Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work at pace while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage own time effectively, prioritise tasks when required, multitask and meet deadlines.
• Highly skilled in understanding, empathising and delivering against customer needs.
• Demonstrate a positive and collaborative attitude, with the ability to adapt swiftly.
• Self‑motivated and capable of working on own initiative.
• Able and willing to undertake basic maintenance and facilities tasks (training will be provided).

• Previous experience in a security‑based role.
• Previous experience working in the accommodation, hospitality or retail sectors.
• Previous experience in complaint handling.

• Generous holiday package of 25 days, plus bank holidays, to recharge and enjoy life outside of work (pro‑rata for part‑time colleagues).
• Access to a range of exclusive retail discounts to make your money go further.
• Take your special day off! Enjoy your birthday with a well‑deserved break from work.
• Stay active and eco‑friendly with our cycle‑to‑work scheme.
• Make a difference in the community with 2 charity days per annum.

Homes for Students is an equal‑opportunity employer and a member of Inclusive Employers. We are committed to growing and learning together with a diverse team and encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments you may require.