C a n d i d a t e I n f o r m a t i o n B r o c h u r e
Head of Health and Safety
C o n t e n t s
Introduction from the Chief Operating Officer and Chair of the University’s Health and Safety Committee
About Sussex
The Sussex campus
The role of Head of Health and Safety
Working at the University of Sussex
Brighton and the local area
The appointment process and how to apply
I n t r o d u c t i o n f r o m t h e Chief Operating Officer and Chair of the University’s Health and Safety Committee
Dear Candidate,
I am delighted as Chair of the University’s Health and Safety Committee, you are considering to be our new Head of Health and Safety. It provides an opportunity to lead an exceptional team that has played a critical role in the University’s response to the COVID pandemic. The University of Sussex is a remarkable institution, with a rich history of challenging convention and a strong sense of community. Our strategic framework, Sussex 2025, is the driving force behind all we do. Our vision of becoming ‘a better university for a better world’ is underpinned by our values of kindness, integrity, inclusion, collaboration and courage. These values support us in creating a culture that strives for excellence in everything we do. While the pandemic has meant we have needed to adapt, our vision remains the same and it is needed now more than ever. The University of Sussex has a long tradition of experimentation and innovation that has made a real difference to the lives of our students, staff and those who benefit from our research. We will build on these achievements and evolve to confidently meet the challenges of the future. The importance of our professional services staff to Sussex’s vision has never been more apparent. Professional Services at Sussex work as one team across the University, in partnership with our academic colleagues and students, creating an environment where our staff can personally develop and fulfil their potential.
Health and safety played a vital role in developing a Covid-safe campus. As we’ve worked with stakeholders across the University, the past year has shown how it needs to be integrated at all levels. The role of Head of Health and Safety will be critical in ensuring our sector-leading standards continue into the future. This is an exciting time to join the University and help shape our future as we look to build on the past and redefine Sussex’s distinctiveness for the 21st century. I hope you will join us and play a part in shaping the future of a thriving university, with strong values, which we believe make Sussex a very special place.
Dr Tim Westlake Chief Operating Officer and Chair of the University’s Health and Safety Committee
A b o u t t h e U n i v e r s i t y o f S u s s e x
Since our foundation in 1961, Sussex has valued – and encourages – a pioneering spirit. We’ve pushed for change, and demanded more, creating a better future for individuals and communities all over the world.
A b o u t t h e U n i v e r s i t y o f S u s s e x
Our lecturers deliver programmes of study that inspire students to develop the skills that make their education count, and that give them the confidence to make their mark in their chosen field. Our staff conduct original research to explore the great questions of our age. Their findings impact policy and practice for businesses, NGOs and governments, ensuring that Sussex students are also at the forefront of knowledge in their subject. Creative thinking, pedagogic diversity, intellectual challenge and interdisciplinarity have always been fundamental to a Sussex education. The University’s goal is to deliver teaching and learning programmes that are informed by current research, are attractive to students from all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds, and which deliver skills for life. The University is committed to widening access for students from lower-income families, and awards a high number of scholarships
Excellence, through a commitment to delivering the highest standards of research, scholarship, teaching and learning, in order to provide a dynamic and stimulating environment for students and staff, and to maximise their social and economic contribution to societies. Interdisciplinarity, through tackling multidimensional problems, while maintaining a strong, broadly based set of disciplines across the arts and humanities, social sciences, sciences and medicine engagement, by actively seeking an external and international approach to all our activities. Challenge, in which all members of the Sussex community are prepared to explore creatively the status quo and alternatives, within the context of excellence and professionalism, and to seek to make positive change in society. Partnership, by developing sustained relationships that bring together complementary skills and resources to create mutual benefit and to deliver impact that cannot be achieved by either partner alone.
Professionalism, by upholding freedom of academic enquiry,
undertaking activities in a responsible manner using robust, transparent processes and maintaining professional standards in the conduct
of all academic and support activities.
Equality, diversity and inclusion, by making appointments and developing entry routes to the University based on educational merit, and valuing the strengths derived from contributions to our mission by people from different backgrounds, traditions, cultures and perspectives. Service, in which members of the Sussex community seek to use their skills and talents to contribute to local, national and international communities and organisations. Our Sussex 2025 vision reimagines the pioneering spirit of the original purpose of our University but does so for
new times and a new generation. ( Dates from 2018) Discover our vision at https://www.sussex. ac.uk/strategy/
and other types of financial support.
In pursuing our mission, we celebrate the values of:
T h e S u s s e x c a m p u s
Sussex has one of the most beautiful campus locations in Britain.
The University has developed a programme of investment to modernise and improve our campus so that we can provide the best facilities for our students, researchers, and academic and professional staff, as well as the local community. At the heart of our programme of building and regeneration work is a sensitively thought-through plan to enhance the unique setting of our campus within the South Downs, whilst preserving the character of the distinct architecture.
Situated on the edge of the South Downs National Park and just 9 minutes from Brighton & Hove, the campus combines award-winning architecture with green open spaces. Designed by Sir Basil Spence, the buildings that make up the heart of the campus were given listed-building status in 1993. Falmer House is one of only two post-war educational buildings in the UK to be Grade I listed in recognition of its exceptional interest.
T h e S u s s e x c a m p u s
Our campus development programme includes new modern, affordable student accommodation, social and work spaces, academic and research buildings, and investment in sports and leisure facilities.
Take a virtual campus tour at www.sussex. ac.uk/aboutus/campus
The role of Head of Health and Safety
The Head of Health & Safety (HoHS) is the professional institutional lead for all aspects of health and safety relevant to the core business of the University. The post holder will be accountable for developing and ensuring the successful delivery of the overarching health and safety strategy and the effective and timely implementation of an effective health and safety management structure. This includes developing, delivering and embedding an institution-wide health and safety culture and ensuring there are robust procedures in place for effective audit and monitoring. The post holder must be proactive in advising senior leadership teams and others on all aspects of health and safety, and ensure the University is compliant with all relevant legislation, policies and guidance.
Job Context
The HoHS is part of a central Professional Services function at the University of Sussex.
The HoHS’ key contacts include the Senior Estates team, Senior Leadership team of the University, Heads of School, Directors of Professional Services teams, Senior administrative and technical staff within Schools, Sussex Estates Facilities staff, Business Continuity Manager, external partners, Safety Coordinators within Schools.
T h e r o l e
K E Y R E S P O N S I B I L I T I E S
Leadership
Develop, deliver and refine a health and safety strategy for the University that has, at its heart, a vision that supports a psychologically and physically healthy community at Sussex, which specifies our safety accountabilities and builds commitment to the health and safety of our whole community. Exemplify, articulate and influence the wider understanding and acknowledgement of a safety culture that results in all employees, students and third party suppliers etc., accepting and owning their responsibility for health and safety for themselves and colleagues so that a safe environment is experienced by all. Proactively provide specialist advice to senior officers of the University on health and safety matters, in particular to the Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel and Director of Estates and Facilities. Advise and support the Chair of the Health and Safety Committee in identifying potential issues or areas of concern, agreeing the health and safety work plan for the University with all key stakeholders, ensuring that required reports are brought to Committee in a timely manner and that the Committee is supported to perform its role effectively. Strong and effective Line Management and leadership of the Health and Safety team, ensuring the delivery of agreed institution-wide health and safety objectives, continuously developing and sustaining a high performing team with clear, agreed professional standards that are owned and embedded in all aspects of the Team’s work.
Ensure the development of an effective group of appropriately trained local Safety Coordinators or Schools’ health and safety committees that align with the University’s approach, working with group members to create a collaborative, mutually supportive community with a focus on the achievement of agreed safety standards through continuous professional development. Implement an effective management system that results in a measurable, evidenced based, consistent culture in health and safety throughout the campus, where a culture of excellence in the management of health and safety is embedded in all aspects of campus life. Ensure the review of all existing polices so that they meet the current legislative requirements; identify any gaps in such provision and proactively address these. In collaboration with the Health and Safety Team, develop a robust plan to ensure that any new/revised polices are adopted throughout the University.
K E Y R E S P O N S I B I L I T I E S
Health and Safety Management
Health and Safety Communications
Enable and ensure health and safety busi- ness intelligence in the form of data, in- sight, and analysis is supported by a robust governance, monitoring and reporting of key performance indicators enabling the Uni- versity to access progress in an advancing culture. Design and implement health and safety policies and procedures, including key per- formance indicators, as and when required. Ensuring all such policies are reviewed and updated at required intervals, and there are effective version control structures in place. Proactively provide advice, guidance and support to University departments and Schools in relationship to their delegated health and safety and environmental re- sponsibilities, including risk assessment, COSHH, aspect, and impact assessments for pollution risks. Ensure the cadre of Health and Safety Advisers provide appropri- ate support to these stakeholders in order to support their roles and responsibilities. Review and interpret any new legislation, which is linked to and/or affects the core business activities of the University. Ensure that this is effectively disseminated, where appropriate, and targeted to relevant areas of the University. Working closely with the University’s Sen- ior Manager for Risk and Organisational Resilience, take a leading role in the major incident planning. Ensure effective network- ing and collaboration with relevant external professional bodies to ensure a robust plan is in place. Ensure an effective and well-managed fire safety programme for the University.
Responsible for ensuring that all commu- nications sent from the University’s Health and Safety Team are appropriate for the tar- get audience, and that complex issues are interpreted and articulated in an accessible and appropriate format. Ensure the H&S web site and other outward facing media are up to date and relevant, and that there is a structure in place for review and amending information.
T h e r o l e
DIMENSIONS
The post holder has a small discretionary budget that covers costs of professional affiliations with appropriate health and safety bodies, staff development and routine administrative costs for the unit; as well as the costs of relevant licences, supplies and services. The HoHS is expected to offer effective, timely and specialist professional advice and recommendations on the health and safety requirements of all appropriate capital and revenue funded projects and spend, across the institution, a number of which will be of £m value. The HoHS will contribute to and recommend decisions relating to the health and safety structure of the University, many of which will have significant operational implications for the medium to long term. The HoHS operates in a matrix structure, line managing a small Professional Services team of Health and Safety Advisers and administrators (currently xx) and providing professional leadership to a group of locally based Health and Safety Coordinators, mostly based in academic Schools and who are line managed by a colleague within their School.
Add details of the numbers and seniority of those that directly report to the role holder.
The HoHS is a member of the Senior Leadership Team of Division of General Counsel, Governance & Compliance and is expected to participate fully in the leadership of the Division, including budgetary oversight and planning, recruitment and communications.
INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS
Joins and forms networks of peers in HEIs and other similar sectors both nationally and regionally, in order to ensure strong current awareness and use others’ experience to support decision making at Sussex. Builds effective, collaborative relationships with senior leaders at Sussex and with local Health and Safety Co-ordinators in order to both understand the local context in relation to health and safety issues and influence an awareness and acceptance of the need for a strong health and safety culture. Leads and develops the external network with all the appropriate government and other external agencies including Fire Authorities, Health and Safety Executive, Trade Unions and Service Providers. Collaborative working with those in the Division of Estates and Facilities Management and our outsourced providers is essential.
OTHER CONTEXTUAL INFORMATION/SPECIAL FEATURES
The post holder will be expected on occasion to work such hours as reasonably necessary in order to fulfil the duties and responsibilities of the role. This will include out of hours call out for emergencies on campus
The post holder will be required to travel between any/all of the University of Sussex sites.
The HoHS will be expected to undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as directed by the General Counsel and Director of Governance & Compliance and the Director of Estates and Facilities Management.
T h e r o l e
P E R S O N S P E C I F I C A T I O N (Essential or Desirable)
SKILLS
KNOWLEDGE
Strategic, proactive, visible and effective leadership (E)
Expert in the field of effective Health and Safety Management (E)
Achieves/maintains the highest possible operational standards (E)
Detailed knowledge of current Health and Safety legislation, and all deliverables associated with this, in relation to the core business activities of the University (E) Extensive knowledge and proven experience of auditing, risk management, emergency planning and compliance with statutory obligations (E) Detailed understanding of the specialised Radiation Protection Officer and Biological Safety Officer, roles and responsibilities (E)
Quickly secures and maintains the confidence of senior stakeholders (E)
Excellent communication skills (oral and written), with proven ability in negotiating with, and influencing, a wide spectrum of staff to achieve successful outcomes (E) Ability to interpret and communicate complex material in an effective manner using a variety of media (E) Manage accidents and incidents in a professional and calm manner, ensuring appropriate actions are taken and senior management informed as/when appropriate (E) Effective time management skills and ability to effectively prioritise and manage and deliver multiple projects (E)
QUALIFICATIONS
Degree in a Science subject or extensive experience within a technical environment (E)
NEBOSH Diploma (E)
Membership of a Relevant Professional Body (E)
Relevant professional qualifications covering the roles of Radiation Protection Officer and/or Biological Safety Officer (D)
Management or related qualification (D
EXPERIENCE
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
Significant experience in the strategic management of Health and Safety within a large, complex organization (E) Proven experience in writing and introducing policies, procedures, process and systems in order to establish, and maintain, an effective and efficient Health and Safety support service to the University (E)
A proactive and strategic thinker with a ‘can do attitude’ (E)
An enthusiastic and proactive leader, committed to raising standards, promoting, establishing and maintaining the highest levels of professional support and service delivery to the University (E)
An energetic and positive approach to change management (E)
Experience of agreeing, implementing and monitoring standards to achieve success.
Ability to effectively engage with, and advise staff from all areas of the University, listening to needs and interests and able to advise in a way that is valued and acknowledged (E)
Proven experience in establishing and maintaining appropriate networks with internal and external stakeholders in a complex multi stakeholder environment (E)
A clear commitment to the core values of the university (E)
Experience of forming and effectively managing multi professional teams (E)
Experience in effectively managing emergencies and providing relevant reports/ recommendations to senior management (E)
A track record of effecting positive cultural and operational change (E)
Experience and knowledge of the management of Health and Safety within a HE, preferably research-intensive environment (D)
Experience in project and /or change management (D)
Wo r k i n g a t S u s s e x
There are a range of staff benefits at Sussex, including generous annual leave entitlement and pension schemes, access to world-class resources, discounted gym and sports memberships, interest-free season ticket loan and staff activities throughout the year.
Wo r k i n g a t S u s s e x
C H I L D C A R E
S U S S E X C E N T R E F O R L A N G U A G E S T U D I E S
There is a nursery on campus for children aged three months to five years, operated by The Cooperative Childcare. It is open daily from7.30am–6.30pm.
The Sussex Centre for Language Studies provides a range of courses throughout the calendar year in English Language and Modern Languages that are open to staff as well as students. You can also use the Language Learning Centre to study over 50 world languages.
L I B R A R Y
Library facilities are available to all members of staff. The Library is open around the clock during term time. The Library’s special collections, now housed at The Keep, include the papers of Rudyard Kipling, the New Statesman Archive, Virginia Woolf’s Monks House Papers, many of Lord Richard Attenborough’s scripts and papers, and the Mass Observation Archive.
C A T E R I N G A N D C O N F E R E N C E S
Sussexfood offers extensive catering facilities in Bramber House as well as cafés across campus. There are also conference and hospitality services. You can also use the Students’ Union bars and shop.
R E T A I L
S U S S E X L E C T U R E S
There is a supermarket and post office, the Students’ Union shop, a pharmacy and a bank on campus. In term time, there is also a weekly outdoor market.
All staff are welcome to attend professorial lectures by Sussex academics and other talks by visiting lecturers and speakers.
S P O R T
A T T E N B O R O U G H C E N T R E F O R T H E C R E A T I V E A R T S
Sports facilities include sports halls, fitness rooms, a dance studio, squash courts and outdoor pitches. There is an extensive drop-in group exercise and courses programme including yoga, dance, Pilates, trapeze, circuit training and aerobics. Sussexsport holds an annual boundary walk and boundary run for staff and students around the Sussex campus. It also offers children’s birthday and sports parties from age two upwards and a full programme of sports camps and activities in the school holidays for children aged five–16 years.
The Attenborough Centre is a state-of-the-art performance and display space that reopened in 2016 after extensive refurbishment. The Attenborough Centre has a growing programme of performances and events and is a Brighton Festival venue.
T E A C H I N G A N D L E A R N I N G
The University of Sussex has more than 18,500 students, of whom 4,500 are postgraduates.
Brighton and the local area
B r i g h t o n a n d t h e l o c a l a r e a
T H E U N I V E R S I T Y ’ S L O C A T I O N
B R I G H T O N A N D T H E W I D E R R E G I O N
The University campus is located at Falmer, on the outskirts of Brighton & Hove, and is just 55 miles (90 km) from London. Frequent trains from central London take as little as 50 minutes to Brighton & Hove, with a quick nine-minute connection to Falmer to reach campus. London Gatwick airport is only 30 minutes from Brighton, and London Heathrow is just over an hour’s drive away.
The city of Brighton & Hove has much to offer students, and also offers a quality of life for young families that is hard to match. As well as a fabulous variety of shops, restaurants and pubs, the city also has a range of good schools and a very relaxed and tolerant atmosphere. Brighton has a truly diverse cultural scene with a wealth of theatres, cinemas and galleries. From pre-West End premieres at the Theatre Royal to the variety of experimental fringe productions staged throughout the year, and with the famous Brighton Festival every May, there is plenty on offer. The historic market town of Lewes is also close to campus, and many members of staff choose to live there because of its wide choice of housing and excellent schools.
T h e a p p o i n t m e n t p r o c e s s a n d h o w t o a p p l y
The University is being supported on this recruitment campaign by the search consultancy The Management Recruitment Group (MRG). To arrange a confidential briefing conversation please contact our advisor Michael Hewlett (michael.hewlett@mrgpeople.co.uk) of MRG on 0203 962 9900. Applications should consist of a comprehensive CV (of not more than four pages) and a covering letter (of not more than two pages). Applications should be sent to michael.hewlett@mrgpeople.co.uk .
E Q U A L I T Y A N D D I V E R S I T Y
The University values diversity and welcomes applications from all sections of society. It is committed to promoting equality and diversity, providing an inclusive and supportive environment for all. The University aims to ensure that job applicants and members of staff are treated solely on the basis of abilities and potential, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, trade union membership or non-membership, socioeconomic background or any other inappropriate distinction. In order to ensure the effectiveness of this policy, it is necessary to collect information from all applicants on factors which relate to equal opportunity in employment and applicants are therefore asked to submit a completed version of the enclosed form alongside their CV and letter of application. The information so provided will be handled in strictest confidence and will only be used for statistical monitoring purposes.
T E R M S O F A P P O I N T M E N T
The appointment will be subject to: - Confirmation of the right to work within the UK - Higher level qualifications - Satisfactory health clearance and satisfactory references.
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