Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Advisor

Science and Technology Facilities Council
Salary: £51,242 to £56,366 per annum (depending on experience)
Hours: Full-time
Contract Type: Permanent
Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE
Closing date: 26th March 2025

About us:
Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers and support services explore the unknown and turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. Whether it’s sending probes into space or finding new ways to treat cancer, everyone here plays a vital role in making a positive difference to society. Come and discover how much you can achieve when you’re surrounded by world-leading experts, encouraged to constantly learn and empowered to explore your curiosity.

Part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) is a world-leading multi-disciplinary science organisation. We support university-based research and provide access to world-leading, large-scale science facilities across the physical and life sciences from our three national laboratories. We’re committed to keeping the UK at the forefront of world-changing science and this requires excellence across all our support services.

STFC's Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) in Oxfordshire is an international hub for scientific research and technology development in the UK. The research spans particle physics, laser and space science to neutron science and quantum computing. The RAL site is undergoing an unprecedented expansion, with numerous new science facilities and buildings being constructed or developed to host these science programmes. 

About the role:

A vacancy exists in the STFC Safety Health Environment (SHE) Group at RAL at Harwell near Oxford. The RAL SHE Group support the new and exciting science programmes and the buildings being constructed for them, including the National Satellite Testing Facility (NSTF), Extreme Photonics Application Centre (EPAC), and National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC). Reporting to the RAL SHE Group leader, this is a key role that will underpin the development and delivery of STFC SHE policies and management systems at RAL and across STFC.

In a small team, this appointment is an opportunity for the STFC SHE Group to add specific skills and experience. We are particularly interested in a H&S specialist with a strong construction safety background to complement our present expertise in hazards typical of science laboratories and workshops. Experience in electrical safety would also be of interest.

List of Duties / Work Programme / Responsibilities

• Provide professional SHE advice and guidance to management, employees, tenants, and science facility users and support them in discharging their responsibility for the implementation of the STFC SHE Management System.
• Support development of the STFC’s documented SHE Codes based upon experience of internal application, audit findings, external best practice, and legislative changes identified through horizon scanning.
• Manage and develop the provision of effective, efficient and professional SHE services to STFC site based staff, contractors, tenants, visitors and users.
• Ensure that all RAL SHE incidents, including injuries, near misses, fires, environmental and vehicle incidents are reported, investigated appropriately and actions established to minimise the likelihood of their repetition. Sharing STFC wide learning appropriately.
• Monitor and audit the effectiveness and efficiency of the SHE Management System and its policies and procedures, both at the RAL Laboratory and other STFC sites as appropriate.
• Communicate and liaise closely with the key stakeholders in the STFC SHE Management System, particularly safety and environment committees, trade union safety representatives, Departmental Safety Contacts, those appointed to key SHE roles, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and emergency services.
• Prepare and deliver STFC-specific online and face-to-face SHE training programmes.

Other requirements

• Available to work and travel in the UK and abroad; and
• Available to work flexibly, including occasional out of normal working hours or weekend working or telephone contact.

Contacts and Communication

• The post holder will engage with STFC staff from scientist/engineer through to Department Director, primarily on the RAL site but depending on work being undertaken across STFC sites.
• As a small specialist team the post holder will engage with all members of the STFC SHE Group.
• The post holder will engage with all regulatory authorities from a health and safety perspective for the RAL site (with the exception of engagement on radiation matters), including the local fire brigade, environmental health, and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Shortlisting Criteria
Essential

• Educated to degree or HND level in a science or engineering discipline
• Demonstrable experience of successful delivery of a SHE Advisory role in laboratory, science, engineering, technology sectors, electrical or construction sectors 
• NEBOSH Diploma, or equivalent qualification, or evidence of commencement and part completion of Diploma or equivalent qualification 
• A working knowledge of current and forthcoming changes to UK SHE legislation relevant to STFC 
• Strong oral and written communication skills 
• Evidence of excellent interpersonal skills deployed with staff at all levels from Operator to Manager and Director. 
• Strong IT skills and specific experience of the Microsoft Office software suite. 
• Proactive with a high degree of self-motivation and independence, able to deliver under pressure and against tight deadlines. 
• There will also be a requirement to visit and work at other STFC sites as appropriate to the individual’s responsibilities within the STFC SHE Management System. 

Desirable

• A good knowledge of SHE management systems and safe systems of work. 
• Background knowledge of construction/engineering safety managements 
• Experience planning, undertaking and reporting SHE audits 
• Successful development and delivery of face to face and/or on-line SHE training
• Good knowledge of fire safety management 
• Good knowledge of electrical safety management.

STFC values their employees by offering a benefits package designed to provide an excellent work/life balance including 30 days’ annual leave, 10.5 public and privilege holidays, flexible working hours, exceptional average salary pension scheme, social and sporting activities and societies and a subsidised restaurant.

Join us and discover what’s possible by submitting your CV and covering letter which outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified, along with your motivation for STFC and the role.