City St George’s, University of London is the University of business, practice and the professions and brings together the expertise and excellence of City, University of London and St George’s, University of London into one institution. The combined university is now one of the largest higher education destinations for London students, combining a breadth of disciplines across health, business, policy, law, creativity, communications, science and technology. Our students are at the heart of everything that we do, and we are committed to supporting them to pursue their career and personal ambitions.
Our research is engaged, at the frontier of practice and has a positive impact on the world around us.
Background
The Safety Office Team delivers expert health, safety and fire safety guidance and support to staff, students, and the University’s management across all City St George’s, University of London campuses. It plays a vital role in ensuring institutional compliance with UK workplace health and safety legislation.
Responsibilities
The Fire and Safety Adviser is a key member of the University’s Safety Office and supports the Head of Health and Safety in delivering expert advice on fire safety, hazardous substances, machinery safety, training, and performance monitoring across the full scope of the University’s activities.
As the University’s designated “competent person” for fire safety, the post holder will lead the management of fire safety across all City St George’s sites while also contributing to wider health and safety matters. This includes coordinating and maintaining effective fire prevention measures, delivering fire safety training, carrying out fire risk assessments, and providing advice on both passive and active fire protection systems. The role also involves the inspection and monitoring of fire safety arrangements, including those involving contractors. The Fire and Safety Adviser will work collaboratively with Safety Liaison Officers, managers, and staff to support compliance with relevant fire and health and safety legislation across Schools and Professional Services.
Person Specification
The successful candidate will C05 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment or working towards a CFPA Diploma in Fire Prevention, Fire Safety, or Fire Science and Fire Safety, and NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety.
They will have substantial experience of working within a large and complex organisation, ideally with a risk profile that includes hazardous substances and machinery. They will have a proven track record in developing and delivering fire safety and health and safety training, as well as conducting building fire risk assessments, inspections, audits, and performance monitoring activities. Experience of working under pressure, managing tight deadlines and limited resources while delivering results, is essential. Prior experience within an educational setting-preferably in the higher or further education sector-would be advantageous.
The post holder will be expected to demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality reports, including fire risk assessment documentation, and to monitor the implementation of related recommendations. Strong interpersonal and influencing skills are essential, with the ability to engage credibly with staff at all levels. The ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with both internal colleagues and external agencies is key. Applicants must be able to work collaboratively as part of a team, but also independently using their own initiative.
The role requires advance level skills in Microsoft Office applications, including PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and databases. A proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to analyse and present information clearly and precisely to a variety of audiences will be critical to success. Above all, the candidate must demonstrate a strong commitment to improving fire safety and overall health and safety standards across the University.
Additional Information
Closing date for applications: 22 June 2025 at 11:59pm.
The selection process will involve an interview and presentation. Further details will be confirmed at the interview stage.
City St George’s offers a sector-leading salary, pension scheme and benefits including a comprehensive package of staff training and development.
City St George’s, University of London is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in all its activities, processes, and culture for our whole community, including staff, students and visitors.
We welcome applications regardless of age, caring responsibilities, disability, gender identity, gender reassignment, marital status, nationality, pregnancy, race and ethnic origin, religion and belief, sex, sexual orientation and socio-economic background.
City St George’s operates a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants.
At City St George’s, subject to agreement, relevant Professional Services roles may be undertaken in a hybrid way, involving a mixture of working on campus and at home each week.
Where a hybrid working arrangement can be accommodated, it is expected that colleagues will spend the majority (at least 60%) of their usual working time on campus each week. Specific details will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate. A hybrid working arrangement will not detract from any comprehensive induction, that will include relevant on-site activities.
Regardless of where colleagues are working, City St George’s, University of London’s premises will be their primary and contractual place of work.
The University of business, practice and the professions.
