Health and Safety Manager

The Health and Safety Manager will play a key role in supporting the delivery and continuous improvement of health and safety arrangements across QE Facilities Ltd and Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust. Reporting to the Head of Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ), the postholder will provide specialist advice, operational support and assurance across a diverse portfolio of clinical, estates, facilities and corporate services. The role offers the opportunity to work within a complex and evolving healthcare environment, influencing safety performance, supporting organisational change and promoting a positive and proactive health and safety culture. Key responsibilities include: Health and Safety Management and Compliance Provide competent, practical advice on health and safety legislation, Approved Codes of Practice, NHS guidance and organisational policies. Support managers in identifying and managing workplace risks, ensuring suitable and sufficient risk assessments and
safe systems of work are in place. Develop, review and implement health and safety policies, procedures and guidance to support statutory compliance and continuous improvement. Audit, Assurance and Performance Plan and undertake workplace inspections, thematic audits and assurance reviews across QEF services and agreed Trust areas. Analyse incident data, risk assessments, inspections and performance information to identify emerging risks, trends and opportunities for improvement. Produce clear, evidence-based reports and recommendations for operational management and health and safety governance groups. Monitor improvement actions and support managers in implementing effective and sustainable controls. Incident Investigation and Learning Lead and support investigations into significant health and safety incidents, accidents and near misses. Provide advice on statutory reporting requirements, including RIDDOR. Promote organisational learning, ensuring investigation findings contribute to
improvements in working practices and risk management. Leadership, Engagement and Safety Culture Work collaboratively with senior managers, clinical teams, operational colleagues, contractors and trade union representatives to strengthen local ownership of health and safety. Support the development of Safety Champions and encourage meaningful engagement with frontline teams. Provide professional guidance, coaching and support to health and safety colleagues, including supervision where delegated. Develop and deliver targeted training and briefings to improve health and safety awareness and competence. Governance and Continuous Improvement Support the QEF Safety Group and Joint Health and Safety Group through performance reporting, divisional engagement and escalation of significant risks. Contribute to the ongoing development of the organisation's health and safety management arrangements, aligned with the principles of ISO 45001. Lead agreed improvement projects and deputise for the Head

of SHEQ within delegated authority. Professional Development We recognise that healthcare presents a unique range of health and safety challenges and welcome applicants with transferable experience from other complex or regulated environments. The successful candidate will have opportunities to broaden their professional knowledge, develop leadership and management experience, work alongside specialist healthcare professionals and contribute to shaping the future of health and safety across both organisations. The postholder will be based primarily at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead, with travel to other sites as required. For further information about the role, including the essential and desirable criteria, please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification.