Registrar and Chief Operating Officer

Job Summary: As Competent Person, provide an assurance and advisory service on
the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and
associated fire safety legislation or standards, to ensure a coordinated,
strategic and collaborative approach to the management of fire safety
risk, the achievement of a positive culture and high standards of fire
safety performance. Accountable to the Director, Safety, Health and
Environment.

Duties:

1. Undertake the functions of a 'competent person', in relation to such duties as required
under the provisions of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and be the main
point of contact with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service inspection and enforcement
officers.

2. Plan, conduct, document and review fire risk assessments, in accordance with BSI PAS
79 and present to the Fire Safety Management Sub-Committee and relevant Directors.
Monitor actions, working collaboratively with the Estate Development Department and
contractors, and Faculty Management staff and report findings to the Fire Safety
Management Sub-Committee, University Health and Safety Committee and Executive
Leadership Team, as required.

3. Undertake and communicate recommendations contained within Dangerous Substances
and Explosive Atmospheres (DSEAR) risk assessments; also advise the Estate
Development Department in appointing consultants to undertake the same. Monitor
actions, working collaboratively with the Estate Development Department and contractors.

4. Review building fire strategies and provide technical and legislative fire safety advice and
support to the Estate Development Department in respect of building, refurbishment and
maintenance projects, from feasibility to completion, maintaining excellent
communications with the project teams, architects, design engineers and building control
bodies. Be consulted on the use of hot work permits, witnessing commissioning, testing of
life safety systems and handovers.

5. Review the University Fire Risk Management Plan and relevant Policy documents; monitor
changes to legislation and good practice/industry guidance that significantly affect the
university, disseminating relevant information and advice on its practical application.

6. Working closely with the Estate Development Department, plan and carry out fire safety
audits and inspections of university buildings to ensure that statutory fire precautions are
being maintained, identifying non-compliance in activities or conditions, taking appropriate
action, including the issue of internal enforcement notices, where appropriate.

7. Maintain auditable records of implementation of the university's fire safety management
systems, including up to date records of fire risk assessments, fire strategies and
emergency plans to keep fire risk assessments alive.

8. Maintain a positive relationship with local authority planning officers; local authority
enforcement officers; licensing authorities; and Health and Safety Executive Inspectors.
Liaise with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and relevant Faculties and Departments,
facilitating and hosting Site Specific Risk Information Surveys, familiarisation visits and
formal inspections/audits (with colleagues from the Estate Development and Campus
Services Departments, as appropriate), collating relevant documentation and addressing
concerns.

9. Provide advice on the fire safety implications of implementation of Public Protection
Measures and Procedures, required by the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act, 2025.

10. Design and deliver fire safety training, including bespoke fire and Dangerous Substances
and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations training, to address specific risks within
laboratories and workshops. Review fire safety training needs arising from fire drills,
emergency plans and investigation of fire alarm activations and develop and maintain a
fire safety training needs matrix, liaising with Management to ensure training is up to date
and recorded appropriately.

11. Review and maintain the communication strategy to engage with students, to ensure they
have an appropriate awareness of fire safety.

12. Provide specialist technical advice to inform the compilation of General Emergency
Evacuation Plans and Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) when required,
such as determining building features and engineering services that support such plans
(and to complete PEEPs as necessary). Liaise with Disability Coordinators over student
issues raising from PEEPs, within the confines of Data Protection and Equality law.

13. Devise, document and review emergency plans for university buildings, evaluating and
revising those plans where necessary, such as when construction work affects means of
escape strategies and other fire protection measures, or to accommodate major events.
Provide advice as necessary to event planners on the suitability, setup and management
of conferences and events.

14. Consult with key stakeholders, particularly Campus Services Security, to plan,
communicate and implement annual fire drill programmes for the university.

15. Advise on fire risk management to Faculties, Professional Services and the Estate
Development Department, to reduce the risk from fire to buildings, even if occupied on a
temporary basis (i.e., leased buildings), advising on the appropriate control measures for

compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, Building Regulations, and
Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations and other relevant
legislation. Provide advice and support to Fire Evacuation Team meetings and
Faculty/Professional Services Health and Safety Sub-Committee meetings.

16. Investigate fires and fire alarm activations and produce reports, detailing
recommendations for mitigation strategies. Write the Annual Fire Safety Report;
consulting with the University Health and Safety Committee and the Fire Safety
Management Sub-Committee.

17. Liaise with the Estate Development Department to monitor the timely testing, inspection
and maintenance of fire detection systems and firefighting equipment, ensuring that all
remediation works are detailed and deficiencies are reported to the Estate Management
Department.

18. Be part of the university's Incident Management Team and to be available, outside normal
hours, to provide specialist advice.

19. Undertake any other duties, commensurate with the grade, as deemed necessary by the
Director, Safety, Health and Environment.

20. A commitment to LJMU's values and regulations and Diversity and Inclusion Policy.

21. Commitment to adhere to and promote the ethos of Respect Always as set out in the
Respect Always Charter.

22. Liverpool John Moores University recognises and is aware of its Social, Economic and
Environmental responsibilities. The post holder is required to minimise the environmental
impact in the performance of the role, contribute to (and supervise if applicable) the
implementation of environmental improvement measures and actively contribute to the
delivery of LJMU's Environmental Management and Sustainability Policy and the Climate
Change Action Plan.

23. The post-holder's mandatory Health and Safety responsibilities, which have been agreed
by the University's Executive Leadership Team, are contained in Section 2 of the
University's Safety Management Code of Practice (MCP1) Organisation for the
Implementation of the Health and Safety Policy. The post-holder's mandatory
Environmental Management responsibilities are contained in Section 2 of the University's
Environmental Management Code of Practice (ECP1) Organisation for the
Implementation of the Environmental Management and Sustainability Policy.

24. There may be a requirement for occasional overseas travel.

25. For some of your activity, from time to time, you may be required to contribute to externally
funded projects such as research or EU projects.

The person specification describes the skills, experience, knowledge and aptitude required
to perform the duties of this post effectively. The criteria order listed should not be taken to
imply their relative importance. Both paid and unpaid experience may be relevant., Education Evidence
Level 4 Diploma in Fire Safety, or: A
IFE Level 4 Certificate in Fire Science and Fire Safety, or:
other recognised professional qualification.
Third party certified as either a fire risk assessor or auditor, through theA
IFE Register of Fire Risk Assessors or similar.
DSEAR risk assessment qualification, or similar. A

Graduate, or equivalent relevant experience, with membership of at least A
one relevant professional organisation e.g., IFE, IFSM, IFPO.
Experience
Significant experience of fire risk assessment in a variety of large and A
complex premises, using PAS 79 methodology.
Experience of fire safety enforcement procedures and audits. A, I

Experience of implementing building emergency plans. A, I

Experience of writing policies, standards and reports, communications, A, I
taking account of organisational requirements and the target audience.
Knowledge
Sound understanding of up-to-date fire safety legislation, associated A, I, P
technical standards and codes of practice and applied management of fire
safety and practical application of BS9999.
Broad knowledge and understanding of Approved Documents to the A, I
Building Regulations, British and European Standards applicable to fire
safety protection measures and the Equality Act.
Good understanding of passive and active fire protection measures and A, I
their associated design, installation and maintenance requirements.
Skills and abilities
Able to analyse fire risks and determine suitable and often technical or A, I
complex mitigating or control measures with limited amount of referral.
Able to interpret architectural and engineering plan drawings and provide A, I
feedback on proposed designs for new builds and refurbishments.
Able to interpret complex fire safety law and technical standards and draftA, I
concise codes of practice and guidance notes, to a high standard.
A pragmatic approach, demonstrating a realistic, workable, practical and I
cost-effective application, that takes account of business needs.
Ability to act with discretion and to maintain confidentiality. I

Proven analytical and problem-solving capability. A, I

Able to work flexibly, collaboratively and autonomously; able to identify I
relevant priorities, plan and manage projects and workloads to meet
service requirements.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, demonstrating the ability I, P
to convey complex information in an understandable way.

Able to use Microsoft Office suite of applications and other relevant A, I
software, producing documents, spreadsheets, KPI dashboards and
presentations to a high standard.
Able to design and deliver suitable training courses, with excellent I
training/presentation skills, to a diverse range of people.
Able to identify skills gaps and training needs relating to fire risk and I
workplace processes.
Excellent inter-personal skills with a consultative and facilitative style ofA, I, P
service delivery, with resilience to ensure that failings are challenged
and resolved.
Good influencing and motivating skills and the confidence to advise, I, P
support, challenge and explain complex information to all stakeholders,
including enforcement officers; with the ability to build internal and
external relationships, based on trust and confidence, to engender a cooperative
and collaborative environment.

Desirable Factors

Education Evidence
CIEH accredited trainer qualification, or similar. A

Experience
Full UK driving licence. A

Working knowledge and experience of health and safety at work in the A
UK.
Knowledge and experience of environmental legislation in the UK. A

Financial benefits: Competitive salaries based on a low contractual 35 hour working week.
7.1% employer pension contributions for non-academic staff enrolled in the Local Government
Pension Scheme (LGPS). This is a temporary reduction from the previous rate of 17.5%,
effective from April 2026, following the Fund's triennial review. The reduction reflects the Fund's
current surplus and improved financial position. This does not affect your pension benefits,
which are determined by LGPS scheme rules rather than the level of employer contributions.
28.68% employer contribution to pensions for teaching staff enrolled into the Teachers' Pension
Scheme (TPS).

Work life balance: Excellent annual leave provision.
30 days for support staff and 35 days for staff and senior managers grade 8 and above.
8 UK bank holidays and up to 5 University closure days between Christmas and New Year.
Family friendly policies and a range of benefits to support including job-shares, flexible
working hours and part-time roles where possible.

Health and wellbeing: Regular wellbeing support initiatives throughout the year.
Access to a trained counsellor via Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
Plus a programme of activities and range of support and resources to help look after your
mental and physical wellbeing.

Career Benefits: Continuous development opportunities to enhance your knowledge and
meet your career ambitions, including LinkedIn Learning.

Making a difference: LJMU Climate Action - be at the forefront of initiatives to tackle climate
change.
Share experiences and challenge unfair practices with our Diversity and Inclusion Staff
Networks.
Opportunity to volunteer at graduation ceremonies, clearing and open days.

Discounts and other benefits: A reward and benefits platform, giving savings on day-today
purchases across a range of retail outlets.
Interest free loans repayable across twelve monthly instalments, including loans for annual
travel season tickets and cycle to work scheme.
Massively discounted gym and fitness classes at the University Sport Building.