Health & Safety / Compliance Manager

About the role

The Health & Safety / Compliance Manager will act as the Designated Competent Person for a multi‑site education trust, providing strategic leadership and expert advice on health and safety matters across all schools. The role combines policy development, risk oversight and assurance to foster a proactive safety culture.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as the Designated Competent Person, advising the CEO, senior leaders, trustees and school teams.
• Develop and implement a Trust‑wide Health and Safety Strategy, policies and procedures.
• Maintain oversight of risk registers, ensuring effective challenge, advice and compliance monitoring.
• Lead audits, inspections and compliance reviews, tracking actions to completion.
• Investigate significant accidents, incidents and near‑misses, producing root‑cause analyses and lessons learned.
• Support emergency and critical incident management across schools.
• Provide statutory premises compliance assurance (fire, asbestos, water hygiene, electrical and gas safety).
• Oversee risk management for educational visits and off‑site activities.
• Design and deliver health and safety training for staff.
• Prepare concise reports for senior leaders, trustees and committees.

Required profile

• NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent Level 6 Health and Safety qualification.
• CMIOSH membership or working towards Chartered status.
• Significant senior health and safety experience in a complex, multi‑site organisation.
• Proven experience acting as a Competent Person and advising senior leadership or governance bodies.

Required skills

• Risk assessment and management.
• Health & safety auditing.
• Incident investigation and reporting.
• Legislation monitoring and compliance.

What we offer

• Salary range £38,500 – £42,000 per annum.
• 30‑hour flexible week with hybrid working.
• Temporary‑to‑permanent contract.
• Location in Somerset, based in Bridgwater.