Health & Safety Officer and CDM Adviser – AR

Job Details

Health & Safety Officer and CDM Adviser

Location: County Hall, Somerset
Directorate: Infrastructure & Transport
Grade: 11
Hours: 37 hours per week
Working Pattern: Hybrid working available in line with Somerset Council’s working arrangements

About the Role

Somerset Council is looking for an experienced Health & Safety Officer and CDM Adviser to provide specialist health and safety advice across the Infrastructure & Transport Directorate.

You will act as a key adviser to Directors, Heads of Service and Senior Managers, helping to ensure the Council meets its legal, regulatory and policy requirements while promoting a strong health and safety culture.

You will also act as the principal adviser on Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, providing specialist advice across construction, infrastructure and capital projects.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide expert Health & Safety advice to senior managers and service areas.
  • Act as the principal CDM 2015 adviser for relevant construction and infrastructure projects.
  • Lead the development and review of the Directorate’s Health & Safety Management and Improvement Plan.
  • Carry out Health & Safety audits, inspections and reviews, identifying risks and recommending improvements.
  • Advise on risk assessments and appropriate risk management measures.
  • Monitor Health & Safety performance and report findings to the Health & Safety Board.
  • Keep up to date with changes to Health & Safety legislation and guidance and assess their impact on Council practices.
  • Develop and review Health & Safety policies, guidance, procedures and Codes of Practice.
  • Work closely with contractors, consultants, project managers and technical professionals.
  • Support activity relating to Employers’ Liability and Public Liability claims.
  • Coordinate Health, Safety and Wellbeing activities across contractors and service areas.
  • Lead Health & Safety improvement projects through the Directorate Health & Safety Working Group.
  • Manage approved budgets relating to Health & Safety improvements.
  • Maintain appropriate Health & Safety documentation and management systems.
  • Attend and contribute to strategic, operational and governance meetings, providing specialist advice and guidance.

About You

You will have proven experience working in a Health & Safety advisory role within a complex organisation, together with strong knowledge of construction and CDM requirements.

You should have:

  • Thorough knowledge of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and associated regulations.
  • In-depth knowledge of CDM Regulations 2015.
  • Experience conducting Health & Safety audits and inspections.
  • Experience providing CDM advice on construction or infrastructure projects.
  • Strong knowledge of risk assessment and risk management.
  • Experience developing and implementing Health & Safety initiatives and improvement plans.
  • Experience advising senior managers, contractors and project teams.
  • Excellent communication, analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders.
  • Strong report-writing and presentation skills.

Qualifications

Candidates should ideally hold:

  • A Level 5 qualification or equivalent professional accreditation.
  • NEBOSH or equivalent Health & Safety qualification is desirable.
  • IOSH membership is desirable.
  • Level 6 qualification or equivalent professional accreditation is desirable.

Working Arrangements

The role is primarily based at County Hall, with remote working available in line with Council policy.

The role involves frequent travel across rural areas of Somerset and occasional lone working. There may also be occasional evening or weekend work depending on project requirements.

You will work closely with Council services, contractors, consultants, other local authorities, government departments and professional organisations.

Why This Role?

This is an opportunity to play a key role in shaping Health & Safety standards across Somerset Council’s Infrastructure & Transport Directorate, providing expert advice on both corporate Health & Safety and CDM compliance across significant projects and services.