Health and Safety Advisor

This vacancy is only available to existing Civil Servant employees and employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs). Please review the "Eligibility" section before you apply.

General Information

Salary

The national salary range is £35,335- £37,847. London salary range is £40,014 - £42,859. Your salary will be dependent on your base location

Working Pattern

Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working

Vacancy Approach

Cross Government

Location

Birmingham, Brighton and Hove, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Jarrow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Nottingham

Region

East Midlands, East of England, Greater Manchester, London, North East, North West, South East, South West, Wales, West Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber

Closing Date

22-Sep-2026

Post Type

Permanent

Civil Service Grade

HEO

Number of jobs available

1

Reserve List

12 Months

Job ID

21963

Descriptions & requirements

Job description

Job Title & Grade: HEO Health & Safety Advisor

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary range (depending on location):

National - £35,335 to £37,847

London - £40,014 to £42,859

Please note that unless you are currently employed by the Civil Service and are earning more than the minimum above, if successful you will be offered the minimum for the grade depending on your location.

Location: National – Any LAA Office

Please note that whilst this role is open to all Civil Servants, you can only apply for London, Cambridge and Brighton offices if you are a current LAA staff member based in those offices. This is due to and in line with the LAA's Location Strategy and the Cabinet Office's Places for Growth Strategy.

Please note

This role requires Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) clearance, this will form part of the onboarding process if the candidate is successful.

To obtain CTC clearance, you must meet the current National Security Vetting residency requirements. Under Central Government policy, applicants must normally have been resident in the UK for the last 3 years to be eligible for this level of clearance.

The role also includes occasional travel across our office network in England and Wales. This provides opportunities to build relationships with colleagues across the organisation and understand the diverse environments in which they work. Occasional overnight stays may be required.

Minimum Working Pattern:

If you are applying for a part time role, please note that to meet business demands we need cover for a minimum of 29.6 (0.8 full-time equivalent) hours and to cover 4 days of the week

To meet legal requirements, if you are between the ages 16-18 and you are a successful candidate, you will be required to complete an apprenticeship after your initial on the job training.

The Legal Aid Agency

We are an executive agency of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). We areresponsible for operationally administering the legal aid fund to provide criminal and civil legal aid advice to people in England and Wales.

Our people are at the heart of achieving excellence. Employing around 1,200 colleagues across England and Wales, we feel proud to have some of the best People Survey results in the Civil Service.

Corporate Assurance, Risk and Secretariat (CARS) team

This role sits within the Corporate Assurance, Risk and Secretariat (CARS) team, reporting to the Health and Safety Manager.

The team provides strategic advice, assurance and oversight across health and safety, risk management, business continuity, information security and physical security. We work closely with colleagues across the Legal Aid Agency, Ministry of Justice and wider government to support organisational resilience and continuous improvement.

Job Summary

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced health and safety professional to influence and shape health, safety and fire arrangements across a national organisation delivering an essential public service.

As the Agency's Health and Safety Adviser, you will work closely with the Health and Safety Manager and senior leaders, operational teams and external partners to ensure that health, safety and wellbeing considerations are embedded into decision-making, workplace design and organisational change.

You will have the opportunity to influence organisational culture, shape policy, drive improvement programmes and provide trusted advice to senior stakeholders across the Agency.

There are no Line Management responsibilities as part of this role, but you will provide leadership to the shared administrative resource.

Why Join Us?

This role offers a breadth of experience that is rarely found within a single health and safety position.

You will support colleagues working across:

• A national estate spanning 15 locations across England and Wales.
• Hybrid and flexible working environments.
• Shared government buildings and multi-occupancy sites.
• Court, police station and provider-facing operational environments.
• Warehouse and records management operations.
• Workplace projects, refurbishments and office moves.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Help shape health, safety and fire strategy across a national organisation.
• Assist with continuous improvement and culture change initiatives.
• Build professional networks across the Ministry of Justice, Government Property Agency and wider Civil Service.
• Develop your expertise through varied and meaningful work.
• Make a visible difference to the experience, safety and wellbeing of colleagues.
• Undertake professional development and support towards further qualifications and IOSH progression
• Utilise flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Undertake Civil Service learning and development opportunities

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Assist in the development and delivery of the Agency's Health, Safety and Fire Strategy and supporting delivery plans.
• Ensure health, safety and fire arrangements remain proportionate, effective and aligned with organisational priorities.
• Provide professional advice and assurance to the operational leadership on health, safety and fire matters.
• Support organisational change, workplace projects and estate developments by ensuring health and safety considerations are embedded from the outset.

Building Capability and Culture

• Work collaboratively with leaders and managers to build capability and confidence in managing health and safety responsibilities.
• Promote a positive and inclusive health and safety culture focused on engagement, learning and continuous improvement.
• Develop effective relationships with colleagues across the Legal Aid Agency, Ministry of Justice, Government Property Agency and external partners.
• Support networks of local health and safety representatives and site leads.

Risk, Assurance and Continuous Improvement

• Maintain oversight of health, safety and fire risks and ensure appropriate controls and assurance arrangements are in place.
• Carry out investigations, audits, inspections and reviews, using findings to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Use data, insight and professional judgement to inform recommendations and support effective decision-making.
• Carry out internal inspections/audits of sites across England and Wales. Occasional travel and overnight stays are a requirement of the role.
• Take part in the Agency's National Health and Safety Committee and associated consultation arrangements.

Partnership Working

• Work closely with estates, facilities management and project teams to support the effective management of the Agency's estate.
• Collaborate with colleagues across assurance, security, business continuity and risk disciplines to support wider organisational objectives.
• Build productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders to achieve shared outcomes.

Essential Qualifications –

• Minimum qualification: a level 3 occupational safety and health qualification (such as NEBOSH National General Certificate or IOSH Certificate), and
• A current member of IOSH at Technical level or above and completing ongoing CPD.

Essential Knowledge, Experience and skills

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Experience of applying health and safety legislation and good practice within a workplace environment.
• Experience of influencing stakeholders and building effective working relationships across organisational boundaries.
• Experience of providing advice, guidance or assurance that supports effective decision-making.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly to a range of audiences.
• Experience of developing policies, guidance, reports or other written products.
• Experience of using data, insight and evidence to identify trends and support continuous improvement.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and make sound, risk-based decisions.
• A proactive approach to problem solving and organisational improvement.
• Experience using Office 365 and SharePoint

Desirable Knowledge, Experience and skills

• Experience of working within a large, complex or multi-site organisation.
• Knowledge or experience of fire safety, water hygiene, asbestos management or other property-related compliance areas.
• Experience of supporting workplace projects, estate management or organisational change programmes.
• Knowledge of wellbeing and workplace health initiatives.
• An understanding of the criminal justice system or wider public sector environment.
• Experience of using digital tools and technology to improve collaboration, analysis or productivity.
• First Aid at Work qualification.

Person Specification

You will be a credible and collaborative professional who enjoys working with people, influencing decisions and helping organisations improve.

You will be comfortable operating at an operational level, balancing longer-term planning with day-to-day delivery. You will bring sound judgement, curiosity and a continuous improvement mindset, using your expertise to support safe, healthy and inclusive workplaces.

Most importantly, you will be motivated by the opportunity to make a positive difference across a national organisation and to help colleagues work safely, confidently and effectively.

Assessment approach

Application Process

To apply please submit a CV and statement of suitability showing how you meet the essential criteria in no more than 1,250 words.

Your statement should demonstrate your ability to do all the essential criteria listed, using examples can help strengthen your application.

Please note that we only require a CV and Statement of Suitability for your application. The wording on this advert may suggest that an Experience question is also required, however this is not necessary.

Interview / assessment Process

If you are successful through the application stage, you will be invited to an interview / assessment centre in person or via Microsoft Teams where you will be assessed against the following:

Strengths relevant to the role

The following Behaviours:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Changing and Improving
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace
• Making Effective Decisions

Your Experience of implementing, promoting, or understanding diversity and inclusion policy - Diversity is the presence of difference, this can include one or more of the protected characteristics (Gender, Age, Race, Disability etc.) or it can be about working patterns, whether we like to jump into a task or reflect on it before acting. Inclusion is how we welcome, value, and celebrate diversity, giving everyone a voice, tapping into ideas, and enabling everyone to be themselves at work and achieve their potential.

For this grade/ role we would expect the candidate to demonstrate understanding of the terms Diversity and Inclusion and be able to explain why they are important to them and to where they work. Examples of action they have taken (in or outside of work) to embrace diversity (e.g., increasing understanding) or improve inclusion for others will increase the strength of their answer.

There will also be a practical exercise where you will also be asked to review and prioritise a small number of H&S issues and then lead the panel through your decisions and the reasoning behind them.

You will be given the information you need during the interview slot and there is no need to prepare. Your talk through / presentation should take no more than 20 minutes after which, the panel may ask you questions on the exercise.

Shortlisting is planned for week commencing: Monday 21st September 2026

Interviews are planned for week commencing: Monday 5th October 2026

If you would like more information on this opportunity, please contact – Gary Winter – Gary.Winter@justice.gov.uk(Head of Governance).

Our LAA commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain, and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

As a Disability Confident organisation, we will offer a guaranteed interview to candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria for this role. Under the Equality Act 2010 a disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities which has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months.

If you are responding to a role within the Legal Aid Agency and would like to be considered under the guaranteed interview, please indicate this in your application and let us know of any reasonable adjustments you may require during the sift or later selection processes.

The LAA’s goal is to build an organisation that is open and inclusive and truly values and celebrates the diversity of its workforce. One that reflects and understands the needs of the diverse society we serve. This is regardless of social background, gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, beliefs, disabilities or long-term illness or caring responsibilities.

Reasonable Adjustments

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all. If you have a disability or long-term condition (for example dyslexia, anxiety, autism, a mobility condition or hearing loss) and need us to make any reasonable adjustments to support you through the recruitment process, please let us know by adding the information to the applications system or emailing LAARecruitment@justice.gov.uk after you have applied so that we can discuss options with you.

Complaints procedure

If you have any complaints about this recruitment activity, please share your concerns by emailing LAARecruitment@justice.gov.uk initially. We aim to respond to any complaint within 10 working days.

Additional Information

Working Arrangements & Further Information

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity.

Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.

For nationally advertised roles: All successful candidates will be appointed to the nearest viable office nearest to their home postcode and on its respective pay scale. This will be at either a HQ building (subject to desk allocation, a Justice Collaboration Centre (JCC) or a Justice Satellite Office (JSO) – See Map. All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity).

For current MoJ employees, your base location will need to be changed to the nearest viable office (to your home postcode), either at a HQ building, JCC or JSO within the National Office Network and moved its location’s respective pay scale (any legacy arrangements/locations will need to be amended).

Some of MoJ’s terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.

MoJ candidates who are on a specialist grade, will be able to retain their grade on lateral transfer.

All candidates who are currently in receipt of Mark Time / Pay Protection should ensure they are familiar with the new policy on permanent and temporary promotion which can be found on the employee intranet.

Flexible working hours

The Ministry of Justice offers a flexible working system in many offices. Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week. MoJ welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the MoJ’s Flexible Working policy.

Benefits

The MoJ offers a range of benefits:

Annual Leave

Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service.

There is also a scheme to allow qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days leave each year. Additional paid time off for public holidays and 1 privilege day. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.

Pension

The Civil Service offers a choice of pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.

Training

The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.

Networks

The opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.

Eligibility

Staff on fixed term appointments must have been recruited through fair and open competition.

Vacancies advertised “cross-government” are only open to all Civil Service employees and employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) who were appointed on merit following a fair and open competition; or were appointed to a permanent post through an exception in the Civil Service Commissioners' rules.

Support

• A range of ‘Family Friendly’ policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
• Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
• For moves to or from another employer or moves across the Civil Service this can have implications on your eligibility to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. More information can be found on www.www.GOV.UK or Childcare Choices. You can determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
• Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
• Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order

• To Transformative Business Services (0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk);
• To Ministry of Justice Resourcing team (resourcing-management-office@justice.gov.uk);
• To the Civil Service Commission (details available here)

As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.

You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the TBS Recruitment Enquiries Team.

For more information on applying for a role as a candidate with a disability or long-term condition, please watch our animated videos.

Diversity & Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

Redeployment Interview Scheme

Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ is committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.

MoJ is able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidates will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion.

Civil Service Nationality Rules

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules

Reserve list

A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles.

Contact Information

MoJ:

If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk

Please quote the job reference 21963

HMPPS

If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk

Please quote the job reference 21963

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Application form stage assessments

Experience

We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods

CV or Work History, Experience Questions, Statement of Suitability

Experience Questions Application Form Question Word Limit

250

Evidence of Experience

CV or Work History, Experience Questions, Statement of Suitability

Interview stage assessments

Interview Dates

Interviews are expected for week commencing: Monday 5th October 2026

Abilities

A practical exercise where the candidate will also be asked to review and prioritise a small number of H&S issues and then lead the panel through their decisions and the reasoning behind them.

Behaviours

Communicating and Influencing

Changing and Improving

Working Together

Delivering at Pace

Making Effective Decisions

Experience

Your Experience for this role will be assessed at interview. To learn more about Experience and how they are assessed please click here.

We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods

Experience Questions

Strengths

Strengths will be assessed but these are not shared in advance. To learn more about Strengths and how they are assessed please click here.

Technical

Minimum qualification: a level 3 occupational safety and health qualification (such as NEBOSH National General Certificate or IOSH Certificate), and
A current member of IOSH at Technical level or above and completing ongoing CPD.

Level of security checks required

Counter Terrorism Check (CTC)

Use of Artificial Intelligence (Al)

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.