Health and Safety Advisor

Working Hours:  37
Location:  Kelvedon Park

Closing Date: 12th July 2026

*We are open to discuss working arrangements including flexibility over hours and location

The Role

You will part of a dedicated Health and Safety Department reporting to the Senior Health and Safety Advisor. You will assist with the planning, developing and implementation of the health and safety function across the Service. Working closely with Station and Service Managers.

What You Will Be Working On

• Support the planning, development, and delivery of the Health & Safety (H&S) function and departmental business plan.
• Promote a positive H&S culture across the organisation.
• Manage, assess, and close accident/safety events using reporting systems.
• Conduct and support audits, risk assessments, and accident investigations, ensuring effective outcomes and reporting.
• Analyse data and legislation to review risks and improve H&S performance.
• Provide expert H&S advice to all management levels, including on new legislation and safe working practices.
• Develop, coordinate, and deliver H&S training programmes.
• Liaise with representative bodies and safety representatives.
• Support accident investigation teams and boards with technical expertise.
• Review and update policies, making recommendations for improvement.
• Participate in a 24/7 H&S advisor rota and deputise for the Senior H&S Advisor as required.

What Are We Looking For?

It is an essential requirement to have proven experience and a strong health and safety background as you will be required to provide health and safety advice to Service Managers, problem solving and decision making whilst working to exacting deadlines. We are looking for someone to support the Health and Safety Manager in the planning and development of the department strategy and support the implementation of the department business plan.

Eligibility
You will have a Level 3 accredited H&S qualification (or equivalent) and be a Technical Member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).

How to apply

You are required to submit a supporting statement through our website, of no more than 750 words detailing how you meet the essential criteria for the role via Cornerstone. It is important that you provide as much evidence as possible as to how you meet the essential criteria of the Person Specification as this statement will be used to shortlist your application.

We love it when our applicants write thorough supporting statements so don’t be afraid to go into detail! This will give us a great understanding of your skills and experience and how well you fit the role.

Please ensure you have uploaded the supporting statement before clicking Apply.

Assessment and selection

Stage 1 (w/c 13th July ‘26)
Application & shortlisting (assessment will be made against the essential criteria of the person specification)

Stage 2 (w/c 27th July ‘26)
Scenario based presentation – no more than 10 minutes, and role specific interview lasting approximately 45 minutes.

Should you wish to have an informal discussion with regards to the role, please contact Matt Avent on 07525800539 or matthew.avent@essex-fire.gov.uk

Our Culture and Benefits

Here at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service we are committed to prioritising and promoting the wellbeing of our employees.

You can find out more about our benefits at https://www.essex-fire.gov.uk/recruitment/benefits

Important Information for Firefighter Pension Scheme Pensioners

If you are currently in receipt of a pension from the Firefighter Pension Scheme, please note that taking up this role may affect your pension. Under pension abatement rules, if your earnings in this role, when combined with your pension, exceed your pre-retirement salary (adjusted for inflation), your pension may be reduced.

For further guidance, please contact our Pensions team on 01376 576799 or email mailbox.pensions@essex-fire.gov.uk

Safeguarding

Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Fire and Rescue Authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

It is our policy to require all applicants for employment to disclose if you are currently being investigated by any regulatory body or have any decisions or sanctions pending or in progress in respect of your suitability to work for the Service.

You agree to inform the Service within 24 hours if you are subsequently investigated by any agency or organisation in relation to concerns about your behaviour towards children, young people or vulnerable adults.

The information you provide will be treated as strictly confidential and will be considered only in relation to the appointment for which you are applying.

This role will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Disability Confident

We are an equal opportunity, Disability Confident, employer who welcomes applications from all backgrounds. We value diversity and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Applications are considered solely on merit.

Should you wish to discuss support, or access further information, from one of these groups, please contact Equality.Diversity@essex-fire.gov.uk

You are also able to raise any queries or requests for support, including any adjustments you may require, at any stage of the process by email to recruitment@essex-fire.gov.uk

You can find out more about Essex County Fire & Rescue Service via www.essex-fire.gov.uk and about our vacancies and application processes via www.essex-fire.gov.uk/join-essex-fire