Construction & Estates Health and Safety Advisor(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Role

In this role, you’ll provide specialist health and safety advice across construction, estates, and facilities activities. You’ll work with internal teams and external contractors to ensure compliance with UK legislation, manage risk effectively, and promote best practice.

This is a hands-on, people-facing role that balances advisory work, site presence, and problem-solving, with the opportunity to make a visible impact on how safety is embedded across the University.

Key Responsibilities

You will:

• Promote and support a positive health and safety culture across construction and estates operations
• Advise on compliance with UK health and safety legislation, including CDM Regulations and Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR)
• Work closely with contractors to ensure safe systems of work and contractual compliance
• Support risk assessments, audits, and incident investigations
• Provide practical, proportionate advice to colleagues at all levels
• Manage competing priorities and deliver work to agreed deadlines
• Participate in site visits, including occasional out-of-hours or emergency responses
• Contribute to continuous improvement within Health & Safety Services

What We’re Looking For

You’ll be a strong fit if you bring:

• A genuine commitment to improving health and safety outcomes
• NEBOSH Construction Certificate, or working towards it (we’re open to discussion if this is the only gap)
• Sound knowledge of UK health and safety legislation, including CDM and CAR
• Experience in construction, estates, facilities, or similar operational environments
• Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build credibility quickly
• Confidence working both independently and as part of a team
• Experience with contractors and outsourced service providers
• Familiarity with risk assessment methods, audits, and incident investigation
• Flexibility to work outside normal hours when required
• A full UK driving licence

Visa & Right to Work Information

Due to the complexity of the Skilled Worker visa route, applicants who require sponsorship are advised to check their eligibility before applying. Visa options will only be discussed with shortlisted candidates.

Official guidance is available at:

Skilled Worker visa overview:
https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

Right to work checks:
https://www.gov.uk/check-job-applicant-right-to-work

Internal Applications & Secondments

We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. As part of the University’s commitment to professional development, this role may be considered on a secondment basis for existing staff. Internal applicants should speak with their line manager before applying.

Equality, Inclusion & Flexible Working

The University of Reading is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. We actively support:

• The Athena SWAN Charter
• The Race Equality Charter
• LGBT+ equality
• Disability Confident Employer status (Level 2)

Applications for job-share, part-time, and flexible working arrangements are encouraged and will be considered in line with business needs.

Why Join the University of Reading?

You’ll be part of an organisation that values professionalism, collaboration, and wellbeing—where your expertise will directly contribute to safer environments for staff, students, contractors, and visitors alike.