Head of Health & Safety and Risk(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Role

This is a senior leadership position within the Governance Support function, offering the opportunity to shape how safety and risk are managed across an entire NHS organisation.

As Head of Health, Safety & Risk, you will take the lead in ensuring that systems, processes, and culture all support safe, high-quality care. Working closely with the Director of Governance, executive leaders, and clinical teams, you’ll help ensure that risks are not only identified but clearly understood and effectively managed.

This role blends strategic oversight with hands-on leadership, making it ideal for someone who is confident influencing at senior levels while maintaining strong operational awareness.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

You will oversee the Trust-wide approach to health and safety, risk management, and safer moving and handling. A key part of the role is ensuring that governance systems are robust, consistent, and aligned with national standards.

Your work will involve:

• Leading the development and implementation of health & safety and risk strategies
  Ensuring effective systems for identifying, assessing, and managing risk
  Overseeing governance tools such as risk registers and assurance frameworks
  Providing expert advice to senior leaders on complex or sensitive issues
  Supporting services to improve compliance with policies and legal requirements
  Presenting clear, meaningful insights to Board and committee meetings
  Promoting a culture where learning, openness, and accountability are embedded
  Working collaboratively across patient safety, quality, and corporate governance teams

You’ll also be responsible for leading and developing specialist teams, ensuring they deliver consistent, high-quality support across the organisation.

About the Organisation

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive working environment where staff can thrive.

The Trust offers:

• Flexible working arrangements
  NHS pension scheme
  Generous annual leave
  Access to Blue Light Card discounts
  Ongoing professional development opportunities

Somerset combines a high quality of life with access to major cities such as Bristol, Bath, and Exeter, making it an attractive place to live and work.

What You’ll Bring

Essential Qualifications & Education:

• A relevant degree or equivalent senior-level experience
  Postgraduate qualification or ability to work at Master’s level
  Evidence of ongoing professional development

Experience Required:

• Significant experience in governance within large or complex NHS organisations
  Strong background in risk management and health & safety
  Experience advising senior leaders and clinical teams
  Proven ability to develop and improve governance processes
  Experience presenting complex information to Board-level audiences
  Line management experience, including staff development and supervision

Desirable:

• Leadership or management training
  Experience supporting organisational change

Key Skills & Attributes

To succeed in this role, you’ll need to demonstrate:

• Strong analytical thinking and the ability to interpret complex information
  Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  Confidence in influencing and advising at senior levels
  Ability to manage competing priorities across multiple workstreams
  A collaborative approach to working across departments
  Commitment to building a positive safety culture
  Professional integrity and respect for confidentiality

Important Information

• This role requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
  Applications from candidates requiring Skilled Worker visa sponsorship are welcome
  Overseas applicants may need to provide criminal record certificates where applicable

Useful UK Government Resources

For further guidance related to this role, the following official resources may be helpful:

• Health and Safety legislation and guidance
  Risk management in public sector organisations
  Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
  Skilled Worker visa information
  UK employment and workplace rights