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

Job Description

The Opportunity

The University of Reading is seeking a proactive and engaging Construction & Estates Health and Safety Advisor to join its Health & Safety Services team. This role offers the chance to make a tangible impact across a diverse university estate by supporting safe construction, maintenance, and facilities activities.

You will work as part of a supportive, multi‑disciplinary health and safety function while building strong relationships with Estates colleagues, contractors, and service partners. The role suits someone who can influence positively, communicate with confidence, and promote a practical, proportionate approach to health and safety.

Your Role and Impact

As Health and Safety Advisor, you will:

• Promote and embed a positive health and safety culture across construction and estates activities
• Provide competent advice on UK health and safety legislation, including CDM Regulations and Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR)
• Support risk assessments, method statements, and safe systems of work
• Undertake site inspections, audits, and investigations, ensuring corrective actions are implemented
• Work closely with contractors and outsourced service providers to ensure legal and contractual compliance
• Support incident investigation, reporting, and learning
• Contribute to continuous improvement of health and safety management systems
• Attend site visits and respond to incidents, including occasional out‑of‑hours work where required

Skills, Experience and Qualifications

We are looking for someone who brings both technical knowledge and strong interpersonal skills.

Essential requirements:

• A clear commitment to promoting high standards of health and safety
• Strong working knowledge of UK health and safety legislation relevant to construction and estates environments
• NEBOSH Construction Certificate (or actively working towards it – applicants close to completion are encouraged to apply)
• Experience within construction, estates, facilities management, or similar operational environments
• Confident communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build credibility quickly
• Experience of contractor management and compliance monitoring
• Familiarity with risk assessment, incident investigation, and audit processes
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work both independently and collaboratively
• Flexibility to undertake occasional out‑of‑hours site visits
• Full UK driving licence
• Internal Applications and Secondment

Applications are welcomed from both external and internal candidates. For existing University staff, this role may be considered on a secondment basis, subject to discussion and agreement with your current line manager.

Visa and Right to Work Information

Applicants who may require Skilled Worker visa sponsorship are advised to review eligibility criteria independently using official UK Government guidance. Visa options will only be discussed with candidates invited to interview.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Reading is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and supportive working environment. We actively support the Athena SWAN Charter, the Race Equality Charter, and initiatives promoting LGBT+ equality. As a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2), we welcome applications from disabled candidates and support flexible working arrangements, including job‑share and part‑time working, where operationally feasible.

Useful Government and Official Resources

Right to work in the UK: https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-work

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