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

Job Description

Role Overview

The University of Reading is seeking an enthusiastic and proactive Construction & Estates Health and Safety Advisor to support safe working practices across our diverse estate. This is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a forward-thinking university that values high safety standards, continuous improvement, and collaborative working.

You will join a dedicated Health & Safety Services team and work closely with estates, construction, and facilities colleagues to drive a positive, proactive safety culture. The ideal candidate will bring technical expertise, strong communication skills, and a pragmatic, people-centred approach to influencing safe behaviours.

Important Visa Information

Candidates who may require Skilled Worker sponsorship must check their own eligibility before applying.

What You Will Do

As a key advisor for construction and estates activities, you will:

• Provide competent health and safety advice across estates, facilities, construction, refurbishment, and maintenance operations.
• Support compliance with relevant UK legislation, including CDM and asbestos regulations.
• Work collaboratively with contractors, project managers, and operational teams to embed safe working practices.
• Conduct inspections, advise on risk management strategies, and contribute to incident investigations and audit processes.
• Assist in shaping the University’s safety procedures and training programmes.
• Promote a strong, positive safety culture that encourages best practice and continual improvement.

What You Will Bring

Essential attributes

• A strong personal commitment to high health and safety standards.
• NEBOSH Construction Certificate (or close to completion—discussion welcomed).
• Thorough knowledge of UK safety legislation relevant to estates and construction (e.g., CDM Regulations, Control of Asbestos Regulations).
• Effective communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build trust quickly.
• Experience within estates, facilities, or construction environments.
• Confident in managing multiple tasks and working both independently and as part of a wider team.
• Familiarity with risk assessments, audits, inspections, and incident investigation processes.
• Comfortable working with contractors and monitoring compliance.
• Willingness to undertake occasional out-of-hours visits or respond to urgent situations.

Desirable

• Experience in higher-education environments or complex estates.
• Knowledge of digital tools supporting safety audits, reporting, or contractor management.

Professional Development & Internal Applicants

The University actively supports staff development and welcomes applications from internal candidates. Existing employees may explore this role as a secondment opportunity with prior approval from their line manager.

Our Commitment to Equality and Inclusion

The University of Reading is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and welcoming workforce. We proudly support the Athena SWAN Charter, the Race Equality Charter, and maintain Disability Confident (Level 2) employer status. Applications for flexible, part-time and job-share arrangements are encouraged where operational needs allow.