About The Role

This is a Full Time, Permanent position.

We are looking for a Health and Safety professional to join our busy team at Hull City Council. If you would like to be part of a Health and Safety team working with a wide variety of commercial businesses and partners, then this opportunity may be just the challenge you are looking for.

Your role will be focussed on ensuring that excellent regulatory and advisory services are provided to businesses and organisations based within our City. You will be closely involved with accident investigations, complaints from the public/businesses, Health and Safety inspections, and interventions based on both national and local priorities.

The city also has a number of registerable business activities and hosts a large number of events, these areas of work come with close engagement and can include both educational and enforcement activities. You can look forward to working with a dedicated team of officers who strive to protect the community of Hull and promote a high level of compliance within our businesses.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Khaled Choudhury, on 01482 615 592 or [email hidden] or David Sayers on 01482 414 949 or [email hidden]

ROLE AND PURPOSE

To work within a specialist professional team involved in discharging the City Council’s statutory functions and commitments in relation to the enforcement of health and safety legislation.

To safeguard the health, safety and welfare of persons employed in the city, and the public through the inspection of business premises and processes, the investigation of complaints, accidents, dangerous occurrences and work-related diseases. Taking immediate action where there is a risk of a fatality or serious injury, the preparation and enforcement of statutory notices, the prosecution of offenders and the provision of specialist technical advice.

To maintain a register of persons and premises in relation to the activities of hairdressing, tattooing, semi-permanent make-up, cosmetic skin piercing, acupuncture and electrolysis, and to regulate these activities through the issue of licences, preventive inspections and investigation of complaints.

To ensure a smoke free environment for all employees and the public throughout the city by enforcing smoke free legislation, carrying out inspections and investigating complaints. Taking enforcement action against individuals and businesses by preparing and implementing fixed penalty notices and prosecutions.

To participate in the provision of highly interactive client focused responses to requests for services.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Customer Focus

Grades 7

To proactively inspect businesses (including domestic premises) to conduct detailed Health & Safety audits and surveys to determine standards, secure improvements and ensure compliance with legal requirements, so as to safeguard public health, safety and welfare.

To respond to public requests for advice and reports of concerns in a timely and effective way and provide an evidence trail associated with interventions which will allow a qualitative review of action undertaken.

To investigate incidents which may have resulted in injury or near miss, and deal with affected persons with empathy.

To provide and participate in the provision of a highly customer focused response to requests for the Environmental Health (Health & Safety) services.

Grade 8

All of the above plus

To investigate incidents which may have resulted in serious injury or near miss and deal with the person injured and their family with empathy and understanding.

To use a variety of communication techniques to ensure clients are given every opportunity to take full ownership of their responsibilities and achieve full compliance with the various pieces of legislation enforced by the section.

To be able to confirm or gather required information by using active listening and effective questioning techniques.

To work on a regular basis with persons who can display aggressive, challenging, or argumentative behaviour and to deal with this calmly, rationally, and assertively in line with Council policies/procedures. Where necessary and appropriate to establish practical solutions and potentially negotiate informal solutions to avoid the need for enforcement action.

To influence a change in behaviour within both local business owners and businesses with a broader UK base in order to improve standards of health and safety performance in those organisations which require change and improvement.

Grade 9

All of the above plus

To conduct detailed inspections and surveys with a view to resolving complex issues within difficult, sometimes hostile settings, to determine standards, secure improvements and ensure compliance with legal requirements, so as to safeguard public health, safety and welfare.

To advise, liaise and attend meetings as necessary with various other internal departments such as Social Services, Legal Services Department, Corporate Events Management etc and external agencies, such as the Health and Safety Executive, UK Health Security Agency, private organisations, the Police, Fire and Rescue Service and private individuals in matters of mutual concern such as dealing with breaches of legislation, registrations or licences with a view of finding solutions to difficult and sometimes sensitive issues.

Performance Management

Grade 7

The ability to accurately input, update, maintain, amend, retrieve and manipulate manual and electronic records and information from systems to produce accurate records for enforcement and regulatory activities and for statistical information to achieve the section’s performance targets.

To support trainee professional staff, less experienced professional officers, and to contribute to their professional development and ensure service delivery in line with guidance from the Health and Safety Executive and internal Policies and Procedures.

To achieve the objectives and targets of the Service Delivery Plan by working effectively as a member of the team and to produce timely and accurate correspondence, records, files and data, including the use of IT.

To work effectively with all team members within a performance framework, to enable progress on projects and meet all aims and objectives. To deliver specialist support, advice and guidance to new and subordinate officers and represent the Service at case conferences and multi-agency meetings so as to ensure effective operational joint working and to provide stakeholders and customers with timely and appropriate solutions.

To manage investigations and caseloads within an environment of conflicting and changing priorities, professional and political demands, meeting the timescales and deadlines required by the service and / or statutory requirements.

To undertake the appropriate risk assessments of situations / scenarios in order to appropriately manage potential risk to persons.

Grades 8 and 9

All of the above plus

To supervise and train trainee professional staff, less experienced professional officers, and to contribute to their professional development and ensure service delivery in line with guidance from the Health and Safety Executive and internal Policies and Procedures.

When requested, to correspond with third party contractors when they are carrying out works to comply with legal notices served by us, such as Improvement Notices, ensuring that all work is completed in a safe and timely manner and in accordance with the specification of the notice.

Contribute to the development of the health and safety workplan.

Statutory Obligations –

Grade 7

To interpret new and existing legislation using professional judgement, and to determine appropriate courses of action when non-compliance with legislation or risks to public health are identified. Actions will range from the provision of advice, guidance and formal warnings, the service of a variety of legal notices, to the preparation of reports for legal proceedings.

To investigate complaints using a range of methods including officer visits and assessment of records and interpretation of expert reports to be able to make decisions to take either informal remedial or formal enforcement action based on the results in accordance with the Section’s enforcement policy where decisions are subjective using a range of tools and enforcement powers.

To determine appropriate courses of action when non-compliance with legislation concerning Health and Safety legislation is identified. Actions will range from informal action to the drafting, signing and service of formal notices.

To be responsible for and have the discretion to initiate investigations to detect and rectify serious breaches of various pieces of legislation including The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and associated legislation, The Public Health Act 1984 and Local Government Miscellaneous Provisions Acts 1976 and 1984. To possess a sound working knowledge of the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).

To interview witnesses, take statements, collect, prepare and collate evidence correctly, thoroughly, professionally and in accordance with Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) and departmental procedures.

Grade 8

All of the above plus

To plan and conduct PACE interviews professionally and in accordance with Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) and departmental procedures. To prepare prosecution reports for straightforward, legal cases, allocated by the Team Manager and to act as a lead investigating officer and/or professional witness in Court on behalf of the Council. To make applications to the Magistrate’s Court for warrants, execute and ensure the seizure, detention and proper destruction of goods e.g. for the purposes of PACE Code B searches, and/or examine confidential records in the exercise of health and safety related enforcement powers.

To contribute to the planning of events by providing comment on the planning and inspection of events via the authorities Event Safety Advisory Group.

To be able to occasionally work anti-social hours, routinely unaccompanied, away from local authority premises. This requires lone working in potentially difficult situations where decisions often have to be made requiring legal enforcement action when advice from more senior officers is not immediately available.

Grade 9

All of the above plus

To prepare prosecution reports for complex health and safety cases arising from inspections and/or incidents and to act as a lead investigating officer and/or professional witness in Court on behalf of the Council.

To contribute to the provision of comment on planning and licensing applications in relation to health and safety legislation and its potential public health impact.

Investigations

Grade 7

To carry out inspections and surveys at medium risk businesses and domestic premises, licensable premises, and activities, without supervision or guidance, to determine standards, secure improvements and ensure compliance with legal requirements and licence conditions where decisions are often subjective, so as to safeguard the health and safety of persons employed and the public.

To take remedial action including the preparation and enforcement of statutory notices, fixed penalty notices or the initiation of legal proceedings with respect to these businesses.

Grade 8

All of the above plus

To conduct detailed inspections and surveys at high-risk business and domestic premises, licensable premises and activities, without supervision or guidance, to determine standards, secure improvements and ensure compliance with legal requirements, and licence conditions where decisions are often subjective, so as to safeguard the health and safety of persons employed and the public.

To prepare and issue technical inspection reports with minimal supervision and guidance; and in so doing determine the most appropriate course of action for remedying any legal contraventions and advise on current best practice.

Grade 9

All of the above plus

Participate in multi-agency visits arranged as part of the responsible authorities group.

To use statutory powers to investigate complex service requests, officer identified contraventions and statutory notifications from Government Agencies. To identify breaches of legislation, non-compliance with statutory codes of practice and risks to public health and the environment.

Prosecutions

Grade 7

Under the instruction and guidance of more senior staff to initiate investigations to detect and rectify breaches of a wide range of legislation. To interview witnesses, take statements, collect, prepare and collate evidence correctly, thoroughly, professionally and in accordance with Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) and departmental procedures. To prepare prosecution reports and to act as a witness in Court on behalf of the Council.

Grade 8

All of the above plus
To support lower graded staff in the investigation of breaches of a wide range of legislation and when interviewing witnesses, taking statements, collecting and preparing evidence.

Grade 9

All of the above plus

To be responsible for and have the discretion to initiate investigations to detect and rectify serious breaches of a wide range of legislation. To interview witnesses, take statements, collect, prepare and collate evidence correctly, thoroughly, professionally and in accordance with Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) and departmental procedures. To prepare prosecution reports and to act as a witness in Court on behalf of the Council. To present cases in front of the Licensing committee.

Entry Warrants and Seizure Powers

Grade 7

To be aware of the powers within legislation used by the section for forced entry and seizure of equipment. To be able to identify when these powers should be used and undertake forced entry and seizures under the instruction and guidance of more senior staff.

Grade 8

All of the above plus
To use own discretion to initiate the use of the powers within legislation used by the section for forced entry and seizure of equipment.

Grade 9

All of the above plus

To lead, guide and support lower graded staff when making applications to the Magistrate’s Court for warrants, supervise their execution and ensure the seizure, detention and proper destruction of goods or to gain entry to premises e.g. for the purposes detaining unsafe equipment for prosecution purposes.

Provision of Technical Advice and Guidance

Grade 7

To provide technical advice and guidance to a range of clients on an individual basis.

The technical advice will be at a level proportionate to the severity of the issue being dealt with. At grade 7 the severity level will be low, for example allegations of a health and safety contravention affecting a small number of people.

The advice given in relation to the issue of licences may be higher risk but subject to a clear set of guidelines which can be adhered to.

To develop and deliver technical reports, guidance or presentations to members of the public, businesses, schools, universities, colleges and other bodies in specialist areas of environmental health. To identify appropriate means of delivery including the provision of public displays, lectures, seminars, campaigns, advisory visits and the production of leaflets, with the aim of raising awareness of the risks to public health and to bring about improvements to the environment and public safety.

Grade 8

All of the above plus

The technical advice will be at a level proportionate to the severity of the issue being dealt with. At grade 8 the severity level will be medium, which means that the implications could affect a large number of people and set precedent for changes in standards across the city or more widely. The subject areas will require a level of specialist knowledge and expertise e.g, construction safety, provision and use of work equipment, occupational hygiene.

Grade 9

All of the above plus

The technical advice will be at a level proportionate to the severity of the issue being dealt with. At grade 9 the severity level will be high, for example more complex issues causing a significant risk to health and safety.

To participate in sector led workshops, where the topic of interest -coincides with specialist programmes of work or incidents the post holder has been involved with.

Production of Records and Data

Grades 7, 8 and 9

To produce accurate and timely correspondence, records, files and data, including the use of IT and the production of technical reports to ensure the delivery of quality assured highly focused customer service.

Out of Hours

Grade 8

To be able to work anti-social hours or as part of a multi-disciplinary team including the Police for enforcement work in potentially hostile situations; and to be able to participate in the Department’s out of hour’s standby service.

Grade 9

The post holder will be required to participate in the Department’s Out of Hour’s Standby Scheme.

Grades 7,8,9

To plan and undertake specialist projects, and enforcement campaigns, to set aims and objectives for this work and ensure these are met. To research and produce technical guidance and reports as required.

NC4349.Health and Safety Enforcement Officer.docx

Compensation Grades

GRADES 8.

Pay Ranges

£36,363.00 - £39,152.00

Job Classifications

3- Not Politically Restricted - Designated As Not Politically Sensitive (Politically Restricted Posts), Essential 3A - It is essential for the postholder to have a current driving licence and to provide a car for work. (i.e. someone who did not meet these requirements could not be appointed to the post, since it would be impossible for the postholder to do the job without using a private car). These requirements would be essential criteria on the person specification for the post. (Travel Allowance Policy), No - (Childcare Disqualification Requirement), No - (Statutory Post)

Benefits of Working of Hull City Council

A competitive salary
An excellent pension through the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
Initially 23 days annual leave depending on length of service. You will also get eight public holidays per year, and three additional days off, one in May/August and one during the Christmas/New year period
Career development and learning experiences from a range of training courses and learning methods
Supportive and forward-thinking culture
Great career development opportunities

Please ensure that you complete and submit your application by midnight prior to the closing date. Please ensure that your application demonstrates how you meet the essential criteria against the person specification as listed in the job description.

We are committed to increasing the diversity, equality, and inclusion within our workforce to represent the people we serve and build an environment in which everyone can feel like they belong. We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.

We adopt a ‘name blind’ approach to shortlisting. Recruiting managers will not have access to personal information, including your name and contact details, until a shortlisting decision has been made. Equality monitoring information is not accessible by recruiting managers at any stage.

We reserve the right to amend the dates associated with this advert, which may include closing the advert early where required.

The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

Online searches, including social media, may be carried out as part of the recruitment process.