Head of Health and Safety Assurance

Head of Health and Safety Assurance

Are you ready to establish and lead a new institution-level capability within our health and safety management structure and support the University’s core mission of teaching and research? Join our team in the Safety Office at the University of Oxford in this high-profile role which will enable an evidence-based, action-oriented risk management and compliance environment, helping to make a difference within a globally renowned institution.

Location: Multi-site in Oxford, based at Occupational Health and Safety Office, 10 Parks Road, Oxford, with overseas travel by exception

Salary: £65,336 - £75,439 per annum

Contract: Full Time (37.5 hours), Permanent Contract

About Us

Spanning the historic streets of the “city of dreaming spires”, the University of Oxford has been ranked the world’s leading university for ten consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence.

The Safety Office supports the University in its strategic aim of delivering high standards of health and safety management. Our services support staff, students, contractors and visitors, whether they are based in Oxford or elsewhere. We aim to provide practical solutions across a wide range of activities, including research, teaching, maintenance and capital projects.

Here, you’ll contribute to an organisation which delivers ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges - from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations. Apply now to become part of our extraordinary legacy.

What We Offer

Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:

• 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
• One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
• A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.
• An excellent contributory pension scheme.
• Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
• Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.

About the Role

The Head of Health & Safety Assurance will establish and lead a new institution-level capability within our health and safety management structure and support the University’s core mission of teaching and research. As part of a continued commitment to our EveryDaySafe improvement programme, the People Strategy, and the University’s Strategic Plan 2025-2030, this critical role will have a positive impact on staff, students and visitors. We aim to ensure the University is a place of work that fosters an inclusive, supportive and safe work environment that allows individuals to meet their potential. Reporting to the Director of Occupational Health and Safety, this new unit will sit within the University’s Occupational Health and Safety service, but retain appropriate independence from the operational delivery of health and safety services via the Safety Office.

With sponsorship and oversight from the University’s Council and Safety Executive Group (SEG), this is a high-profile role in enabling an evidence-based, action-oriented risk management and compliance environment. You will be instrumental in enhancing an independent, data-driven perspective on safety performance across the University’s academic divisions (Medical Sciences; Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences; Social Sciences and Humanities), Gardens, Libraries and Museums, Oxford Lifelong Learning, and University Administration and Services. This will ultimately enable a primary objective of the reduction of institutional risk through strengthening oversight, decision-making and interventions across a wide range of health and safety risks and compliance requirements.

The role’s activities will be steered by the Safety Executive Group and the Director of Occupational Health and Safety. It will complement that of the University’s appointed internal and external auditors, external regulators and of divisional and departmental teams. You will create effective internal and external stakeholder relationships which will be key to successful delivery. This is an exciting time to join the team to help drive and implement a next phase of safety cultural and system improvement through excellence in assurance.

Please see the accompanying job description for full details of the role.

About You

• Degree or equivalent experience
• Senior professional qualification in health and safety (such as NEBOSH Diploma) and evidence of continuing professional development in a health and safety leadership capacity
• Health and safety senior auditing experience against relevant management standards eg BSI ISO 45001, Leadership and Management of Health and Safety in Higher Education Institutions
• A proven track record in successfully creating and embedding three lines of defence-based health and safety assurance frameworks in a large organisation
• Track record in the leadership, direction, development and line management of health and safety teams
• Excellent leadership level understanding, and experience, of environments with a wide range of safety hazards for example biological, remote fieldwork, building related, visitor attractions
• Proven collaboration skills in a federated or devolved organisation
• A proven record of effective engagement with internal and external stakeholders, including highly developed interpersonal skills and the ability to form positive working relationships at all levels of the organisation including for example board members and directors
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including listening, noticing, questioning, influencing, reporting and presentation skills
• Demonstrated project management skills with effectiveness in planning and achieving deadlines eg from audit idea through to action completion
• Data savvy, analytical and technically advanced skills eg in the use of data management, analysis and presentation tools and systems specifically with health and safety data from multiple sources and in multiple formats
• Excellent understanding of legal, regulatory and compliance requirements and frameworks relevant to health and safety
• Experience of working in the higher education sector or in a culturally similar environment
• Experience of working in a large, complex and devolved organisation

Application Process

To apply, please upload:

• The completed Selection Criteria Evidence document
• Your CV
• The details of three referees

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 20 November 2026.

Interviews are likely to take place on 02 December 2026 and will be held in person or over Teams. Details will be confirmed after shortlisting.

Contact Person: Ffion Fry

Vacancy ID: 188783

Contact Phone:

Closing Date & Time: 20-Nov-2026 12:00

Pay Scale: STANDARD GRADE 10

Contact Email: uas.talentacquisition@admin.ox.ac.uk

Salary (£): 66608 - 76913