Job Role
Reporting to the Head of Health and Safety, the Fire Safety Officer is responsible for supporting Soha's fire safety management arrangements across its housing portfolio, ensuring compliance with fire safety legislation, regulatory expectations and internal policies.
The role will lead on day-to-day fire safety activities across Soha's low-rise residential portfolio, including reviewing Fire Risk Assessments (FRAs), undertaking Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs), carrying out fire door inspections, coordinating remedial works and supporting resident safety initiatives.
The postholder will act as Soha's subject matter expert for operational fire safety matters and work closely with colleagues, residents, contractors, consultants and enforcing authorities to ensure fire risks are effectively identified, managed and reduced.
Key Duties
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Support the delivery of Soha's Fire Safety Strategy and Fire Safety Management System.
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Ensure compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 and other relevant legislation and guidance.
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Monitor compliance across Soha's communal residential buildings and other premises.
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Maintain accurate fire safety records and evidence of compliance.
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Assist in preparing reports and performance information for senior management, committees and boards.
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Review Fire Risk Assessments completed by independent third-party assessors.
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Evaluate recommendations and ensure actions are proportionate, achievable and aligned with risk.
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Develop and manage action plans arising from Fire Risk Assessments.
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Monitor progress of outstanding actions and provide assurance on completion.
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Challenge and seek clarification where recommendations require further justification.
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Manage fire safety remedial works programmes arising from Fire Risk Assessments, inspections and surveys.
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Coordinate contractors undertaking fire safety works.
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Monitor contractor performance, quality, compliance and value for money.
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Undertake site inspections and quality assurance checks.
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Ensure works are completed safely and in accordance with specifications and relevant standards.
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Verify completion of actions and maintain associated records.
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Undertake assessments of residents who may require assistance during a fire emergency.
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Develop, implement and review Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) and other resident-specific evacuation arrangements.
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Liaise with residents, families, support agencies and housing teams to ensure arrangements remain effective.
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Maintain confidential records and ensure reviews are completed at appropriate intervals.
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Undertake routine fire door inspections and surveys within communal areas and residential properties where required.
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Identify defects, deterioration and non-compliance.
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Specify remedial works and ensure defects are addressed within agreed timescales.
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Maintain records of inspections, repairs and replacements.
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Monitor contractor performance relating to fire door installations and repairs.
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Deliver fire safety awareness training and briefings to employees.
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Support resident engagement initiatives relating to fire safety.
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Provide practical fire safety advice and guidance to colleagues and residents.
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Promote a positive fire safety culture across the organisation.
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Assist with communication campaigns and fire safety awareness events.
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Co-chair the Fire Safety Working Group.
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Prepare agendas, reports, performance updates and action trackers.
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Monitor delivery of fire safety objectives and action plans.
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Support internal audits, inspections and assurance activities.
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Contribute to policy and procedure development and review
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Act as a point of contact for operational fire safety matters.
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Act as key point of contact with our primary authority partners Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Services.
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Liaise with enforcement authorities, consultants, contractors and professional bodies.
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Support responses to regulatory enquiries and inspections.
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Assist with investigations relating to fire incidents and near misses.
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Support the development and review of Fire Emergency Evacuation Plans.
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Participate in fire incident investigations and lessons learned reviews.
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Monitor trends and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
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Support business continuity and emergency planning activities where required.
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Work in accordance with Soha's values, policies and procedures.
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Promote equality, diversity and inclusion.
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Maintain confidentiality and data protection requirements.
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Undertake continuing professional development.
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Carry out any other duties reasonably commensurate with the grade and responsibilities of the role.
What you will need
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Level 4 Fire Safety qualification or equivalent.
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Fire Door Inspection qualification (FDIS or equivalent) or willingness to obtain within six months.
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Evidence of continuing professional development in fire safety.
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Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
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Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.
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Relevant British Standards and fire safety guidance.
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Principles of fire risk assessment.
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Fire door inspection and maintenance requirements.
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Resident evacuation strategies and PEEP development.
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Contractor management and compliance monitoring.
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Experience working within fire safety, building safety or compliance.
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Reviewing and managing actions arising from Fire Risk Assessments.
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Undertaking fire door inspections.
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Developing and reviewing PEEPs.
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Managing contractors and remedial works programmes.
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Delivering training and awareness sessions.
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Working with enforcement authorities and external stakeholders.
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Producing reports and compliance information.
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Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
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Ability to influence and engage with a wide range of stakeholders.
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Excellent organisational and planning skills.
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Ability to prioritise competing workloads.
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Competent in report writing and record management.
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Strong attention to detail.
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Ability to work independently and make sound risk-based decisions.
