COMPANY OVERVIEW
John Dewey Specialist College, part of Area 51 Education Ltd, is an independent specialist college supporting young adults with autism and learning disabilities. We provide high-quality, person-centred education in a safe and inclusive environment, helping students develop the skills, confidence, and independence they need for adulthood.
PURPOSE OF THE JOB
The Premises Officer is responsible for ensuring the safe, secure, efficient, and effective day-to-day operation of the college premises. The role combines elements of premises management, caretaking, facilities support, maintenance, health and safety compliance, and site operations.
The post holder will ensure that college buildings, grounds, equipment, and facilities are maintained to a high standard, comply with statutory requirements, and provide a safe, welcoming, and suitable environment for students, staff, visitors, and contractors.
The Premises Officer will take a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues, carrying out routine maintenance, coordinating repairs, monitoring contractors, maintaining compliance records, supporting health and safety procedures, and ensuring the college remains safe, secure, fully operational, and well presented.
WORKING HOURS:
8:00am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday
The post holder will be required to work flexibly in line with the operational needs of the college. This may include occasional early starts, later finishes, opening or securing the premises outside normal hours, supporting college events, responding to emergencies, and undertaking essential premises duties when required.
MAIN DUTIES:
1. Premises and Site Management
- Take responsibility for the day-to-day operational condition of the college premises.
- Carry out opening and closing procedures, ensuring the college is secure and ready for staff, students, and visitors.
- Complete daily site inspections to ensure buildings, classrooms, offices, communal areas, grounds, equipment, and facilities are safe, clean, secure, and fit for purpose.
- Identify hazards, defects, and maintenance issues and take appropriate action to resolve or report them.
- Managing maintaining high standards of presentation, cleanliness, and general upkeep across the college site and external areas.
- Ensure the college remains a safe and welcoming environment for students, staff, visitors, and contractors.
2. Managing Maintenance and Repairs
- Monitor the college repairs and maintenance log.
- Respond to maintenance requests and prioritise tasks according to urgency and risk.
- Monitor building systems including heating, lighting, ventilation, water systems, security systems, and alarms.
- Report faults and arrange specialist repairs when required.
- Coordinate access for contractors and monitor completed works.
- Obtain quotations, specifications, and supporting information for repairs, replacement works, and improvement projects where required.
3. Health, Safety and Compliance
- Support the college in meeting all statutory and regulatory requirements relating to premises, facilities, and workplace safety.
- Carry out regular health and safety inspections across the college site.
- Maintain, review, and update premises-related risk assessments.
- Identify hazards and take immediate action where required to maintain a safe environment.
- Ensure fire safety arrangements are maintained, (Fire alarm, Fire exit inspections, Emergency lighting checks, Fire equipment inspections etc.)
- Ensure compliance with requirements relating to Gas safety, Electrical safety, Water hygiene, COSHH and Manual handling
- Monitor first aid facilities and maintain appropriate supplies.
- Report accidents, incidents, near misses, and unsafe situations in accordance with college procedures etc.
- Maintain accurate compliance records, including Statutory testing certificates, Inspection reports, Risk assessments, Contractor records, Audit documentation, etc.
4. Contractor and Service Management
- Coordinate and monitor contractors working on the college site.and ensure contractors comply with college safeguarding, security, and health and safety procedures.
- Report concerns regarding contractor performance and ensure issues are followed up.
- Support procurement activities by obtaining quotations and information where required.
5. Transport and Vehicle Responsibilities
- Drive college vehicles where required.
- Maintain vehicle records, mileage logs, defect reports, and servicing documentation.
- Support college transport arrangements and operational requirements where required.
- Assist with moving equipment, resources, and supplies between college areas where necessary.
6. Training and Development
- Attend relevant training to maintain knowledge and skills required for the role.
- Support health and safety awareness across the college.
- Assist with premises and site inductions for new staff, contractors, and visitors where required.
- Maintain knowledge of relevant legislation, guidance, and good practice relating to premises management, facilities, transport, and health and safety.
- Promote safe working practices across the college.
7. Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement
- Carry out regular inspections and monitoring activities to ensure the college remains safe, secure, compliant, and well maintained.
- Monitor standards of cleaning, housekeeping, and general site condition.
- Identify opportunities to improve premises services and facilities.
- Maintain accurate records to support audits, inspections, and reporting requirements.
- Support preparation for inspections by regulatory bodies and external agencies.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of the college environment.
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES
The Premises Officer is expected to:
- Maintain a thorough understanding of and comply with college policies and procedures, particularly relating to safeguarding, health and safety, equality, security, confidentiality, and data protection.
- Promote a positive and professional image of the college.
- Work collaboratively with teaching staff, support staff, students, contractors, and visitors.
- Respond appropriately to emergencies, incidents, and unexpected premises issues.
- Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties appropriate to the role as directed by senior management.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Requirements
Qualifications and Experience
- Previous experience in premises management, facilities, caretaking, maintenance, building services, or a similar operational role.
- Experience of carrying out building inspections, maintenance tasks, repairs, and site checks.
- Experience of working with contractors and external service providers.
- Experience of maintaining records, logs, and compliance documentation.
- Experience of working in a busy operational environment.
Skills and Knowledge
- Good understanding of premises management, building maintenance, and site safety.
- Knowledge of health and safety requirements, including fire safety, COSHH, risk assessments, and safe working practices.
- Ability to carry out practical maintenance tasks and resolve routine problems.
- Ability to prioritise workload and respond effectively to urgent issues.
- Good communication skills with staff, students, contractors, and visitors.
- Ability to work independently and use initiative.
- Good organisational and record-keeping skills.
Driving Requirements
- Full UK driving licence is essential.
- Ability and willingness to drive college vehicles when required.
- Ability to carry out routine vehicle checks and report defects.
- Ability to support transport and operational requirements of the college.
Personal Attributes
- Reliable, practical, and proactive approach to work.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Commitment to maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.
- Flexible approach to working hours to meet college requirements.
- Professional, approachable, and supportive manner.
Pay: £32,000.00-£35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Application question(s):
- Will you require sponsorship to work in the UK now or in the future?
- Do you hold a full UK driving licence?
- How many years of experience do you have working in an educational setting?
Experience:
- premises management: 3 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person
