Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an exceptional Senior Fire Safety Adviser to provide strategic leadership and professional expertise across one of the most important safety agendas in the NHS.
This is a unique opportunity to lead the Trust's fire safety function at a pivotal time, supporting a significant programme of fire safety improvement, estate renewal and regulatory compliance. Working directly on behalf of the Director of Estates & Facilities and supporting Executive and Board-level assurance, you will play a critical role in ensuring the safety of our patients, staff and visitors across our acute and community estate. The role is described as the Trust's senior professional lead for fire safety and is responsible for leading the development and continuous improvement of the Fire Safety Management System.
As our Senior Fire Safety Adviser, you will act as the Trust's lead specialist on all matters relating to healthcare fire safety, providing expert advice, strategic leadership and technical assurance across the organisation. You will lead the implementation and continual improvement of the Trust's Fire Safety Management System in accordance with NHS Firecode, including HTM 05-01 and HTM 05-03, while ensuring compliance with relevant fire safety legislation.
Act as the Trust's lead specialist and competent adviser on all matters relating to healthcare fire safety.
Lead the implementation and continual improvement of the Trust Fire Safety Management System.
Provide professional leadership and coordination of the Trust's Authorised Person (Fire) functions, which may include:
Authorised Person (Fire Risk Assessment)
Authorised Person (Fire Training)
Authorised Person (Fire Projects)
Authorised Person (Fire Safety Maintenance).
Ensure fire safety governance arrangements comply with HTM 05-01 and associated Firecode guidance.
Provide assurance reports to Executive Committees, Fire Safety Group and Trust Board committees on fire safety compliance, risk, audit outcomes and improvement plans.
Lead fire safety strategy development and support delivery of the Trust's Fire Safety Improvement Programme.
Ensure a comprehensive programme of Primary and Secondary Fire Risk Assessments is maintained across the Trust estate in accordance with HTM 05-03 and that all actions are appropriately risk-assessed, prioritised, monitored and completed.
- Support the Director of Estates and Facilities (Fire Safety Manager) in delivering the Trust's Fire Safety Management System and, where delegated, undertake elements of the Fire Safety Manager function in accordance with HTM 05-01
Why Join Us?
This is more than a fire safety role. It is an opportunity to make a genuine difference to patient safety and help shape the future of a large and ambitious NHS organisation.
You'll join a supportive Estates and Facilities leadership team, work closely with senior clinical and corporate leaders, and lead a high-profile programme that has direct visibility at Board level. The role has been identified as a key part of strengthening the Trust's fire safety capability and assurance arrangements.
Browse our interactive candidate book to find out more about our services and what it's like to work with us.
Please note: Priority will be given to applicants with recognised 'Priority' or 'At Risk' status, including NHS staff identified across Devon .
We are looking for an experienced fire safety professional who can operate confidently at both strategic and operational levels.
You will have:
Significant experience in fire safety management within a complex organisation.
Comprehensive knowledge of:
HTM 05 Firecode suite
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
Fire Safety Act 2021
Building Regulations
Building Safety Act 2022.
Experience of undertaking, reviewing or managing fire risk assessments.
Experience of advising senior leaders and presenting assurance information at executive level.
Strong leadership, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
Excellent report writing and communication skills.
Ability to manage complex risk, competing priorities and large-scale improvement programmes.
