Safety Health and Environment (SHE) Advisor
Science and Technology Facilities Council
Salary: £52,907 per annum
Hours: Full time, on-site
Contract Type: Open-ended
Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE
Closing date: 7th September 2026
Interviews to be held 16th September
Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers and support services explore the unknown and turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. Whether it’s sending probes into space or finding new ways to treat cancer, everyone here plays a vital role in making a positive difference to society. Come and discover how much you can achieve when you’re surrounded by world-leading experts, encouraged to constantly learn and empowered to explore your curiosity.
We’re committed to keeping the UK at the forefront of world-changing science, and this requires excellence across all our support services.
A vacancy exists in the STFC Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Group at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL). SHE Group supports a portfolio of scientific programmes and associated infrastructure projects across STFC sites.
Reporting to the RAL SHE Group Team Leader, this role will support the safe delivery of research and construction activities, contributing to the effective implementation and ongoing development of SHE arrangements across STFC.
Working as part of a small, multidisciplinary team, the post holder will bring relevant skills and experience to complement existing capability within the SHE Group and support the delivery of SHE services to a range of stakeholders.
We are seeking a SHE professional with demonstrable experience of successfully delivering in an advisory capacity within academia, engineering, construction, chemical, manufacturing, or technology related environments. The successful candidate will have a strong track record of influencing safety culture and supporting the delivery of improvements across areas of SHE relevant to STFC operations. Applications are welcomed from individuals with a combined background in health and safety and environmental management.
Duties / Work Programme / Responsibilities
- Provide professional SHE advice and guidance to management, employees, tenants, and science facility users and support them in discharging their responsibility for the implementation of the STFC SHE Management System.
- Support development of the STFC’s documented SHE Codes based upon experience of internal application, audit findings, external best practice, and legislative changes identified through horizon scanning.
- Manage and develop the provision of effective, efficient and professional SHE services to STFC staff, contractors, tenants, visitors and users.
- Ensure that all SHE incidents, including injuries, near misses, fires, environmental and vehicle incidents are reported, investigated appropriately and actions established to minimise the likelihood of their repetition. Sharing STFC wide learning appropriately.
- Monitor and audit the effectiveness and efficiency of the SHE Management System, its policies and procedures, at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory and as appropriate other STFC sites.
- Communicate and liaise closely with the key stakeholders in the STFC SHE Management System. In particular, these will include safety and environment committees, trade union safety representatives, Departmental Safety Contacts, those appointed to key SHE roles, the Health and Safety Executive and emergency services.
- Assist with the preparation and delivery of STFC-specific online and face-to-face SHE training programmes.
Other requirements
- Available to work and travel in the UK and abroad; and
- Available to work flexibly, including occasional work or telephone contact at weekends or out of normal working hours.
SHORTLISTING CRITERIA
The following criteria will be assessed at shortlisting (S), at interview (I) or both (S&I).
Essential
- Educated to degree or HND level in a science or engineering discipline. (S)
- Demonstrable experience of successful delivery of a SHE Advisory role in academia, engineering, construction, chemical, manufacturing or technology related area. (S&I)
- NEBOSH National Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Professionals or equivalent qualification or working towards. (S)
- A working knowledge of current and forthcoming changes to UK SHE legislation relevant to STFC. (S&I)
- Strong oral and written communication skills. (I)
- Evidence of excellent interpersonal skills deployed with staff at all levels. (I)
- Strong IT skills and specific experience of the Microsoft Office software suite. (S&I)
- Proactive with a high degree of self-motivation and independence, able to deliver under pressure and against tight deadlines. (I)
- There will also be a requirement to visit and work at other STFC sites as appropriate to the individual’s responsibilities within the STFC SHE Management System. (I)
Desirable
- A good knowledge of SHE management systems and safe systems of work. (I)
- Experience planning, undertaking and reporting SHE audits. (S&I)
- Good knowledge of environmental safety management. (S&I)
- Knowledge of Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and/or Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. (S&I)
Benefits
STFC values their employees by offering a benefits package designed to provide an excellent work/life balance including 30 days’ annual leave, 10.5 public and privilege holidays, flexible working hours, an exceptional average salary pension scheme, social and sporting activities and societies and a subsidised restaurant.
We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe, to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Whatever our role, we have the freedom to explore, learn and connect, as part of a community that loves to share knowledge and support one another.
As one of Europe’s largest research organisations, this is a place where there’s always something new to learn about the world around us, about your career, but most of all, about yourself.
Join us and discover what’s possible by submitting your CV and covering letter, which outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified, along with your motivation for STFC and the role.
Please note: if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you (and any dependants travelling with you) will be required to pay costs directly to the UK Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some, or all of these fees after you have become an employee, and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager. For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/how-much-it-costs or contact [email protected].
Work Location: In person
