JOB SUMMARY

We are currently looking for a Health and Safety Advisor to join our Quality Assurance and Health & Safety function within the Science, Research & Innovation group.
This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. The role will be predominantly based in South Mimms, Hertfordshire, with occasional travel to our office in Canary Wharf, London. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.
Government departments and agencies are working towards implementing a minimum 60% attendance in office sites.
We are currently implementing a flexible, hybrid way of working, with a minimum of 8 days per month working on site to enable the collaboration and contact with partners and stakeholders needed to deliver MHRA business. Attendance on site is driven by business needs so depending on the nature of the role, this can flex up to 12 days a month, with the remainder of time worked either remotely or in the office. Some roles will need to be on site more regularly.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Our successful candidate will have:

• Experience in a H&S Advisor role
• NEBOSH Certificate or NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent
• Experience in communicating technical Health and Safety information to staff at all levels
• Experience with a Microsoft suite of products, Oracle and dedicated Health & Safety software
• Good communication skills, ability to communicate in a straightforward, honest and engaging manner - choosing appropriate styles to maximise understanding and impact

If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please click here to read our Job Description and Person Specification!
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SELECTION PROCESS DETAILS

We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidates, find out more here.

• Online application form, including questions based on the Behaviour, Experience and Technical Success Profiles. Please ensure all application questions are completed in full; your application may not be considered if any responses are left blank. Our applications are CV blind, and our Hiring Managers will not be able to access your CV when reviewing your application.
• Presentation, with further information to be provided if you reach interview stage
• Interview, which can include questions based on the Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths Success Profiles.

In the instance that we receive a high number of applications, we will hold an initial sift based on the lead criteria of Experience in a H&S Advisor role.
Applicants are assessed on whether they meet any mandatory requirements as well as the necessary skills and experience for the role. Applications are scored based on the competency-based answers provided- ensure you have read these thoroughly and allow sufficient time. You can view the competencies for this role in the job description.

NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements

WHAT’S THE ROLE?

This role will ensure that the Agency meets the requirements of Health and Safety legislation and corporate Health and Safety strategy and arrangements through the implementation of the corporate Health and Safety Policy, Procedures and Agency Health and Safety Action Plan.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide support for staff using H&S software systems
• Participate as necessary in emergency and unplanned events. Participate in safety groups/meetings and investigate accidents and incidents as required.
• Ensure they are involved at the planning stage of any refurbishment or project work. Attend pre-contract meetings, progress meetings with Property Services’ project supervisors, contractors and other relevant meetings as required.
• Provide support and advice to all staff and management on all matters relating to Health and Safety Risk Management and legal compliance.
• Provide training and support for inductions, DSE, Manual Handling, Risk Assessment, Laboratory Safety along with any other identified training needs.
• Contribute to the system of auditing and seeking assurance of health and safety in accordance with corporate Agency policies and procedures and the Agency Health and Safety action plan.

Certain roles within the MHRA will require post holders to have vaccinations, and in some circumstances, routine health surveillance. These roles include:

• Laboratory-based roles working directly with known pathogens
• Maintenance roles, particularly those required to work in laboratory settings
• Roles that involve visiting other establishments where vaccination is required
• Roles required to travel overseas where specific vaccination may be required