Environmental Risk Specialist - Fire (Locality South West) at Education Authority Northern Ireland

Dundonald, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

29 Dec, 25

Salary

0.0

Posted On

01 Oct, 25

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Fire Safety, Risk Assessment, Compliance, Stakeholder Engagement, Service Improvement, Leadership, Training, Strategic Planning, Technical Support, Project Management, Data Analysis, Communication, Policy Development, Operational Services, Legislation, Continuous Development

Industry

Education Administration Programs

Description

JOB DESCRIPTION REPORTS TO: Environmental Compliance Lead Officer - Fire Risk RESPONSIBLE FOR: Provision of specialist support and guidance with regard to Education Authority (EA) fire safety related matters including but not limited to fire risk assessment programmes, fire risk remedial programmes, information, instruction and training and contribution to the development of EA fire safety plans, procedures and policies in support of the Environmental Compliance Lead Officer Fire Risk. JOB PURPOSE The Environmental Risk Specialist - Fire will be part of a specialist team that contributes to the development and implementation of the Education Authority’s (EA) Fire risk strategy in accordance with the relevant processes and procedures in order to assess EA properties to prioritise the highest risk issues and where necessary make recommendations for improvement. In addition The Environmental Risk Specialist – Fire will provide specialist advice and support to schools and EA corporate on all fire safety related matters across a designated geographical area in line with Northern Ireland Fire safety legislation and guidance. The Environmental Risk Specialist – Fire will work closely with EA colleagues, Schools across all sectors, Department of Education (DE), Suppliers, External Stakeholders including the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI) and Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) to ensure continuous service improvement and delivery on key performance priorities. The post-holder will establish strong working relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders to ensure the EA fire safety policy is implemented and adhered to. The Environmental Risk Specialist – Fire will advise and support the Environmental Compliance Lead Officer Fire Risk in the development of the strategic direction for these services and will work closely with other senior EA colleagues to ensure that all Legislative and Organisational priorities are clearly identified and communicated in line with Service requirements. Environmental Risk Specialist - Fire will be expected to contribute to significant ongoing change and harmonisation processes to create and implement a fit for purpose Fire Risk Management function. In acting as an integral member of the Environmental and Fire Risk Compliance Team, the post holder is required to fully contribute to all Fire Risk Management issues related to the corporate plan, operational business plan, service development proposals, savings proposals, and risk register to ensure that the Directorate operational plans support the overall strategic direction of the Authority and the achievement of its objectives in line with its vision, mission and values. The Environmental Risk Specialist – Fire will advise and support the Environmental Compliance Lead Officer Fire Risk to establish, maintain and communicate a clear and compelling strategic direction for the service and will contribute to the development of a strategic plan for the Environmental and Fire Risk Compliance Service. The Environmental Risk Specialist – Fire will also contribute to the regionalisation and transformation of the service and all related process and procedures. The Environmental Risk Specialist – Fire will be expected to provide strong leadership and direction in order to manage service delivery effectively to ensure that the services achieves the highest standards of performance and focuses on the needs of the internal and external customers, whilst always ensuring compliance with Fire safety legislation. The Environmental Risk Specialist – Fire will develop and agree service performance targets with the Environmental Compliance Lead Officer Fire Risk and provide regular progress reports. The Environmental Risk Specialist – Fire will Contribute to and implement a robust annual operational plan for the service and regularly monitor and review plans and make adjustments as required. As part of DE’s Transformation of Education and the EA’s Transformation Programme, it is recognised that Environmental and Fire Risk Compliance Service and the services which it provides will play a key role both within the Facilities Management Division, across the Operations and Estates Directorate and the wider EA. Service reviews are required in specific areas and this work will be required to develop as part of the transformational change programme in future years. Future development of services will also be an important aspect of this work. The Environmental Risk Specialist – Fire will assist and support as required the annual business planning process within the Facilities Management Division and thereby contribute to the achievement of the EA’s overall corporate objectives. The post-holder will be responsible for providing advice, support, and guidance to the EA Board, its Committees and other relevant organisations as appropriate. MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Fire Risk Prioritisation Devise and implement effective systems to monitor, measure, control and report on the work of the service to take account of changes in the internal and external environments, which may impact on and influence priorities and needs. Ensure that corporate Fire Risk priorities are delivered to a high quality, provide value for money, support the delivery of Departmental policy and are consistent and integrated in approach across all areas of the EA. Technical and Strategic Input Ensure that Fire risk assessments, feasibility studies and other technical input to capital business cases are sufficiently robust and meet Departmental requirements. Contribute to the delivery of significant transformational projects/initiatives/programmes, including digital transformation programmes to achieve service-wide business objectives and meet customer expectations. Provide sound technical support for all Fire risk related remedial projects in line with time, cost, quality, and sustainability targets. Compliance Ensure compliance with all best practice guidelines, legislation, regulatory inspection matters, Departmental directives and other statutory requirements. Support the Environmental Compliance Lead Officer Fire Risk to fulfil the EA’s statutory responsibilities under for example; Fire Safety Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010, GDPR and Equality legislation. Comply with EA policies and procedures in relation to the duties and responsibilities of the post; Service Development Contribute to emerging service developments and service reviews as required. Contribute to the delivery of an effective and efficient Fire Risk Management service to ensure ongoing development and implementation of a robust Fire risk assessment strategy across the Estate. Liaise with internal and external stakeholders as required. Support the Environmental Compliance Lead Officer Fire Risk with staff training and development. Support the Environmental Compliance Lead Officer Fire Risk with recruiting, managing, mentoring and developing placement students, graduates and interns. Other Responsibilities Publicly represent and act on behalf of the EA in engagement and negotiation with school principals, on all fire safety matters. Work closely with Service Managers across the directorate and wider EA to ensure that all services are integral to the delivery of an efficient and effective Fire Risk Management service. Deputise for the Environmental Compliance Lead Officer Fire Risk as required. Any such other duties that the EA may from time to time require. This job description is intended to provide a broad outline of responsibilities, and reflects an initial assessment of the needs of the Facilities Management Division. As such, it is not intended to be exhaustive, and may be subject to on-going review and refinement to ensure the Division’s ability to meet the evolving needs of the business. Other reasonable duties may be assigned by the Environmental Compliance Lead Officer, Fire Risk in consultation with the Environmental Risk Specialist – Fire. In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times. To view the summary of terms and conditions for this post, click here. PERSON SPECIFICATION NOTES TO JOB APPLICANTS 1. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how, and to what extent you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria, where relevant. 2. You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless the criteria state otherwise. 3. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below. 4. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form. 5. Please note that the Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants that it believes most strongly meet the criteria for the role. 6. In the event of an excessive number of applications, the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria as outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting, in which case these will be applied in the order listed. It is important therefore that you also clearly demonstrate on your application form on how you meet any desirable criteria. Section 1 - Essential Criteria The following are essential criteria which will initially be measured at the shortlisting stage and which may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. Factor Essential Criteria Method of Assessment Qualifications/ Experience Hold a bachelor’s degree (UK Qualification and Credit Framework Level 6) or an equivalent or higher qualification and have three years’ demonstrable experience in the development and implementation of Fire Safety related processes and procedures including the provision of specialist advice and support to managers on Fire Safety related matters; OR Have five years’ demonstrable experience in the development and implementation of Fire Safety related processes and procedures including the provision of specialist advice and support to managers on Fire Safety related matters. Shortlisting by Application Form Experience Demonstrable experience in the delivery of operational services within a complex organisation with evidence of knowledge and experience on each of the following: (a) Fire Safety compliance risks for a large geographical area; (b) Liaising with a range of stakeholders to ensure; Fire Safety recommendations are implemented; (c) Compliance with Fire Safety legislation; (d) Ability to analyse and process technical data; (e) Undertaking Fire Safety related Risk Assessments/Audits/Inspections; and (f) Contributing to the development of an organisational strategic plan. Shortlisting by Application Form Skills/ Abilities Proven ability of regularly and directly supporting and advising managers on operational matters including statutory and legislative requirements. Proven ability of establishing effective working relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders including Statutory Agencies on the implementation and adherence to a Fire Safety Management Policy. Shortlisting by Application Form Other Demonstrable commitment to continuous personal and professional development. The successful candidate will be required: to have access to a suitable vehicle (appropriately maintained and insured for Education Authority business) that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion; OR be able to provide sufficient information on the application form that will satisfy the employer that he/she has access to an appropriate alternative form of transport that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion. Shortlisting by Application Form Section 2 - Essential Criteria The following are additional essential criteria which will be measured during the interview/selection stage in line with EA’s Game Changing People Model. Factor Essential Criteria Method of Assessment Skills/ Abilities In line with EA’s Game Changing People Model we will look for evidence of: The ability to champion EA strategic priorities and deliver change through a design mindset. Skills to drive and deliver service improvement to children and young people. Strong collaborative working skills and an ability to build genuine and productive alliances. Excellent leadership and management skills. Interview/Presentation Values Orientation Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect EA’s ethos and values. You will find information about our Values here. Interview Section 3 - Desirable Criteria Some or all of the desirable criteria may be applied by the Selection Panel in order to determine a manageable pool of candidates. Desirable criteria will be applied in the order listed. You should make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet the desirable criteria, as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. Factor Desirable Criteria Method of Assessment Qualifications/ Experience Be a member of a relevant professional body e.g. The Institution of Fire Engineer’s (IFE). Hold a recognised Fire Risk Assessor/Auditor qualification and have a three years’ demonstrable experience as a Fire Risk Assessor/Auditor. Shortlisting by Application Form Our Values Through the selection process we will also seek evidence that the personal values of candidates align with those of the EA. This will include evidence of commitment to equality and excellence in service delivery. These reflect our aim which is to meet the needs of all our children and young people equally, removing barriers to learning and ensuring equality of access to excellent education services so that every child can develop to his or her full potential. DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’. In the event that you are recommended for appointed to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. Please note that you WILL be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre-employment stage. Further information can be accessed at NI Direct or the Department of Justice. APPLICANT GUIDANCE NOTES To view the applicant guidance notes, please click here. To learn about the many great benefits of joining the Education Authority, click here The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Responsibilities

The Environmental Risk Specialist - Fire will provide specialist support and guidance on fire safety matters, contributing to the development and implementation of the Education Authority's fire risk strategy. The role involves advising schools and corporate entities on fire safety compliance and working closely with various stakeholders to ensure effective service delivery.