POSITION DETAILS

Estates
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822
Grade: 7
Full Time, Permanent
Closing date: 24th September 2025

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE

• Educated to Degree level (or equivalent qualifications) or relevant technical qualification and considerable relevant experience. Where no equivalent qualification is held, significant practical relevant experience and expertise in a series of more demanding roles will be required demonstrating the conceptual understanding required.
• In depth up to date understanding of the Building Safety Act 2022, Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, Fire Safety Act 2021 and how they apply to a university setting.
• Previous experience of working as a Fire Safety Adviser for a challenging and demanding environment, providing leadership and able to demonstrate improvements made through their engagement.
• Able to relate previous experience as a relevant fire safety advisor to working within the collegiate environment of higher education.
• Competent with regard to relevant hazards and able to interpret, summarise and explain legislation, assessment methodologies, control measures and able to develop management systems.
• Excellent communication skills and a pragmatic approach, demonstrating a practical application which takes account of organisational needs.Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.
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  Informal enquiries to Lloyd Holmes, email: l.w.holmes@bham.ac.uk
  View our staff values and behaviours here
  We believe there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website

ROLE SUMMARY

The Estates Fire Officer will be the key strategic and technical lead for all aspects of fire. The post holder will help define our resource structures and PPM requirements, lead on prioritising building fabric LTM investment, and provide technical input into our design guides. The post holder will provide professional expertise and leadership on fire safety matters, supporting compliance with all relevant legislation, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Fire Safety Act 2021, and subsequent regulations.
The role involves helping develop and implementing the University’s fire safety strategy, policies, and procedures, ensuring a safe environment for students, staff, and visitors. This includes advising on building design and refurbishment projects, overseeing fire prevention and protection systems, and ensuring that appropriate maintenance, testing, and inspection regimes are in place.
The Estates Fire Officer will help act as a point of contact with enforcing authorities (such as the Fire and Rescue Service), provide specialist advice to senior management, and coordinate training, drills, and awareness campaigns across the campus community.
The post holder will work collaboratively with colleagues in Estates, Health & Safety, Security, and academic departments to foster a proactive fire safety culture, embedding compliance and risk reduction into daily operations and long-term estate planning. The Estates Fire Officer is responsible for ensuring the effective management of fire safety across the university estate. The post holder provides professional expertise and leadership on fire safety matters, supporting compliance with all relevant legislation, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Fire Safety Act 2021, and subsequent regulations.
The post holder should be able to confidently work autonomously with minimum supervision, but retain daily contact with the line manager. The post holder is expected to deliver against agreed objectives and provide updates via regular meetings and management information.
This is a busy, dynamic, and challenging post working at the heart of the University. The post holder should be a motivated individual with a “can-do” attitude and outstanding interpersonal and organisational skills.

MAIN DUTIES

• To provide advice and support on fire safety principles and policy within the University and provide a pro-active, professional fire safety service within the Estates Department to achieve the required positive culture, behaviours, and standards of fire safety.
• To provide managers and supervisors with professional advice in relation to legal requirements from acts and regulations such as the Building Safety Act 2022 and advise best practice to influence the development of good fire safety practices in line with the framework of legislation, University policy and University Health and Safety strategy.
• Assist with the fire compliance improvement function in the Estates Department. Working with operational managers to ensure that the department provides a responsive, effective and efficient service using both contractor and direct labour.
• Assist with planned preventative maintenance programmes (e.g. fire alarm testing and maintenance) reviewing these regularly to ensure that statutory, mandatory and best practice is observed and that they are safe, efficient and effective in operation.
• Promote compliance to legislation and University policy and raise standards of fire safety practice via proactive means including inspection and generation of information.
• Develop pro-active working with departments across the University such that professional guidance can be provided prior to the introduction of high risk activities and equipment or before planning significant changes to their work environment and facilities.
• Work in partnership with the health and safety team to contribute to the University’s health and safety strategy, keeping stakeholders informed of emerging issues that may have a significant impact on the University.
• Interpret changes in relevant legislation and communicate these, ensuring University policies and local arrangements, risk assessment and control measures reflect such changes.
• Provide expert advice and planning for emergency situations as part of the University’s emergency response and business continuity planning and provide expert support in the event of an incident.
• Promotes equality and values diversity, acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
• Supports the University’s sustainability agenda through resource efficient working.
• Any other duties commensurate with the grade.