Fire Safety Manager – North

Science and Technology Facilities Council

Salary: £59,461 to £65,407 per annum (dependent on experience)

Contract Type: Open-ended (permanent)

Location: Daresbury Laboratory, Warrington, Cheshire, WA4 4AD

Closing Date: 6th October 2024

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.

Act as an appointed Competent Person under article 18 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, to assist Responsible Person(s) within the implementation of preventative and protective measures relating to Fire Risk Management.

To assist with the development, implementation and assurance of policies and procedures that collectively form STFC’s Fire Risk Management System and to provide technical fire safety advice to a range of stakeholders. Ultimately supporting STFC’s Exec Chair and Chief Operating Officer (COO) and any other Duty Holders to ensure that STFC activities are compliant with applicable Fire Safety Legislation, Guidance and Best Practice as far as reasonably practicable.

Working within the STFC Fire Risk Management team and reporting to the STFC Fire Safety Manager, the successful individual will also work in close collaboration with the SHE Group, Estates teams, Heads of Site and departments in the delivery of compliance. The role is primarily based at Daresbury Laboratory, Warrington but there will be a requirement to travel to other sites in Edinburgh & Boulby There may be occasional travel required to our largest site in Oxfordshire.

Summary of Duties.

• Responsible for supporting the development, review and implementation of STFC Fire Safety Policy and guidance to ensure the latest legislation, codes of practice and best practice have been adopted and integrated.
• Provide Assurance and support to Heads of Site and other Directors regarding department performance in relation to Fire Risk Management.
• Attend relevant STFC and Site Safety Management committees and forum and prepare associated reports and information for action and/or consideration.
• Promote a positive Fire Risk Management culture and support continuous improvement in process to achieve greater protection of STFC’s people and assets.
• Increase awareness and understanding of fire safety through engagement with stakeholders to positively influence behaviours and continuous improvement on fire safety across the organisation.
• Assist with the development and implementation of the STFC’s Fire Risk Management Strategy and Objectives.
• Develop and influence relationships with key internal and external stakeholders in relation to fire safety and fire risk management.
• Provide fire safety advice to staff, tenants, contractors, visitors and facility users in respect to fire safety legislation and its implementation as part of the STFC Fire Risk Management System.
• Provide technical fire safety advice regarding building regulations compliance for building projects, refurbishments and changes of use. Assist in the process of building handover prior to acceptance to ensure required standard have been met and regulation 38 documentation is in order.
• Review, manage and maintain Fire Risk Assessments (FRAs) for buildings/facilities at Daresbury, Edinburgh and Boulby in collaboration with Building Fire Managers and escalate risks to Responsible Persons/Duty Holders where required.
• Engage and support Building Fire Managers and others to ensure that Fire Safety is managed effectively, that appropriate control measures are in place and that they are fully implemented.
• Deliver a local Fire Safety audit programme to ensure Fire Safety is being managed effectively and in line with STFC policy and guidance and that fire risks are as low as reasonably practicable.
• Assist in delivery of a range of fire safety training programmes including fire awareness, fire wardens, alarm investigation teams and building fire managers which are intended to ensure incidents are resolved safely and effectively.
• Support the investigation of fire incidents, fire false alarms and related fire incident learning opportunities to root cause(s) ensuring they are recorded in STFC’s incident reporting systems minimising the likelihood of their recurrence.
• Support the establishment of effective fire emergency procedures through the implementation of a fire drill programme to test evacuation procedures, identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Develop good working relations with local emergency services relative to each site as well as site emergency controllers, Emergency response and alarm investigation teams and other agencies.

Personal Skills and Attributes

• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity – champions diversity and embeds a fair and ethical approach within the organisation in all situations.
• Openness to Change – drives and manages the change process, seeking opportunities to create and implement improved organisational effectiveness. Committed to self-development and the development of others
• Confidence and Resilience – consistently projects and promotes a confident, controlled and focused attitude.
• Working with Others – Capable of working alone and as part of a team. Can work collaboratively and provide influence at all levels of an organisation as well as working with external stakeholders.
• Effective Communication – communicates effectively both orally and in writing.
• Situational Awareness – maintains an active awareness of the environment to promote safe and effective working.
• Planning and implementing – creates and implements effective plans to deliver long-term organisational strategic objectives. Anticipates future change and requirements. 

The following criteria will be assessed at Shortlisting:

The Individual must hold:

• A minimum of Level 4 Diploma in Fire Safety and must have previously completed the Level 4 certificate in Fire Safety.
• Membership level of either the Institute of Fire Engineers of Institute of Fire Safety Managers (MIFireE or MIFSM).
• A Level 3 Trainer/Assessor Qualification (PTLLS, Level 3 Education and Training or equivalent)
• Individuals must be able to demonstrate a minimum of 25 Hours CPD in the last 12-month period or 75 hours over last 3-year period.

The Individual must be able to demonstrate a good working knowledge of:

• BS9997:2019 Fire Risk Management Systems.
• A working knowledge of current and forthcoming fire safety legislation Including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 & the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006.
• Building Regulations – Approved Document B, BS9999:2017, BS7974 Approach.
• Microsoft Office applications such as Teams, SharePoint, PowerPoint and Excel.

The following are also desirable experience/skills:

• An auditor qualification such as BS9997, BS45001 or BS9001 Lead Auditor qualification or relevant experience.
• Experience in Emergency Planning/Emergency Response.
• Knowledge of Fire Safety system maintenance and testing requirements.
• Experience conducting Fire Risk Assessments.

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, exceptional average salary pension scheme, social and sporting activities and societies and a subsidised restaurant.

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.

For any queries or for more details regarding this role you contact: [email protected]

About The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) 

As one of Europe’s largest research organisations, we ask the biggest questions in the universe to find answers that change the world around us. We seek understanding. We’re proud of the impact we make. And we’re committed to helping build a globally competitive, knowledge-based UK economy. Being part of all this means contributing to work that pushes boundaries and creates possibilities. You’ll work with, and learn from, true experts. Whatever your role, you’ll be free to question, and encouraged to share ideas. And, in a positive and supportive culture, you’ll discover just what a difference you can make when you’re equipped and inspired to excel.

We’re a place where curious minds thrive. Not bound by profit, we explore ideas that others don’t, ask questions that others won’t, and discover answers that others are not equipped to find. And, alongside Mars landings and black holes, we also explore diverse, international projects in everything from science and engineering to computing and technology. Whether it’s at the cutting edge or behind the scenes, our work is intellectually challenging. It’s very often ground-breaking. And it’s endlessly, irresistibly fascinating.

For more information about STFC please visit https://stfc.ukri.org/ 

You can also visit our careers site https://www.stfccareers.co.uk/ 

About UK Research Innovation (UKRI) 

UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation. 

Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation. 

More information can be found at www.ukri.org. 

Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit Benefits of working for UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

How we support EDI in the workforce 

At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’. 

Disability Confident Employer

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. 

How to apply 

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application. 

UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.

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